Rating: 8.5/10
Release: 7 March 2014
Label: Independent

Conorach is back! We needed to wait for a while, but it’s finally there; Through the Ages, the second full-length of a band which made mixing Folk and Powermetal into an art.
Let’s be honest from the start; Through the Ages is great! It continues where the previous record stopped, though it all sounds a lot better, more fine-tuned and a little bit catchier. This is also due to the great production, which sound full and ensures the songs are pounding through the speakers. As ever, the mix between folk and power is still the most important aspect of the music. While the music always was guitar-orientated, this time they’ve chosen for an even more direct approach. This results in the keys being pushed a bit further towards the back.
Highlight of the album is the long ‘Migrator’, which starts with an acoustic intro with a ridiculously catchy guitar-melody and vocal lines on top of it. When after that the violence commences, you immediately know this is an instant Conorach-classic, which would do great live. Catchy, melodic, an ideal headbanger, and a chorus that I can’t get out of my head for the next couple of weeks. All elements which result in a great Conorach-song are implemented within this song.

Conorach’s second album proves that this band is a force to be reckoned with. Catchy power metal with quite some folk-influences, though clearly with an own style. I’m convinced, now it’s up to the rest of the world! So do you like pounding power metal with catchy melody lines and quite some folk influences? Make sure you check out this record (for free!) on their bandcamp, or check them live, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

Tracklist

1. The Finest Hour 05:14
2. The Journey 03:38
3. To Rule Them All 05:37
4. Messenger of Kings 05:56
5. Laissez Fair 04:51
6. A Wanderer’s Lament 05:55
7. Of Spices and Gold 05:21
8. Vengeance Descends 04:16
9. Migrator 07:18
10. Thoughts of the Waves 05:50