Well, this is so not what I expected at all! When I heard that the brigand Christopher Bowes from ALESTORM had a new band signed to Napalm, I assumed this would be another derivation of his I.D.G.A.F. swashbuck you Piracy stance. Instead, this is very much in the vein of RHAPSODY OF FIRE, and even more so Luca Turilli's "King Of Nordic Twilight" masterpiece. I know Bowes' favourite band is BAL-SAGOTH, so there are elements of this in the music, as well.

The songs are all very well-written and quite enjoyable. The sword and sorcery motifs are well played out focusing on Scottish Myth / History. The seaman Bowes allows his fanfare keyboard arrangements and synthesized wizardry to blend well with the thunderous epic fury of Paul Templing's terrifying tone and risqué licks.

EMERALD vocalist Thomas L. Winkler is a wise choice for that operatic vocal approach in the vein of Fabio Lione who did such an amazing job fronting ANGRA on "70,000 Tons Of Metal III".

The new video and single "Angus McFife" is very festive, although the costumes the band did in the fields of war are more Halloween than Hollywood, which is no wonder Bowes remains shrouded in mystery. "Amulet Of Justice" is a shining example of the band's purpose, one sure to rouse fans of ELVENKING, HIGHLAND GLORY, MAJESTY, LOST HORIZON and other Symphonic Power Metal acts.

There are blissful enchanting female vocals and somber string arrangements found on the mournful "Silent Tears Of Frozen Princess". This gloomy gloaming twilight symphony breaks the dawn with a new moon glow and meadowsweet air of elemental essence. Meanwhile the reliquary friar chant of "Hail to Crail" will soon make this another lord of the ring tones. The closing anthem is well-over ten minutes long. However, like some of the best belligerent and magic legends of enchanted lands this epic tale of battle will endure for eons to come.

Obviously the mettle dearth of originality is evident. Although the keen kitsch and ostentatious aspects all play well in this D&D quest for the hammer of glory. So treat yourself to the unique and corny invasion on the senses, scale the Highlands with glory while you fight to slay the magic dragon within. Fulfill your darkest fantasy of halcyon days, and experience the "Tales Of The Kingdom Of Fife".