Review Summary: A bombastic burst of epic metal excellence
Having made a strong first impression with the Colossus EP in 2020, Fer De Lance further develops their brand of epic metal with their first proper album. Like the EP before it, The Hyperborean is informed by groups like Doomsword, Solstice, and Atlantean Kodex. The often bluntly marching pace often borders on doom, a reverb-heavy production with echoing drums and washed-out guitar playing evokes images of sailing on a mystical ocean, and the baritone vocals have an operatic quality with hints of a more unhinged demeanor lurking beneath.
However, a move to full-length territory allows for a broader sonic palette that the band is more than happy to indulge. The pacing has considerable momentum compared to Colossus, which works well with the longer song lengths to create a more immersive listening experience. “Ad Bestias” and “Sirens” show these contrasts at their most diametrically opposed, the former’s blasting tempo suggests black metal inspiration without going full second wave and the latter descending into dark doom.
Going along with that, the musicianship also demonstrates growth for even more expansive dynamics. This is perhaps demonstrated by the heightened acoustic guitar courtesy of Midnight Dice vocalist Mandy Martillo, which gives some extra color to the triumphant swells of “The Mariner” and the title track and sees some gorgeous folk devotion on the atmospheric opening of “Aurora Borealis” and “Northern Skies.” And having heard MP on other projects before this, his vocals are at his most natural here as his mid-range wail is a perfect fit with enough room to reach for harsher notes on tracks like “Arctic Winds.”
Overall, Fer De Lance offers a bombastic burst of epic metal excellence with The Hyperborean. The album does well to expand the tropes established by their 2020 EP with longer songs, broader influences, and dynamic musicianship. These elements along with a more fleshed out lineup go a long way in making an already solid template sound unique and one can imagine them going even further in the future. Strongly recommended for those who seek a journey into the arcane that keeps from feeling too one-dimensional.
