If there is one thing I know for sure in today's Metal scene, it's that the country and continent of Australia is a hot bed for new bands, and may be THE best place for those longing for new Metal to check out first. Is there room for these up-starts in this sea of incredible bands rising up in this country? Let's get to the songs and decide. STORMTIDE is a Folk/Symphonic Death Metal band formed in 2013 in Melbourne, Victoria. This sextet had previously released an EP, and "Wrath Of An Empire" is the first full-length, containing nine tracks, on Metal Hell Records. The title track wastes no time establishing the band's musical credentials. Harrowing instrumentation combines with dancing, folky melodies in a grand and tenacious method that lift the song high into the halls of your Valhalla. The Death vocals are rigid and keep the track grounded at the same time. "As Two Worlds Collide" reminds me of some WINTERSUN or ENSIFERUM songs at times, which is of course splendid. The various Symphonic elements really add character to an already wonderful sound, and remain appropriately subdued so as to augment the song rather than taking it over. The chorus is just marvelous...juicy and memorable for sure.

"Conquer The Straits" gallops into your head like a stampede of armored horses taking the battlefield at dawn. The French horn is lovely, though I cannot tell if it being played as an instrument or a keyboard effect but either way it speaks to the majesty of this song. "Sage of Stars" has a good build up in the beginning that allows you to take in the landscape like you are peering over the edge of a great mountainous range into lush valleys below and snow-capped peaks rising in the distance. It also makes bountiful use of strong melody lines, and a thumping, bass guitar-led riff. "A Heroes Legacy" is an ode to war, glory and honor, with a slow-to-mid-tempo pace and thoughtfully placed notes, augmented by some beautiful Symphonic support in the background. This and the addition of a keyboard solo really make for a quite a poignant piece. The slightly shorter "Ride To Ruin" has a lot of spirit, like watching minstrels dance in the marketplace, but with smoke, fire and sword, raising the stakes of their performance to near deadly levels. That bossy French horn really ties up the sound well.

Following some fairly heavy and serious subject matter and songs, the peculiarly named track "The Green Duck" closes the album. Though the title seems out of place on the album, the song fits right in. Though, I would love to know what the inside situation is with this song title. Overall, it was a very pleasurable listening experience and the unique combination of sounds produced something that I really haven't heard before. What they do best perhaps on "Wrath Of An Empire" is finding that difficult balance between aggressiveness and melody and symphony. There is never too much of any of these things and what results is a confidence that comes through strongly. Therein also lies my curiosity, in terms of why there isn't more variation in song length and tempo from a band that clearly has the chops and songwriting to expand there. Still, this was an excellent listen. Make a place for this band in the overall greatness of the budding scene of Australian Metal!