It's been a little while since I heard some good, rollicking folk metal. Even longer since I heard some solid "heavy metal" that I really connected with. Thankfully, Siren is here to make a change to all of that. With a mixture of black, melodic death, folk, and heavy metal; A Kingdom Aflame rips pretty hard.
First and foremost, this album is catchy as hell. It is impossible not to sing along to this blackened folk musical. Racing tremolo and dramatic vocal harmonies trample right out of the gate. And what an excellent opening solo. Wild Stallions would be proud.
Another shorthand way to think about Siren is Amon Amarth + heavy metal. And while I will say that the singer is not always pitch perfect, he's so earnest in the delivery that I don't really care. I'm ready to grow with you, Jared. And when joined with the heroic melodeath riffs, one can't help but be swept up in the moment. Much fist pumping will be had. Many legs of lamb shall be consumed.
When you throw the harsh black metal vocals in the mix, Siren takes on a certain Manegarm rawness. But the action really kicks up after intermission with "Hiraeth." Both the epic cleans and deathly growls capture that inner warrior spirit. The drums and guitars are the pounding hooves under the soaring melodies. "The Devil Rides Out" opens with a classic Amon Amarth riff, but throws in some Maiden for good measure. I can almost see the choreographed, synchronized dual guitar swaying now. Epic.
If you had as much fun with A Kingdom Aflame as I did, you can make it yours for just $7, a longsword, and 2 kegs of ale. Drop my name with the shopkeep and he might give you a discount (not really).