TAG DIVING: FANTASY
“Stories of imagination tend to upset those without one.”
Welcome back to Tag Diving, the column where I, the fearless and well-innoculated-against-hepatitis-Reliquary Tower, jump into the bowels of Bandcamp in search for some half-decent tunes, just as one would a dumpster for some half-eaten prunes. After a bit of a lackluster haul last week with “fear,” I’ve decided on something that’s sure to have a little more to offer: Fantasy.
Mithrandir – Towards the Spires of Dol Guldur
First off, a find that I’m VERY pleased with! It wouldn’t be a fantasy article without the obligatory Tolkien worship band, so here you go! Mithrandir are a Finnish black metal band with no discernable sketchy qualities. Love to see it! The members are anonymous, they have no other bands listed, and it doesn’t look like they’ve ever been on a label. Nothing concerning in the lyrics either, so feel free to enjoy! Mithrandir’s particular flavor of black metal keeps things appropriately lo-fi and doomy, but not egregiously so in either regard. The production is reminiscent of the Norwegian Second Wave and some of the doominess reminds me a little bit of Immortal, especially a couple of the tracks from At The Heart Of Winter. I really liked this one and will for sure be listening to the rest of their discography!
Battlemaster – Greedgripped & Spellspoilt
Battlemaster – Someone get Bob Genghis Khan in here because his lads have found their way into another TovH article! Back in 2023, Bob bestowed a flawless 5 upon these Richmond boys, who responded in kind by sending him a care package with all sorts of goodies. Battlemaster kind of sits in that three-way venn diagram spot of black, death, and thrash metal and come equipped with plenty of goofy fantasy lyrics and sick album art. I’ve never not had a good time listening to this band and I hope one day to catch them live.
Skullovich – The Age of Steel
Skullovich – The Age of SteelAnd finally, a little more speedy-thrashy goodness. I’ve got a weakness for sword & sorcery metal that feels like it’s just the story of someone’s D&D campaign. This is one such album. While the second half of the album is a little stronger than the first, there’s plenty to love here. That album art looks like it was from a cancelled Overkill record, the riffs have a little bit of classic rock flare, and while I’ll admit that the vocals are spotty in some parts (it is thrash after all), when they shine, they really shine. The Age of Steel is currently Skullovich’s only record, but I’ll be sure to keep an eye on these lads.
Truly our refuse receptacle riches runneth o’er! “Fantasy” has had plenty to offer this week, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a part 2 sometime in the future. But for now, my friends, let us feast.
