LUNAR SHADOW - Triumphator MLP (Black Vinyl)

For a band whose full-lengths have become recognized for their atmospheric, genre-defying takes on traditional metal, it’s interesting to note how Lunar Shadow’s first release was a pretty straightforward EP. Influences from Iron Maiden and Angel Witch among others run rampant, distilled in their purest form with little room for pushing the boundaries. Fortunately, Triumphator amounts to a lot more than the generic metal fluff that one would expect from the setup.

The high caliber musicianship immediately sets this apart from other NWOTHM fare and reinforces the epic tone. As with future releases, the guitars are especially fantastic with an array of hearty harmonies, enthusiastic gallops, shredding solos, and even a couple hints of extreme influences in the faster trilling. The bass is also quite effective in channeling that Steve Harris-style bubbling power and the vocals actually end up with more conviction than they would on the subsequent Far from Light.

While the songwriting isn’t particularly varied, each of the four songs presented is a classic metal basher. “Metalian” is the best of the bunch, channeling the best of Maiden with its extended introduction, anthemic charging pace, and delightfully intrusive guitar work. The EP’s title track is another major highlight, starting with a particularly grand buildup before rushing off into another set of intense verses and percussive choruses.

As much as I appreciate the unique flavors offered by Lunar Shadow’s proper albums, their debut EP is an excellent slice of traditional metal goodness. While its style is rather homogenous, the fact that it is executed with such enthusiastic fervor is quite indicative of the band’s talents as musicians and songwriters. More conventional metal fans may find this better suited to their tastes than the albums to come, and fans of the full-lengths should be able to recognize signs of the greatness to come. Either way, it’s worth checking out.