SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DREADNOUGHT – WARS OF SPIRIT // WARDS OF LIGHT

DREADNOUGHT
WARS OF SPIRIT // WARDS OF LIGHT
VESPERIAN/METAL BLADE RECORDS

To add two times more spice to the pumpkin spice season, Denver-originating symphonic progressive metal band Dreadnought returns with an epic vengeance. With an impressive portfolio dating back to 2013’s Lifewoven, Dreadnought blasts through the speakers with Wars of Spirit // Wards of Light.

Unyielding in their versatility, Dreadnought disregards traditional song structure and expectations, building their music as though they were telling melodic short stories.

The first track is “Tiamat’s Gate,” an ethereal, powerful, unapologetic piece that experiments with vocal tone, guitar licks, electronica synths, and piano harmonies.

Dedicated fans will especially appreciate “The Archive,” in which Schilling and bandmate Ryan Sims mix scorching death shrieks with their signature folk-style inflections. Jordan Clancy’s drums and Kevin Handlon’s bass guitar are deeper than a dragon’s growl, and the organ-style piano notes in the track’s background provide a tasteful Gothic touch.

Much of Wars of Spirit // Wards of Light sounds like a video game quest, including the monologue halfway through “Colors of Our Broken Hearts.” Then the record’s intensity slows a mellow, almost jazz-like break at the beginning of “Serpents of the Moon.” Here, it starts with the bass in the background, occasional relaxed guitar strums, and Schilling’s crooning in an echoing, soothing harmony. However, after “Serpents of the Moon” progresses to quicker drum hits, deep-throated growls, and a distorted keyboard, “Aeonwar” fast approaches on four legs with a rumbling synthesizer and much more prominent death vocals from Schilling.

Although “The Twilight Protectorate” isn’t as heavy as the other tracks, the melody focuses more on Schilling’s elaborate keyboard skills. Also, the feathery flute-like notes at the end make for a satisfying, sweet finish to wrap up a stellar album.

Overall, Wars of Spirit // Wards of Light serves as both a tribute to Dreadnought’s 10+ years of musical prowess and a love letter to the dedicated fanbase that stayed with them from their very first song.

Artist Links