Track By Tracks: WarlocK A.D. - Book II: The Valley Of Vâgené (2024)

The album as a whole:

The album can almost be described as a Symphonic Metal Musical - every single song is interwoven in a way that ties every track together through the use of motifs, reprisals and callbacks between songs.

Track by track:

1. A Strange New World (That is not My Own):

Heavily inspired by Japanese Metal often used as Anime Openings, this track details the arrival of Whiteacre in the mysterious land of Brittanni, culminating in the journey to seek the aid of Horatus the Mushroom wizard.

2. The Valley of Vâgené:

Released as an independent single in 2023, the album’s title track details the quest that is to be undertaken by the heroes of The Valley of Vâgené…

3. Nanum Imperium:

Meanwhile, at the Dwarf Citadel of Lochnagar, the Evil Emperor Thorumm III details his plans to use the awakened Valley to leave Brittanni and conquer the vast infinite multiverse! A darker track, this song is heavily inspired by the likes of Behemoth and Children of Bodom.

4. The Golden Showers of Prestønia:

The first track on the album with a real traditional power metal feel, this song is a cautionary tale as Whiteacre fails to heed the words of the Wizard, disturbing a magical pool and awakening the deadly Siren, Uriña (played by Dani Bentham of Wailing Banshee). This track also tells of the moment the Party is joined by Ahriman Cullblade the Shadow Assassin, having just saved Whiteacre’s life.

5. By The Path of the Exiled:

Danger awaits as this folky track details the expedition over The Mountains of Titus via the Path of the Exiled Prince. Atop the mountain, Prince Quinn duels with Björnulfr the Beast Slayer (Played by Scot Evans) - an agent of the empire - told through the medium of a guitar duel.

6. Rothgar Warsong:

Heavily inspired by the music of bands such as Turisas and Feuerschwanz, this track tells of the capture of the party by a tribe of ravenous Half-orcs led by the titular Rothgar Warsong (Played by Scot Evans). When a Trial by Combat demanded by Whiteacre goes wrong, the intensity of the track ramps up as Brittanni's Human Resistance swoops in to save the day.

7. As One, We Stand!:

With fanfare and triumph we are introduced to The Human Resistance of Brittanni - led by the Heavy Metal Battle Wench (played by Jade Maris of Vanitas) - Who wage a constant war against the oppressive Dwarf Empire of Lochnagar. This song was influenced by the overture heard in the early Final Fantasy games and reveals that Ahriman Cullblade is in fact the true King of Brittanni from the forgotten line of Anâlin.

8. Ancient Dragon of Storms Flüffir Mighty Guardian of Valley (Techno Wyrmhole):

Enter the Caverns of Nave at your peril…for you risk awakening the Ancient Dragon of Storms Flüffir - Mighty Guardian of The Valley of Vâgené! This high-energy track is inspired by the more synth-laden works of Angus McSix, Beast in Black, and Gloryhammer.

9. The Sacred Spears of Brittanni:

A tragic tale of a fallen kingdom told alongside the mission to acquire the last of The Sacred Spears of Brittanni. This song is divided into both past tense and present tense lyrics and changes in intensity throughout reflecting the emotions of its storytelling.

10. Stormbreather:

The heroes of reached The Valley of Vâgené - and the final battle awaits! Heavier than most of the rest of the album, Stormbreather’s fast pace reflects the urgency and intensity of the battle with the ancient dragon… and the betrayal of the Elven Prince as he murders Horatus and defeats Whiteacre - leaving him for dead as the airship fleet of the Dwarf Empire arrives…

11. The Sword of Cühm:

All is not lost, however, as Whiteacre awakens in the Eternal Halls of the Goddess Vâgené (Played by Anna Rose of Tales of Time/Pirate Queen). In this spoken word track, The Goddess bestows upon Whiteacre a celestial relic, The Sword of Cühm, and a chance to return to life - in return for his oath to protect the multiverse as Whiteacre the Mighty Hexblade of Vâgené.

12. The Rising Flames of the Eternal Golden Empire Rise:

The longest track on the album at 14+ Minutes, the final song is a whirlwind culmination of all the previous tracks - featuring returning motifs, callbacks, and reprisals - as Whiteacre returns to end the conquest of the Evil Dwarf Emperor with the aid of The Human Resistance of Brittanni led by King Ahriman and The Heavy Metal Battle wench, The Elves of Sherwood and a defeated and redeemed Prince Quinn - concluding with an epic reprise of the Album’s title track and an open ending as Ahriman and Whiteacre leave Brittanni behind, unsure of what lies before them in the multiverse…