Review Summary: The leading voice of D&D-inspired heavy metal
Coming off the fiery success of 2023’s Chaos To The Realm, Owlbear’s sophomore album looks to be a noticeably darker, more aggressive beast. The guitar tone feels chunkier and the drums seem to hit harder this time around, giving Feather and Claw a bottom-heavy feel that gives the bass even more gumption than it already had. The songs are still as focused on upbeat melodies and catchy choruses as ever, but songs like “Altar of Earth” and “Wild Shape” come with a more furious snarl to them.
I also appreciate the spots that the band finds to expand their dynamics. “Crawl from the Carcass” is my favorite track of the lot, playing like a true classic metal anthem with a catchy mid-tempo stomp that supports some exuberant lead guitar ala Blackout-era Scorpions and the sort of shout-the-title earworm that would make Dio proud. “The Fall of Netheril” is another nifty outlier, closing the album out with murkier textures and a more methodical build that emphasizes the bittersweet overcast.
But beyond these quirks, anybody who enjoyed Chaos to the Realm will find just as much to enjoy here. The vocals in particular maintain a tight consistency, presenting the often linear lines with the sort of conviction and occasional shrillness that makes them fun to sing along to without feeling too one-note. Tracks like the opening one-two of “As Arrows Hail” and “Shadow of the Dragon” establish a reassuring tone with plenty of high-flying speed while “Song of the Grey Witch” and “Devastation Be My Name” wrap around slow melodic beginnings and an emotional slant that give their Twisted Tower Dire-esque charges a greater sense of urgency.
While I may still prefer the more comparably straightforward Chaos To The Realm, there’s no denying the sheer power that Owlbear brings with Feather and Claw. The momentum and live experience between releases has no doubt enhanced their chemistry, boasting a fuller production job and even more potent musicianship. It’s also great to see the songwriting emphasizing the band’s unique voice even further while never losing sight of their no-nonsense memorability. At this point, it feels safe to deem Owlbear the leading face of D&D-inspired heavy metal.
