Vhaldemar
Metal Of The World

August 2014
Released: 2011, StormSpell Records
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: JP

I’m not the first to say that Spain’s status on the international Metal scene is not that big. Despite having a large domestic scene very few Spanish bands have ever broken out from that nation. Vlademar is likely one of the more well-known bands from Spain and METAL OF THE WORLD is their third album since forming back in 1999. They had a couple of albums on the respected Arise label which had some international distribution bringing the band to a wider global audience. However, when Arise folded Vhaldemar dropped back to independent status. In fact, METAL TO THE WORLD was originally issued independently but then reissued a few months later by StormSpell with new art and a really nice booklet. (Note: The art pictured is the original artwork, but I’m reviewing the reissue)



As expected there were some changes in the eight-year gap between I MADE MY OWN HELL (2003) and this album. The band expanded to a quintet and added a new drummer and a second guitarist. METAL OF THE WORLD is a very competent and well executed Metal album. They stay strictly within the confines of the traditional/classic Metal sound. The vocals of Carlos Escudero are considerable rougher than many Euro-style Metal bands but certainly not falling into growls or death metal styling’s. He has a powerful delivery and is a highlight of the bands sound.



METAL TO THE WORLD has seen the band evolve in sound a slightly, orignally the band had more of a speedy Euro-Metal sound and now they have scaled back and have more of an anthemic style with super melodic choruses that are fun and easy to sing along with. The guitar tone is good and the while albums clips along at a decent pace. A couple of the highlights to my ears are ‘Dusty Road’ with a very catchy chorus and ‘Wild Hearts’ with a really nice opening riff with a bit of an effect on the sound.



I’m glad these guys have forged on. They have a fourth indie album in 2013 which I will look for to complete my collection. Again, not too many Spanish bands make it to the bigger leagues but if any Vhaldemar have the potential.