Trollslayer: Wind Rose’s Most Epic Dwarven Adventure Yet

October 3, 2024

Wind Rose has carved out a unique niche in the metal world, becoming known for what many call “Dwarven Metal.” Hailing from Italy, the band first gained attention by blending power metal with folk elements. However, it was their viral success with “Diggy Diggy Hole” that propelled them to worldwide recognition. The track, originally popularised by the Yogscast, racked up millions of views and cemented Wind Rose‘s reputation for crafting larger-than-life, fun, and deeply thematic music that transports listeners to another world.

Their latest album, Trollslayer, builds on this legacy, taking listeners even deeper into Wind Rose’s fantasy-laden universe. The opening track, “Of Ice and Blood”, sets the mood perfectly. This gentle instrumental eases you into the mythic atmosphere of the album before the heavy riffs take over.

“Dance of the Axes” kicks things into high gear with its fast pace and fierce harsh vocals. It’s an adrenaline-charged track sure to become a live show favorite. The energy doesn’t let up as you’re thrown into “The Great Feast Underground”, the album’s third single. This track epitomizes everything that Wind Rose fans love—fast-paced, anthemic, and all about eating and drinking. With a huge sing-along chorus, what’s not to love?

The album’s first two singles, “Rock and Stone” and “To Be a Dwarf”, keep the energy high. These are the kind of songs that will have fans singing along proudly to a subgenre no one thought would ever work—but somehow, Wind Rose makes it shine.

“Home of The Twilight” provides a lighter, playful moment. By this point, fans expect a “fun bop” from Wind Rose, and it delivers exactly that. The title track, “Trollslayer”, turns up the intensity, opening with a mighty roar that signals it’s time to throw up the horns and get ready to move.

As we near the end, “Legacy of the Forge” comes next. While it’s not a bad song, it does feel a little like filler, especially coming off the energy of “Trollslayer”. You’ll understand why as we arrive at the album’s closer, “No More Sorrow”. Clocking in at just over seven minutes, this is the standout track of the album. When I spoke with lead singer Francesco, he told me it was everyone’s favorite track—and it’s easy to see why.

“No More Sorrow” feels both like classic Wind Rose and something new at the same time. The vocals are truly incredible, and when Francesco belts out “NO MORE SORROW,” you feel it in your core. It’s a powerful, emotionally charged song that closes the album on a high note.

Overall, Trollslayer delivers exactly what you’d expect from a Wind Rose album while daring to expand their sound. It might just be their best work yet. I’m giving it a solid 8 out of 10 and can’t wait to see what our Dwarven Metal brothers bring us next!

8 out of 10!

Release Date: 04.10.2024

Trollslayer Tracklisting: