| Musical Style: Epic Metal | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: Brazil |
| Year Released: 2019 | Artist Website: Fearless |
| Tracks: 12 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 50:08 |
Many within the hard music community have a soft spot for ‘cinematic’ or ‘Hollywood’ metal in the vein of Rhapsody of Fire and Gloryhammer, but we find ourselves torn regarding the forms inclining towards the overdone and pretentious. No, musical direction does not come into question in that we could not be more delighted with the bombastic approach to ‘fantasy power metal’ and its fusing of the symphonic, neo-classical and epic with Medieval-based Celtic and folk music. Imagine the best elements of Theocracy, Divinefire, LEAH and Wytch Hazel rolled into one!
Rather, any potential misgiving revolves around the corny nature to the categories high fantasy based lyrics. Nothing against high fantasy, in that I grew up reading Tolkien and spent countless hours as a youth playing various fantasy role playing games. One might imagine as a result that ‘fantasy metal’ would be right down my alley, but lyrics that consistently base around an atypical Dungeons & Dragons campaign become redundant over time. Again, with no disparaging towards high fantasy themes, I feel the ‘fantasy metal’ genre has significant untapped potential as it pertains to communicating other matters. Hence, my quest (no pun intended) to pinpoint bands within the category that break outside the high fantasy lyrical mold!
My epic journey (again, no pun intended) initially brought me to Palermo, Italy, and Thy Majestie, whom in 2002 released via Scarlet Records its concept album Hastings 1066, which as its title implies conceptually bases around the epic battle to decide the fate of England. Yes, Hastings 1066 might be slightly more progressive than many of the group’s contemporaries, but all the necessary ingredients are present in the form of orchestral arrangements, cinematic landscapes and classical overtures within a medieval meets power metal framework. The good news - and more on this later - is no narration!
The campaign (no pun, seriously) reached its apex upon arrival at its final destination Juiz de Fora, Brazil, home to the lone Christian act (that this reviewer is aware) within the segment, Fearless. Describing its sound (accurately I might add) as ‘rich melodies, epic choirs and orchestras blended with heavy metal in a theatrical feeling’, Fearless came together in 2010 prior to signing with Heart of Steel Records for its 2013 debut EP Ancient Wisdom. The group later composed six additional songs and merged those with the four from Ancient Wisdom to create its independent fall of 2019 sophomore full length offering Chronicles Of Ancient Wisdom.
At the time of this writing, Chronicles… is available only as a download and accordingly suffers the perils of downloaded music: all you receive is the music files and cover art. Without lyrics or liner notes, it can be difficult to understand where a band is coming message wise. Good news, however, is that lyrics to the four Ancient Wisdom tracks are available, so that is where we will begin our new adventure (really, I am almost over this).
Initial vocal track “The War Of Ages” is a mini classic. It begins to baritone vocals and classical keyboards prior to easing through its verse sections as classic tenor vocals, very well performed and exhibiting a high level of talent, trade off with those on the aggressive side to remind of Divinefire. When incentive picks up, it is for grandiose (and quite catchy!) refrain of an over the top quality. Song hits its peak for the mid-point narration to leave little doubt as to where Fearless is coming:
Woe for the earth and for the sea
Because the Evil One has come down to you with great wrath
Having the knowledge that he has but a short time
To slay the Dragon and save our doomed souls
Heaven has sent a Hero
His brave deeds will change this world and the other forever
Lyrics otherwise draw upon the ‘war in heaven’ as detailed in Revelation 12:
The loyal ones still standing firm
Are led by the brave Michael
The counter attack has begun
The fallen shall not prevail
The Dragon Army don't stand a chance
Against Heaven's strong defence
He was doomed to hell, but seeks revenge
The mortals will suffer in my hand
His name is Yeshua
All hail the King
Alleluia
Side note: I am not going to be mentioning individual band members because I am not certain that the musicians listed at the groups Facebook page, which has received only one update the past five years, are the ones that actually performed on the album.
