FROZEN CROWN
War Hearts
With so many bands producing music, you either must dedicate yourself to the constant pursuit of specific genres or accept that you’ll let some pass you by. Thankfully, this is often rectified when you take a chance on an unfamiliar name which grabs your interest or sometimes just arrives in the in-box.
Such is the case with Italians FROZEN CROWN, whose album had arrived a couple of weeks ago but who I hadn’t got around to playing. Hitting play, the first thing that impresses is the high quality of the band’s playing, and then the crisp and clear production values. Unashamedly power metal with elements of speed and traditional metal in the mix, FROZEN CROWN’S fifth album “War Hearts” is ten tracks of intense and energetic music that grabs the attention from the start.
The pace is fast, as one would expect, but it’s also controlled. The guitar work is ferocious, the talent on display here something special. As well as the lead work of founder member Federico Mondelli, FROZEN CROWN have bolstered their ranks with the addition of Alessia Lanzone, an 18-year-old guitar prodigy. I know nothing about Alessia, but the band’s social media pages suggest she’s been comfortably taken under the band’s wing – recent trips to the US and summer festivals suggest she’s having a great time and putting her talent to great use. [note: there is plenty to check out on YouTube].
For me it’s the vocals that make or break a band, and in Giada ‘Jade’ Etro FROZEN CROWN have a gem. Her powerful vocals ooze soul and passion, making each song her own as she tells story after story over the maelstrom of chaos that the band craft. The songs are dynamic, with a rich, full sound and include themes of self-improvement, awareness, personal growth and inner struggles.
The title is a homage to Children Of Bodom, a band whose influence is evident in small parts across the album. Highlights include the title track which opens the album in bombastic style, the dual vocals of Jade and Federico on “I Am The Wind”, which brings a neat contrast and adds a different element, “Bloodlines” which is inspired by the Vampire: The Masquerade series and which is one of the heaviest tracks on the album, and the dramatic and epic seven-minute plus closer “Ice Dragon”. This sees the band in full pomp, and it’s no wonder that Napalm Records have added the band to their roster, and why they are shortly out on tour with Kamelot.
In seven years, the band has released five albums, which is impressive by any standards. With a cohesive unit, one can’t help feeling that FROZEN CROWN have massive potential. “War Hearts” is a massive album, one that works on every level and which you’ll want to play again and again, such is the addictive nature of the tracks here. If you like your power metal played at the highest level, yes, think Blind Guardian, Helloween, Dragonforce, then FROZEN CROWN really deserve to be in your ears very soon.
Paul Hutchings