Release date: Out now!

Claymorean is a five-piece heavy metal band from Lazarevac, Serbia, formed on June 18th, 2014. However, it wasn’t until July 2021 that the band began playing live shows regularly, after solidifying a stable lineup.

The band’s sound is defined by Dejana “Betsa” Garčević’s powerful, commanding vocals, the melodic guitar work of the two Vlads, and a thunderous rhythm section with Goran on bass and Marko on drums. Musically and lyrically, Claymorean draws inspiration from epic fantasy, blending the worlds of Robert E. Howard and Michael Moorcock with the legacy of classic metal icons such as Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Manowar, Virgin Steele, and Manilla Road.

Review

“Overture 1914” serves as a powerful prelude, establishing both the thematic and musical tone for Eternal Curse. As the opening track, it immediately captures attention with its dramatic and atmospheric buildup. Clocking in at just under two minutes, this instrumental piece relies on subtle yet impactful arrangements to create a sense of anticipation, smoothly setting the stage for the epic and emotionally charged journey that follows in the album. It’s a compelling introduction that will hook the listener and paves the way for what’s to come.

By This Sword We Rule is an exhilarating heavy metal anthem that perfectly captures the spirit of epic metal. From the very first note, the song punches with powerful guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section that propels the track forward, creating a sense of urgency and excitement. The rhythm section complements the guitars with tight, energetic beats, while the vocals are delivered with passion and conviction, bringing the lyrics of strength, honour, and battle to life. The harmonised guitar leads give the track an epic feel, elevating its storytelling about warriors and their unbreakable will. I love the group shouts especially that appear throughout! Great work.

Under the Sign of the Cross is a powerful and emotive track that adds significant depth to Eternal Curse. It opens with a somber, atmospheric intro that gradually builds into a heavy, driving rhythm. The guitars are sharp and deliberate, with rich, melodic leads that enhance the song’s dark, almost mystical vibe. The verses are delivered with grit and passion, leading into a powerful chorus that truly stands out. The chorus is nothing short of glorious, with rich vocals that emphasise the song’s sense of defiance and devotion, creating an uplifting, anthemic moment that contrasts beautifully with the more somber verses. I can certainly imagine the choruses being sung along to by crowds!

Battle Born opens with a deliberate, slow-paced riff that immediately sets a heavy, brooding tone. The measured pacing allows each note to resonate deeply, creating feelings of gravity and importance. This slower tempo immerses the listener in the themes of resilience, battle, and enduring strength, drawing out the emotional power of the song with a reflective yet empowering feel. The guitar work is masterful, with riffs that linger and melodies that give the track room to breathe. It’s a perfect example of how Claymorean can evoke depth and emotion without rushing the sound. This slower pace offers a moment of introspection and power, allowing the band to showcase their versatility amidst the more fast-paced, aggressive tracks on the album.

300 delivers an epic punch, blending historical grandeur with thrashing heaviness. The standout feature is the relentless double kick drumming, driving the track with urgency and aggression, perfectly matching the battle themes of the 300 Spartans. The tight rhythm section adds intensity, while the layered vocals—both clean and growled—create different levels of excitement. The harmonies create a dynamic contrast, evoking battle cries and enhancing the emotional depth of the song. Claymorean expertly blends melody and power, making “300” a gripping, immersive track.

Wind Before the Storm opens with a powerful intro that sets the stage before launching into a galloping main riff that drives the track forward. The mix of tempos adds variety, shifting between intense sections and slower, more reflective moments. The lead guitars are a standout, particularly during the breakdowns, where they “sing out” with emotional depth. The harmony during the solo section is absolutely ace, elevating the track even further. The solo itself, with its spiralling notes, feels like a burst of raw energy. Dejana’s vocal delivery is equally impressive, seamlessly switching between clean melodies and aggressive tones, adding emotional weight to the song. “Winds Before the Storm” is an epic, electrifying track that continues to deliver on all points!

Eternal Curse is one of the standout tracks on the album, blending power and emotion in a captivating way. The song opens with a supercharged intro, leading into a mix of melodic guitar work and heavy riffs. The speed of the guitars creates an electricity, with rapid picking and fierce riffs perfectly backed by storming drums. The eerie demonic vocals in the background during the bridges add an unsettling layer, intensifying the track’s power. When the chorus hits, it thunders forward, and Dejana’s vocal work is simply magical, bringing a majestic quality to the song. A beautiful acoustic breakdown offers a brief contrast, highlighting the sad lead guitar. One of the standout moments is the solo section, where the guitars blaze at insane speeds, riding on top of a bed of lightning-fast rhythms. In a nut shell you can see why the band went with this song to put out before the album. Killer stuff!

Bannockburn is a long one! It comes in with a gentle acoustic section that has delicate lead notes on top to ease us in. The sounds of huge open chords come in with rolling bass and drum patterns before we slide into a steady verse section which feels tight and on point. Like tracks before it has moments that dazzle with sharp and crystal lead guitar licks that sing out loud on top of the steady rhythm section. Dejana gives us a mix of strong vocal lines adding height to sections which need emphasis. The tone throughout remains powerful and punchy yet slightly dark in feel at times which shake things up. The song is great but personally I would split it into two having one part as an instrumental out. Either way the more slower pace makes it great to sway and bang your head to!

Conclusion

Claymorean has unleashed an album that is nothing short of an epic journey! With a perfect blend of soaring dynamics, electrifying vocals from Dejana, and riffs that will ignite your soul, this album is a powerhouse of energy and emotion. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their sound, there’s an undeniable force here that will captivate and thrill you every step of the way. Prepare to be swept away by a musical adventure that will leave you craving more!

TheNwothm Score: 9/10

Links

Bandcamp: https://claymorean.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claymorean

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claymorean_official/

Label: http://www.stormspell.com/