Recently formed in 2023 Lost Citadel released their debut EP The Watcher’s Spire, back in November 2024. Hailing from London the five-piece boasts both a twin guitar attack and keyboards creating a sound brimming full of metal.
The band comprises of Daniel Leons-Marder (vocals & keys), John Evered (guitars), Aaron Sharma (guitars, Kerryan Dawson (drums) and Adam Havsky (bass).
Review
The Watcher’s Spire clocks in at just under 15 minutes across 3 songs, which I think is perfect for getting to grips with a new band. Trailed as a single a few months before this release, ‘Ambria’ starts the EP with a drum-intro Mickey Dee would be proud of! This is certainly the most direct track on this release, The sound is reminiscent of Blind Guardian with some nicely place woah-oh and call and repeat early on in the verse. An uplifting and memorable chorus which builds nicely into a very gratifying solo and then back into the sing-a-long verse.
Next up is the intriguingly named ‘The Bad Necromancer’. Following on the with the fantasy inspired lyrics of Ambria, the drumming stands out yet again throughout the track with some well placed double bass following the anthemic chorus. Sounding the most ‘epic’ of the three tracks and really demonstrating the vocals of Leons-Marder, particular across the Chorus and the guitars of Sharma and Dawson with some great riffing and soloing, particularly leading into the final chorus. Definitely a memorable track which hasn’t left my head for several days.
‘Embers of Conquest’ brings us to the end of the EP and is the longest by several minutes. Unfortunately for me the slow build doesn’t build into the epic climax I was hoping for. This isn’t to say it’s a bad track, the bass playing certainly shines through here, however it would likely work better between songs on a full release rather than at the end.
Conclusion
Overall a great release of solid UK Power Metal with some nice leanings towards a more Epic sound. The sound on the release is very pleasing and whilst being vocal led on most songs each instrument shines through the mix nicely. The art work from Mark Erskine is fantastic and sets the mood for the music and lyrical content. Finally I am dying to know what a Bad Necromancer is – lyrics please guys!
Up coming gig! Saturday 22 February at the Beehive, Bow E3 3LT https://www.seetickets.com/event/underground-sound-presents-the-beehive/the-beehive-at-bow-bow/3233610?src=lostcitadel
TheNwothm Score: Solid 6.5/10
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