The rise of what is called Epic Power Metal was early in the 90's, when BLIND GUARDIAN embracing its melodic influences and leaving Thrash metal elements in the past and expanded the frontiers of the genre. Barely, the genre can be described as the use of the fantasy universe of writers as J. R. R. Tolkien and George Martin (who is a bastard due the infinite delays of the release of his books) on the lyrics, the traditional musically of Power Metal and the elements that can create an epic atmosphere. There are bands that expanded the limits to extremes, as RHAPSODY OF FIRE did. And the Swedish duet RUNELORD follows the same trend, as their second album called "The Battles for Greatness" is here to show.

Ok, their music is not as technical and elegant as those names written above would mean. No, they're into a technically simple musical format that can be explained as a fusion of GRAVE DIGGER and MANOWAR elements and with some touches from ACCEPT in many parts (especially on the guitar riffs and on the backing vocals, besides it's not as notable as before), so nothing that is new can be found on their music, but their musical personality is enough to deserve a careful listening from the fans of the genre. It's heavy and epic, done with very good melodies and choruses, so, why be so serious? Listen and enjoy it at loudest!

The sound quality evolved a lot in comparison to "A Message from the Past". Now, it's cleaner than before, allowing the listener to have a better comprehension of what is being played by them. But it's heavy and thunderous, even not being perfect, because the instrumental tunes sound kind of artificial in many moments. But we can say that it's good as it is. Their Epic Metal elements improved than what can be heard on their previous album. And songs as "Worthy Valhalla" (a melodic and strong song, with very good guitars and chorus), the contrast between aggressiveness and tender melodies presented on "Nidhugg's Curse", the catchy German Power Metal essence of "Salvation Aggression", the charming harmonies of "Lightning-sword Bearer", and the Epic heavy atmosphere of "Deathrune" will make the fans crack smiles on their faces.

Listen to "The Battle for Greatness" and be hooked by RUNELORD.