The universe created by J. R. R. Tolkien (mainly known due the books and films about the trilogy "The Lord of the Rings") heavily influenced Metal in aspects that many can't see sometimes (or do someone think that BLIND GUARDIAN was the first to do so?). From traditional Heavy Metal to Black Metal, the fingers of J. R, R. Tokien are clear for all to see (even if the hearer isn't a fan of his works). And on the work of the UK quintet HEATHEN KINGS, of Suffolk (England, the same city of CRADLE OF FILTH) presented on "Fealty to None", it can be felt clearly, and not only on some lyrics. Their musical work is a form of traditional Heavy Metal with influences inherited of Power Metal, and with an actual outfit (so traces of NWOBHM can be detected, but without some moldy features).

It means that the band's music is solid and heavy, but full of hooking melodies and an elegant aesthetical sense on the arrangements. Honestly, such formula is old and was used by many acts before them, but the quintet know what means to have a personality, because one can sense it pulsing on their songs, with tons of energy, many hooking choruses and charming melodies. It can't be said as new, but one can affirm that it's really very good. The band had Ed Sokolowski on the mixing and mastering, and Joel Kurta on the sound engineering and recording. The idea seems to build something that can sound organic and with a live feeling, but with a care in the sense of making things defined and understandable. The final result is what these words means, and if it could be better (their songs asks for it), in other hand it's really good.

There are 10 very good songs on "Fealty to None" waiting for the fans to be discovered, all of them with their own appeal. But for a first ride on the album, "In the Hall of the Kings" (a traditional Heavy Metal song with excellent melodies and a chorus that's easy to fall in love with, and a strong and heavy work on bass guitar and drums), "Fealty to None" (that has many touches inherited of NWOBHM and 70s Hard Rock as well), "I Am the Hammer" (another one with NWOBHM influences, especially on the rhythmic session, but what strong and melodic chorus and charming vocals and backing vocals), "She's Alive" (another moment where the British Heavy Metal load can be felt on their music, but something of Power Metal can be felt as well), "Heart of the Mountain Horde" (many epic traces can be detected on the melodies, and the vocals are doing a very good work on this one, indeed), "Flight of the Intruder" (if one has doubt about Hard Rock influence on their music, take a bit on this one), and "A Song for Denethor" will do the presentations as they must be done.

HEATHEN KINGS still have to mature a bit more and adjust some points on the production in the future. But for now, "Fealty to None" states their value and it's a call for the charge!