“Prayer Of The King” procures an epic metal heading with a deep-rooted sense of melody akin to Theocracy but with the greater medieval bent in terms of vocals and harmonies. As one might imagine, it garners your immediate first listen attention but also does not lack authority, as revealed in the periodic double bass outbursts. Interestingly, instrumental section starts to harpsichord, which gives way to radiant lead guitar and then violin. Lyrics base around Hezekiah and Sennacherib from 2 Kings 18:
We were sent by King Hezekiah
To speak to the messenger
Enemy troops surround our cities
They are led by Sennacherib
Mighty Lord, open thine eyes and see our suffering
Incline thine ear to the prayer of the King
The threat is approaching with the army of Assyria
Deliver us from the hands of the blasphemer
“Jericho” ups the progressive bearings, reinforcing the grand and theatrical but also moments speed metal based and others abated with underlining keyboards and drums. Fittingly, vocals align with the baritone but can also turn classic tenor even operatic. In between, the song produces a dramatic local in line with the subject to feature sounds of battle and glaring trumpets alongside the exultant glee of victory in battle! Second Old Testament theme in a row:
We are marching now to Jericho
Promise land awaits
So do victory, we know
Marching, crossing dry by the Yarden
See the holy hand
Once again
Seven days, no thunder from the sky
We're still on the march
Miracles can take some time
Seven turns, today we don't loose heart
Jericho fall apart
“Wisdom Calls” brings a straight on Euro power metal approach with the lighter progressive nuances compared to the preceding three. By no means is it less interesting, rather it impresses as heavier with the firmer drum presence and periodic but fitting aggressive vocals. Jazzy bass line ala Signum Regis to boot. This one impresses as a musical Book of Proverbs:
Listen well, pay attention my son
These words of wisdom will stay when I'm gone
Ask God for knowledge and ask faithfully
Don't follow the fool and his way
Wisdom Calls
You must find it, you must reach it
It is worth
So much more than gold
Wisdom Calls
You must hold it, you must love it
Understand
Warning you I am
Of the remaining six, “Royal Guard Of The Realm” comes across as a companion track to “Prayer Of The King”. With a similar epic metal form, the song separates with another copious melody and ample doses of medieval flair in regards to chanted vocals and symphonic keyboards. Albums fastest include “Tale With No End”, a catchy speed rocker with galloping rhythms and all the double kick drum you could ask, and “Behold My Land”, every bit expeditious as an inspiring Theocracy style refrain and extended mid-point instrumental jam hold sway.
On the lighter side is “Til My Death”, a resplendent six-minute ballad to highlight the classical, as acknowledged in woodwinds, classical guitar and violin but also touches of rhythm guitar to allow an unwavering sheen. Do I detect a faint hint of Arkangel? In similar form is “Heed From Far Away”, half the length but with a reverberating low end (to shake the vehicle with subwoofer at max!) and Gregorian vocals combining for a pensive feel.
Lone point of contention is the overuse of narration, including opening and closing narration based tracks “Prologue” and “A New Chapter Unfolds”, respectively. Those familiar with my reviews know narration is a pet peeve: if narration is necessary then perhaps the music and lyrics are not strong enough to get across the point. Of course, that is not the case with Fearless, particularly on “The War Of Ages”, where it is tastefully done. Where I take exception, however, is on lone track to come into question “At The Sacred Ruins” in which narration to start leads the way to a pompous rock opera piece with multiple vocalists and too much of a dramatic overblown feel as to lose me.
Repeat listen reveals Fearless to NOT be another run of the mill ‘fantasy metal band’; rather, these guys are REAL good! The group excels in composing memorable epic power metal cuts to touch upon the symphonic while mixing enough medieval and folk flavorings to keep things interesting. I am uncertain who performs on the album, but all instrumentation and vocals are ably done, as is the lush production. Faith based lyrics, touching upon apocalyptic and Old Testament themes, is a breath of fresh air in a ‘fantasy metal’ segment too often centered lyrically on Dungeons & Dragons motifs. I hope it is sooner rather than later before we not only hear from Fearless again, but an enterprising label steps to the plate with a CD release to Chronicles… with lyrics and liner notes.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Prologue” (1:35), “The War Of Ages” (5:54), “Royal Guard Of The Realm” (4:20), “Till My Death” (6:01), “Tale With No End” (5:03), “Prayer Of The King” (3:50), “Heed From Far Away” (2:52), “Behold My Land” (3:54), “At The Sacred Ruins” (4:20), “Wisdom Calls” (5:52), “Jericho” (5:54), “A New Chapter Unfolds” (:33)
