KRULL – Metal Swords and Fire EP Review

KRULL – Metal Swords and Fire EP

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KRULL from Brazil have a rather complicated story, because they have changed quite a few names in order to end to this one which If I am not mistaken is taken by the great fantasy/science fiction movie of the 80’s (yes you have to see this film If you haven’t till now). Anyway, the band started in mid 1998 (the late 90’s were a great era for the heavy metal sound) under the name SUPREMA which in 2001 changed into ETERNAL FATE. Under this name they released 3 EPs with the titles “Warrior Angel” in 2003, “Promised Land” in 2005 and “Metal Swords and Fire” in 2008. The last one actually helped the band to be noticed by the underground metal scene. The band split up in 2014 and it came back in 2015 under a new name and lineup. Yep, the name is KRULL.

As you have figured out this is the EP they had already released in 2008, but for reasons unknown to me they decided to release it again under their new name. KRULL now are playing what in the late 90’s we used to call true heavy metal which actually is a mix of traditional heavy power with epic metal elements. Also the lyrical themes are inspired by the heroic fantasy literature, mythology and history. So, this is the musical genre that KRULL move in and they have a sound that I can describe both as raw and barbaric and yet melodic. It is the kind of music that fits perfectly with the epic lyrics of the band.

Their influences in my opinion are balanced between the U.S and European heavy/power metal scene. Due to their speed metal elements and the rough vocals I would say that amongst their influences are bands like OMEN, GRAVE DIGGER, SAVAGE GRACE, AGENT STEEL and RUNNING WILD. I think that someone can find in their sound similarities to “new” groups like SACRED STEEL, GREY WOLF and IRONSWORD.

All in all KRULL deserve the attention of the epic metal fans because they have songs that will make you play it loud and make you imagine that you are a warrior in an ancient battlefield. Soon the band will release its debut album under the title “The Black Coast” which is a concept album inspired by the tales of Robert E. Howard (creator of Conan the Barbarian) through Iron Shield Records.

Nick “Verkaim” Parastatidis