After more than a decade out of the spotlight, Battlelore returns with the newest single “Firekeeper” off their upcoming album ‘The Return Of The Shadow’ out June 3rd, 2022 via Napalm Records. The combination hitters of Melodic and Symphonic Metal, alongside Power Metal have taken hold of the one ring and unveiled some unparalleled bangers in 2022.

The time has come to unite and raise up your swords and spears for one more ride into battle. Following their last studio album, ‘Doomhound’ (2011) and extensive touring, Finnish heavy hitters Battlelore took a creative break:

“It wasn’t intentional, time just passed, and we didn’t want to push things to happen, because we knew that the new album would come when the stars are aligned and the time is right,” vocalist Tomi Mykkänen reveals. “This is our “comeback” album and we are ready to be back!“

The album’s title perfectly reflects their thrilling comeback. Named after Tolkien’s original, shelved title for his epic legendary fantasy novel The Fellowship of the Ring, Battlore‘s album features 9 Middle-earth themed tracks, shimmering with the blinding aura the band is known and adored for. As an ENORMOUS LoTR and Tolkien fan, once this fell into my lap, I was hooked.

Guitarist Jyri Vahvanen says about the track, “In the beginning there was nothing but silence. Then came the Creator called Ilúvatar and began a song which gave a birth to a world called Arda, and in the heart of it he set a flame, The Secret Fire. The One, All Father, Firekeeper of the World!”

Guitarist Jyri Vahvanen says about the track, “In the beginning there was nothing but silence. Then came the Creator called Ilúvatar and began a song which gave a birth to a world called Arda, and in the heart of it he set a flame, The Secret Fire. The One, All Father, Firekeeper of the World!”

The vocal duets of Tomi Mykkänen’s intensity and the Elven voice of Kaisa Jouhki merge with haunting guitars on this jaw-dropping track. It’s eerily beautiful, providing ethereal atmosphere to a fiery retelling of a tale few can reach back to remember. At just over 6-minutes in length, this song is a beautiful return to what started the journey for so many fans both of Fantasy, and this specific series as well. The ghostly blend of heavy melody, Tomi’s harsh vocals, and Kaisa’s fragile notes has the perfect LoTR vibe to it in tone and delivery, and I couldn’t be more excited to hear the rest of this album!

You can check out more from Battlelore via their Bandcamp link, and don’t forget to preorder your own copy of the upcoming “The Return Of The Shadow” out June 3rd, 2022 here!