Track By Tracks: Spellsword - Night Of The Grail (2023)

Venturing into the realm of concept albums, "Night of the Grail" stands as an illustrious testament to narrative-driven music. Here, each song unfolds as a chapter, reminiscent of acts in an opera, painting a grandiose tale involving the legendary Knights of Woden. Enveloped in a sinister curse, a hero chosen by Woden embarks on a quest to restore their souls, seeking the Holy Grail guarded within Castle Montsalvat.

Crafting this auditory tapestry wasn't a battle of the tracks, but a challenge in weaving lyrics and music into a seamless synergy. While this narrative springs from the realm of fiction, it bears the imprint of my existential reflections, echoing Jackson Pollock's notion that every artist infuses their creations with their essence.

Melodic Odyssey Across Tracks:

The album commences with "Knights of Woden," a simplistic yet potent introduction, paying homage to the knights through a repetitive melody reminiscent of classics like Darkthrone's "Transylvanian Hunger."

Shifting gears, "Witches' Hammer" delves into darker tones, chronicling the witches' ensnarement of the knights. The track blends raw 90s Black Metal with a thrash element, weaving a grim tale of deceit and sorcery.

"Covenant with the One Eyed" marks a somber turning point, where our hero Beornand, faced with tragedy, is entrusted by Woden with a quest for redemption. The composition shifts through musical landscapes, drawing inspiration from my other band, Existence:Void.

Venturing forth, "The Elk of Lonetal" stands as an acoustic interlude, inspired by Summoning and Enya. Narrated by Woden, it symbolizes the loss of Paganism in medieval Europe, offering a metaphorical lament for the dilapidation of heritage.

As the narrative unfolds, "Castle Montsalvat" encapsulates a Wagnerian essence, depicting Beornand's interaction with the Grail King and the young knights who pledge to aid him. Influences from Immortal and Arcturus resonate throughout this Progressive Metal-infused track.

Subsequently, "Knights of Woden (Corrupted)" revisits the titular knights' leitmotif, narrating the confrontation and eventual breaking of the spell. The track marries the contrasting influences of Dimmu Borgir and Alcest, portraying the dichotomy of darkness and light.

"Revel in Red" captures a concise, dissonant tone, drawing inspiration from Akercocke. The short track portrays the knights’ plea to the witches and the summoning of a monstrous archdemon from the underworld.

Moving deeper into the shadows, "A Dark Being in the Shadows" unveils the confrontation with the demon and the vanquishing of the witches. The heaviest track bears influences from Belphegor and Deathspell Omega, encapsulating aggression and horror.

The penultimate track, "Night of the Grail", narrates Beornand's confrontation with failure and redemption through communion with the Grail. The melodic composition, influenced by Dissection and Falconer, divides into three distinct parts, illustrating the hero's journey towards ascension.

Concluding the saga, "Longinus and Gungnir" showcases the final confrontation between Woden and Amfortas, culminating in the Grail's loss. The first track composed for the album, it melds influences from Satyricon, Windir, and Immortal, encapsulating the epic and melodic essence of Black Metal.