If you’re looking for some glorious, euphorious power metal then look no further than Power Paladin’s first full length album, With the Magic of Windfyre Steel. Even before pressing play, the cover art shows people exactly what the band is laying down, with its LOTR-esque stylized cover featuring knights, a wizard, a dragon, and a castle in a picture-perfect storybook setting. With the Magic of Windfyre Steel doesn’t contain a lot of surprises, but it’s an entertaining adventure to go on!
Power Paladin is clearly out to have a good time, and they successfully drew this listener in with fun lyrics and catchy riffs. In every song, the group takes you on a self-contained, fully-realized adventure. The intros to each song, and sound effects included on songs such as “Dark Crystal” and “Creatures of the Night,” are used well and create a richer environment for each story performed. With a name like With the Magic of Windfyre Steel, one would expect a lot of magic, and power metal magic is what they deliver. One can only imagine the tale they could create if this band ever does a full concept album!
Bombastic power pulses through the entire album. Each song has a driving rhythm that propels each song forward and there are no lulls here. The influences of classic power metal from the the 80s and 90s are apparent, so it’s a good thing the sextet is good at what they do. Having five instrumentalists in the group (Ingi Þórisson and Bjarni Þór Jóhannsson on guitars, Kristleifur Þorsteinsson on bass, Bjarni Egill Ögmundsson on keys, and Einar Karl Júlíusson on drums) really adds a richness to the music.
In a world chock-full of of bands, and listeners having more access to any music they choose, it’s important to have something that can set your band apart from the rest. Vocalist Atli Guðlaugsson’s voice can handle that task, and his talent makes the melody soar. Both he and the rest of the band provide an old-school sound that somehow also feels refreshing in 2022. Like the rest of the band, Guðlaugsson’s skilled at what he does and a pleasure to listen to as he guides everyone through the tales.
With the Magic of Windfyre Steel may not be the most original music ever created, but it’s definitely an entertaining listen! In a world that can be full of darkness, Power Paladin seemed to be on a quest to let people enjoy themselves for a little while, and they succeeded in their goal. I’d recommend this to any power metal fan who wants to have a good time.
Final Verdict: 4/5