Review Summary: An underground classic and one of the best USPM albums you haven't heard.
Admittedly, the '90s weren't particularly kind with the traditional forms of heavy metal, which of course was part of the charm of that decade. Even the biggest of '80s acts, such as Iron Maiden, played in small venues and claimed to be fans of trendy bands like Angra - true story - in an attempt to gain popularity among their fans. Also part of the charm of the '90s was its underground scene, which spawned highly interesting bands like Cauldron Born.
Just by looking at the cover art with the huge sword and the meaty butt, one may get the impression that this is another Manowar disciple, but this couldn't be far from the truth;
Born of the Cauldron sounds more like early-Fates Warning meets Omen on steroids. Actually, if you're a fan of Helstar's
Nosferatu, chances are that you will find numerous redeeming qualities on here.
To begin with, the platform of the music is formed by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Black Sabbath. However, the US power metal bands always had a harder edge compared to European power metal ones, as a result of being exposed to early-'80s thrash acts like Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. The lyrics on here are largely influenced by the writings of Robert E. Howard, but this is not your typical barbaric/brute heavy metal, as the main songwriter of Cauldron Born, went on to write his own Sword & Sorcery stories a few years later. One other element which further separates Cauldron Born is the intricate guitarwork, which makes me think that this is how Yngwie Malmsteen or perhaps Vinnie Moore would perform if they played this kind of progpower.
Born of the Cauldron is not an easy listen though, as it's quite dissonant and complex. Take "The Sword's Lament" for example; it is quite lyrical, but at the same time adventurous, with changes in time signatures. Again, this is not your typical power metal album, so various listens are needed, to become accustomed to all of its intricacies. The theatrical, high-pitched vocals might also put off the casual listener initially, but the abundance of riffs, the technical solos, and the audible bass will definitely hold your attention.
Of course, despite the rise of European power metal in the mid-'90s,
Born of the Cauldron remained relatively obscure, and even now, its demanding nature can make it somewhat of an acquired taste. However, if you allow yourself, you will be drawn into a sinister, surreal world full of epic tales, albeit with an atypical soundtrack that definitely deserves your time.
