Forefather - Last of the Line (Metalhit.com)

For those who prefer a bit of melody with their metal, there’s Britain’s Forefather. Eschewing the “black metal” tag (though obviously influenced by it), the sibling duo of Wulfstan and Athelstan prefer “Anglo-Saxon metal,” which, in light of their overall aesthetic, is much more accurate. Like their Scandinavian viking metal counterparts, i.e., Enslaved, whose focus is on pre-Christian Nordic pagan heritage, Forefather look to the ancient days of druidism and Anglic dialects for inspiration.

Far from the blast beats and grim shrieks that dominate the black metal scene, Forefather’s Anglo-Saxon metal has more in common with Iron Maiden, where musicianship and melody dominate the songs. Tracks such as “By Thy Deeds,” “Wolves of Prayer” and the title track have a particularly Maiden-esque vibe, while “Up High” slows down to a medieval folk lilt and “Spears of Faith” utilizes blast beats and black metal techniques to put a spin on their unique Anglo-Saxon sound.

All told, this is a powerful album packed with catchy, memorable metal that fully delivers on any expectation there may be. Look for Metalhit.com’s domestic release in early July.