Imagine, if you will, a combination of Heavy Metal and the fantasy media genre. Well, imagine no more! DARKLORE has created a nuance within this sub-genre. With their lyrical themes listed as 'Lord of the Rings, Fantasy and Game of Thrones' putting some of the tracking's titles into context; but this will certainly be an interesting ride.

The artwork for this album straightaway reinforces this styling, with something reminiscing some combination of the Balrog and Sauron taking the focal point of the art, it's certainly eye catching and would make a good addition to anyone's library for the visual aspect alone. The record opens with "Forlorn The Light" an orchestral and atmospheric introduction before being plunged into some heavy riffs, layered aggressive vocals and some really impressive guitar runs. Instantly I see this as some really top-notch Symphonic Metal, with a bit of Power Metal thrown in for good measure.

The titular "The Evil Of Man" is a 9-minute epic that really is testament to the skill and passion that has been put into this project. The flow of the music and the journey that this track alone completes is absolutely fantastic. I found myself sat reclined in my sofa, and I was just weightless elsewhere completely absorbed in the music. Just, wow, what a track people!

I'm going to make a sweeping assumption that there are some concept style tracks within the record. The first I want to focus on being "Castle Black". For those of you who have spent the era of social media living under a rock on Mars, well "Castle Black" is the fortress that is home to the Nights Watch a military order of guards sworn to defend the realms of man in the Game of Thrones series. It was described as a desolate and unforgiving place, constantly covered in snow and a dangerous place for anyone to be posted to. When I think of all the scenes from the series that were depicted there, this music just seems to be so suitable; DARKLORE have recreated the imagery in my mind purely with their music and that is something special.

"The Evil Of Man" is just chock full of fantastic track after fantastic track. Whether that be the sheer intensity of "The White Hand" or the toe tapping rhythms that came with "Wings Of Fire" there is no denying that the musicality of this record isn't amazing, full of depth and intricacies that just fascinate, and the more I listen to it, the more I am here some of the subtler elements just hidden in the background. When I think of these, I can't help but think of the difference they make, the polished and rounded sound is thanks to doing the basics so well, but having the professionalism to nail these extras

Turning our eye to the latter stages of the record, we can see this in full flight. "Retribution" an epic orchestral piece that really sets a solid and firm foundation to catapult onwards from. And what a catapult it is, flying into the 15-minute epic "Curse Of Frostmourne" honestly, this track encapsules everything that is wonderful about the album and it was just such an amazing listen that you need to hear it, no words I write can do it justice.

DARKLORE have come out swinging with this cracking album. I honestly do not have a bad word to say about it. If this is indicative of how 2021 is going to go for releases, then this year can throw everything it wants at me, cos it is all going to be exceptional.