Review Summary: epic is as epic does
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to consider
Eastern Tales, the 2024 offering by French epic black metallers Belore. Before we go any further, the scene must be properly set to appreciate that rightfully earned adjective, “epic.”
Belore, pronounced “beh-loar-ay”, is the Thalassian word for sun. Thalassian, of course, is the language spoken by the Blood Elves and High Elves of Azeroth after splitting from their Darnassian predecessors following the War of the Ancients. Azeroth, naturally, is the fictional setting of the Warcraft game series. If reading any of that hasn’t caused you to immediately check out, then you probably at least somewhat dig high fantasy and the insatiable yearning for great adventure. In other words,
Eastern Tales is the album for you.
If
Caladan Brood is to
Malazan Book of the Fallen like
Summoning is to
The Lord of the Rings, then Belore is to the very genre of high fantasy itself. Drawing influences from both aforementioned bands and their respective book series in addition to
The Witcher and
World of Warcraft, Belore crafts their own heroic and familiar tale that wouldn’t seem out of place in any of those existing canons. The heroes of
Eastern Tales recruit the listener on a quest to reclaim their kingdom of the sun from an evil, encroaching darkness. Expeditions across seas are endured, perilous battles are won and lost, and otherworldly assistance in the guise of a magical hermit is secured, all leading up to the great Battle of Therallas that ultimately decides whether light or darkness will rule the realm. While the lyrics read textbook high fantasy, the accompanying music elevates this story into trve epic territory.
Anyone familiar with the likes of
Caladan Brood,
Summoning, and
Moonsorrow will find comfort in
Eastern Tales. It is no secret; Belore wears its inspirations on its sleeves—and proudly at that. Melodic guitar leads and solos break up synth-laden black metal passages that still tell grand tales of light versus dark and wizards and knights should the lyrics be removed. Vocals switch between raspy screams and group chants, adding intricate layers to this epic tale. The main highlight in Eastern Tales—and one that cannot be easily ignored—is the inclusion of Ella Zlotos on the whistle, who has contributed Uilleann Pipes and whistles for
Saor’s live shows since 2023 and upcoming full-length,
Amidst the Ruins. Zlotos’ whistles have a quirky, magical charm that instantly teleport the listener to the mythical realm
Eastern Tales explores.
All these pieces fit perfectly together to create a fantastic 43-minute long canto in the greater Belore mythos (the vinyl edition of this album even comes with a map of this world, reaffirming the band’s attention to detail and world building).
Eastern Tales is the perfect soundtrack to your next Dungeons and Dragons session or cozy gaming night in and is quite simply a sonic high fantasy novel worthy of a spot amongst its aforementioned epic black metal peers.
