IOTUNN

Stylistically the material on the EP is a heavy, dark, and relatively hard-edged type of power/progressive metal (listen to the thrashy/melodeath oriented riffs on "Given to Explore"). It´s both melodic and epic, but the heavy riffs and powerful driving drumming keep the music firmly rooted in darker and heavier realms of power/progressive metal. Lead vocalist/bassist Benjamin Jensen has a relatively distinct sounding voice and a powerful delivery (strong clean vocals as well as high pitched screaming vocals). There are loads of passion and bite in his vocal performance. It´s a little surprising that he occasionally (actually very rarely) also sings snarling raw black/death metal type vocals, but the more extreme metal oriented vocals suit the gloomy nature of the music pretty well. The instrumental work is on a high level throughout the album. The drums were mentioned above, but the intricate and skillfully played guitar riffs, harmonies, and leads deserve a mention too. Iotunn may be a relatively new act on the scene, but these guys can play.

The tracks feature recognisable and catchy vers/chorus structures, but also more adventurous excursions and twists, which help "The Wizard Falls" to be an interesting listen from start to finish. "The Wizard Falls" also features a well sounding production, which suits the material perfectly, so upon conclusion this is not just a promising debut release by Iotunn, it´s an incredibly strong high quality release in its own right. It´s an adventurous and genre defying take on power/progressive metal which works really well. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)