Für dieses Review haben wir unseren Freund Bruno von den Brasilianern HURTGEN und HIDEOUS THEORY als Gastschreiber gewinnen können. Also lest hier was man in Brasilien zu der Mucke von Nothgard meint.

This German power quintet with 3 guitars (!) featuring members of Wolfchant and Equilibrium presents its second full-length since their start in 2008. This Nothgard release begins with the intro “Of Light and Shadow” in a soundtrack-style that serves to know that something great is coming. In the first few seconds of the title track from the wall of vocal attacks, guitars and keyboards we already have a sample of the journey this disc will be. Guitars dominate the show, sometimes the keyboard is more prominent but aggressive and fast riffs are the main elements here, together with melodies, harmonies and different doses of speed. The sharp and strong performance includes even some hard rock grooves, why not? The choice of notes in cool solos is something that will delight and surprise the ears. The voice of Dom Cray, it can be said, reminds of the high-pitched style of Alexi Laiho’s screams but it also counts with some occasional clean vocals as well. The listening of Age of Pandora is intense I would say, there is so much happening, several layers of sound, abrupt changes of pace in a big soup of influences, it’s impossible to predict the development of the songs, the second Nothgard album has not a definite songwriting formula. Melodies of guitar are catchy as in "Black Witch Venture". As the album goes on the sixth track "Anima", perhaps one of the best in the work, has sudden changes in speed, drums and harmonies but still remains very catchy. Captivating and great chorus as in "Wings of Dawn" are present throughout the whole album. Concerning the full work, it’s not only a slightly better album than the debut but it also has a better and more refined production done with a meticulous work that exposes the band’s potential. Songwise it’s noticed less folk influence, musically and in the lyrics. The riffs don’t rest, there are no big intervals between songs but subtle changes on the musical atmosphere, it goes from a cheerful lively melody to a dungeon as, for example, at the ending of the song "Obey the King" which finishes with an enigmatic piano. To be launched in September, this album is the result of the intense work of the band members, it’s extremely well executed and an entertaining experience with guaranteed headbanging for the listeners.

Wertung: 8 / 10