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Atmospheric epic metal from Southampton in the shape of Tom O'Dell's one-man project. Based on the works of Tolkien's Middle Earth, where the Dwarrowdelf is translated from Khazad-Dûm, the translation roughly meaning 'dwarves delve'. The album loosely addressed the concept of light and darkness within the eras of Middle Earth and follows the well received debut release Sons Of Fëanor released in 2018. I often struggle with solo projects from multi-instrumentalists, my main reasons being a lack of cohesion and passion but O'Dell has overall managed to bypass that criticism with an album of some quality. With equal parts black metal tremolo riffing and gentle ethereal sections, there is plenty to enjoy. Opening track Arien [In Tolkien, the maiden who guides the vessels of the sun], one of four tracks to pass the eight-minute mark, embarks on a journey which involves a simple keyboard riff over heavy riffing and rich symphonic synths. Where Daylight Dies features an atmospheric keyboard opening which is soon joined by a repetitive riff and drumming, the haunting backing vocals of Sojurner's Chloe Bray and O'Dell's strong clean vocals. Melancholy also features with The Year of the Trees, a three-and-a-half-minute reflective instrumental which builds slowly, the strong use of keyboards evident. It's not the strongest track on the release but allows a calm pause amongst the maelstrom around it. The Line Of Thrór [Thorin Oakenshield's father - King Under The Mountain] changes the tone completely, an undulating and rhythmic track which once more is fleshed out by deep synthesisers and an anthemic set of lyrics. Home Of The Dead closes the album, a dark and brooding piece which brings everything to a neat finish. There are still traces of the one-man project here, and there is an absence of depth at times but overall this is a solid and enjoyable release from an exceptionally talented individual.

Track Listing