TWILIGHT FORCE is a Symphonic Power Metal band from Sweden. Formed in 2011, they've recently released their fourth full-length album, At The Heart Of Wintervale on January 20, 2023, via Nuclear Blast Records. Firmly entrenched in fantasy, role playing, and medieval lore, their records are set in the Twilight Kingdoms, a world created by and for them. With two guitars and keyboards, they have a range of options to explore leads and rhythms. The leading track is the self-named "Twilight Force," a lightning-fast paced song that rivals the speed and epic nature of HELLOWEEN and DRAGONFORCE. The drums are stunning, the bass is nimble and effortless, and the lead guitar work is incredible. This is how you start a record!

"Dragonborn" is the lilting song with the Folk Metal vibe. The vocals are clean, same as they are on the entire album, Alessandro can belt, croon, or scream whenever and however he desires. The guitars occasionally hit a lead note to match his highs, and hearing him harmonize with Philip is quite something to behold. There is a quiet, instrumental interlude for "A Familiar Memory," which leads into "Sunlight Knight," another of the fast tempo songs that TWILIGHT FORCE assembles for this disc. Harmonized guitar/vocals lines are supported by more incredible bass/drum work and augmented by keyboards and pianos. I can only imagine what this sounds like live. I'm jealous of Europe right now. They've got this band on tour with SEVEN SPIRES and SILVER BULLET. What an incredible bill!

In true Epic Power Metal fashion, there are two songs over 10 minutes that are waypoints on the journey the lyrics and music take us on. "Highlands Of The Elder Dragon" opens with piano and orchestration, shifts to full Power mode, then continues to shift back and forth the entire song. "The Last Crystal Bearer" is the Epic Metal conclusion, acting as the grand finale of the tale. The musical themes are brought back to wrap the story up in a neat, precise package. The album concludes with a postlude, "The Sapphire Dragon Of Arcane Might Is Back Again," another folksy ballad that seems to welcome the hero home after his epic journey. The song is simple, the melody gentle and relaxing. It is a beautiful end to a wild trek through a fantasy world fraught with dragons and danger and other perils. The protagonist finally get to rest and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

TWILIGHT FORCE is one of those rare bands that know how to create entire worlds, building a land that they alone inhabit, musically and lyrically. They've managed to build a fantasy land for their creative genius to roam and play, taking us on the journey with them, allowing us to be a part of the magical world of make believe, taking us away from the cares of the real world, letting us be the hero if we want, or just a casual observer if we prefer.