For all the fans of Battleheart (That lost interest when a record company changed them into Alestorm) I have found a band that rivals those fond memories. Airged L’amh reminds me of the same type of folk/power metal that Battleheart fit into, but with a singer who can hold a melody. Steve Venardo uses a mid-range and a few growls (with an overall Celtic feel) on “Ode to Salvation.” The band is highly impressive and the compositions are far advanced of many in the genre, with only some untimely double bass getting in the way. Dueling guitar solos and the occasional Iron Maiden-esque bass line make the songs come to life.

The album starts with a string arrangement entitled “Midlothian” that, by end, links with crunchy guitars and leads into “The Hunters Path.” This is by far the most memorable song on the album, with “The Ritual Lair” also sticking out. “Mo Coushle” is an interesting ballad that gives the album a break from the upbeat numbers. Which brings me to the main flaw, many of the songs on the disc are unmemorable. They are often lengthy and well arranged, but do not grab the listener as one might expect. Overall production and mix should be mentioned, as many aspects of the music were no doubt a challenge to mix. And “Ode to Salvation” holds its own against anything being released today.

Reviewed by QMII

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