Glorious power metal. The dragon riding, goblin slaying, snake charming beacon of hope in a sour world. We always need more power metal in our lives. My aim here? Introduce bands that you may have missed, but are entirely worthy of your attention. The band in question here is Sweden’s Tungsten.
Speed metal, thrash metal, death metal. All have forms which are intertwined with the glorious power-y goodness. Formed in 2016 when ex-Hammerfall drummer Anders Johansson joined forces with his two offspring Nick and Karl (guitars and bass respectively). Cloudscape vocalist Mike Andersson was recruited to complete the crew.
The combination of traditional and contemporary combine in a way I really haven’t heard before. The influence of both parent and children is clearly on display. The younglings writing is clearly presented in the form of the pounding chugging and bouncy rhythms of modern metal and industrial. Karl and Nick have listed their inspiration as Rammstein and Meshuggah and it clearly shows.
Combined with the classic galloping rhythm and anthemic choruses of traditional power metal, and you get something truly original. Anders‘ days with Hammerfall clearly shine through – particularly during verses with ambient backing to prolonged soulful vocals.
It’s a combination fraught with peril, for modern metal and traditional power metal are the most mortal of enemies. Before nu-metal, industrial or metalcore every came to be, speed and power metal were flying the flag of ‘true’ metal. Fans of such would rather eat a sandwich of nails whilst watching Bridezillas than listen to modern metal.
Maybe that is the reason why it is difficult to find a band who dare to combine these – or do it with any success at least. Tungsten very much do so and it works extremely well. Their debut album We Will Rise was recorded in 2018, and released in 2019 through Arising Empire Records.
The Trolls have infested Rammstein on album track The Fairies Dance. Making it’s way onto the Spotify Heavy Metal playlist and has earned plenty of traffic since. If John 5 joined Kamelot you’d get It Ain’t Over. I grew up on the modern industrial and metalcore sound so it’s very familiar to me. Sweet Vendetta even brings a textbook breakdown. Think of this album as generic at your peril. It is genuinely imaginative and refreshing.
In 2020 Tungsten released their second album Tundra. It begins in a very familiar folky industrial style they are beginning to hone down. The heavy is however toned down a trifle on their second outing in favour of a slightly more anthemic approach. Clearly still sharpening their signature sound. But still a top quality album. If they continue on this streak there is no stopping them.
I can confidently say that I have introduced a new power metal band to you that you are going to immediately go listen to. If you don’t you will live to regret it. Listen to Tungsten and your life will be improved immeasurably. As the King of Rohan once said, “For death and glory!”
You can find Tungsten on Facebook.com/tungstenband and at their website tungstenofficial.com.
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