Over time, Norway has produced some epic Power Lords to keep our hearts full and ears satisfied, and the Scandinavian beauty certainly doesn't disappoint in having crafted another grandiose Power maestro in the form of the literal powerhouse MARIUS DANIELSEN. Marius, who can only be described as a musical genius, and a patient one at that, has invested well over 15 years of his life, and poured blood, sweat and tears, into the timeless masterpiece, metal opera "Legend of Valley Doom". Now, after painstakingly, but lovingly, investing his soul in the wonderful Sword and Sorcery narrative, Marius completes the beauteous epic fantasy saga, "Legend of Valley Doom", concluding the story in the third part of the magical series in the latest LP "Legend of Valley Doom Part 3". With an all-star line-up to enhance the magic of this series, including the epic talents from none other than Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR, ex GAMMA RAY), Tim Ripper Owens (ex-JUDAS PRIEST) and Tommy Johansson (SABATON, MAJESTICA), Derek Sherinian (ex-DREAM THEATER, KISS, ALICE COOPER), Richard Fortus (GnR) and John Rhys-Davies (LOTR, INDIANA JONES), amongst an enriched line-up packed with virtuosity, let's complete our quest and delve into the latest, and final, instalment "Legend of Valley Doom Part 3".

The spellbinding wonder of MARIUS DANIELSEN marches forward, and another chapter of captivating story telling commences once again in the band's latest release "Legend of Valley Doom Part 3". Opening track, "Seven Ancient Artifacts", unfurls with a spoken narrative of the quest, later gripping with a fantastic melodic hook and plenty of double-kick drumming, an enticing introduction to what continues as an action-packed album! The sheer majesty of tracks like "Journey to the North", full of harmonious impassioned vocals, heartfelt melodic keyboard lines, powerful guitar chords and strapping bass lines, is crammed full of energy and rousing certitude, inducing fist pumps and set your soul ablaze. The pensive contrast of "The Ballad of Arnoth" plunges you into a much more heartfelt, soulful state, with beauteous keyboards, melodic dual guitar lines and a softer tempo and empowering solos from Richard Fortus (GnR) and Tim Hansen (INDUCTION) that sear and ignite.

In the next part of the journey, the energy irresistibly bursts, and "Mines of Eloroth" breaks out with a wonderfully familiar traditional over-the-top power feel with raging energy in double-bass drumming, splitting riffing and harmonious vocals, courtesy of Marco Pastorino (TEMPERANCE, ex-SECRET SPHERE), Ty Christian (LORDS OF TRIDENT) and Marius, making way for the blistering "Battle for Eloroth". The fight is on for the dwarves to, once again, take control of the mines, after being driven out by the darkest of beings! "Battle of Eloroth" takes a fittingly darker sonic turn, layered with choral certitude and apt feistiness, with a forceful black metal rasped vocal stance to convey evil and, triumphantly, the dwarves regain control of Eloroth! However, it quickly becomes apparent that the battle isn't over, and marching forward, "March into the Storm" brings energetic dynamism, with a superb collective effort from Marius, Bernt Fjellestad and Elisa Martin and a delicious determination through dissonance and minor key that enhances the plight and struggle taking place. MARIUS DANIELSEN certainly knows how to convey emotive charge, as seen in tracks such as "Bane of Lord Cremortius", with rich bass line intertwining through infectious guitar hooks and melodic splendour. And then there's the dominant likes of "The Sarlinian Bow", with the bass showcasing its depth, raging tempo and soaring vocals, all perfectly adding to the dramatic stance, especially the luscious guitar solo that has you gripped.

The final section of "Legend of Valley Doom Part 3" brings the unnerving and atmospheric "Deep in the Mountain", with literal marching beats, dramatic keys, slowing in tempo to create an abyssal depth to the track, combined with momentarily haunting vocals. The track progresses to one that simply bursts in double-kick drums and surging tempo as we realise that the people are lost in the mines, but we're reassured that they're safe and that the sixth artefact, the "key of destiny", is bestowed upon them. The journey proceeds to "Tomb of the Fallen Kings", erupting with Ralf Scheepers and Marius on vocals - this is a highlight and a half on the LP- their rich tones penetrating you to the core and the riffing and shredding saturating you, creating a power piece of perfect pomposity to really savour! Penultimate track "Stars Will Light the Way" shrouds in melodious vocals and anthemic tones, whilst the magnificent LP is then aptly concluded in a gargantuan climax in the over-the-top finale "For Our King and For Our Land" with a truly imperial tone, almost akin to something as bombastic as BLIND GUARDIAN's "And the Story Ends", simply bursting with soaring sonics from every which way as we learn that the Dark Lord is dead and the people of Valley Doom can now return.

MARIUS DANIELSEN has created nothing short of a stupendous legacy in the "Legend of Valley Doom Part 3", and produced a fittingly grandiose, magnificent conclusion, to what is an enthralling and truly fulfilling saga. There's a comforting glow that exudes from each composition, wrapping you in a piece of sonic sanctuary and offering a warm embrace as each track progresses in this now familiar edge-of-the-seat story. This meticulous production and the mesmerizing narrative will have you captivated from start to finish, both energizing and exhausting with the gargantuan twists and turns of an epic listen as part of a fascinating quest. MARIUS DANIELSEN has produced a sublime masterpiece and cemented a sensational triumph in sound, bravo!