Frozen Crown, War Hearts Review

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by Nolan Conghaile

Frozen Crown continues to carve out a niche within the symphonic power metal scene with their latest release, War Hearts. With a blend of razor-sharp riffs, soaring vocals, and high-octane energy, the band delivers a dynamic and passionate album that pushes the boundaries of the genre while maintaining its core power metal essence.

The driving force behind War Hearts is the powerhouse collective known as Frozen Crown, whose unity and technical skills are integral to the album’s success. Fronting the band is the commanding Giada “Jade” Etro, whose soaring vocals navigate the power metal melodies with a seamless blend of aggression and heart. Alongside her, Federico Mondelli, the band’s co-vocalist and lead guitarist, anchors the album with his intricate guitar work and vocal delivery.

The rhythm section is fortified by Francesco Zof on bass, whose thunderous lines form the backbone of the album’s powerful sound, while Niso Tomasini’s drumming drives each track with a force of precision. The electric guitar attack of Fabiola Bellomo and Alessia Lanzone is the melodic and technical lifeblood of the album— the three guitars intertwine with tight rhythms and buzzing harmonies, creating an exhilarating dynamic that powers through each song with boldness. Each member contributes to the album’s fiercely cohesive identity, making War Hearts a successful declaration of intent and musical journey.

From the outset, War Hearts establishes itself as a bold, confident statement. The album opens with the title track, a perfect introduction to the band’s sound, mixing three guitar symphonic textures with emotive vocal work. Etro’s commanding vocals draw listeners in as she commands attention. Her voice is a vital instrument on this record, shifting from ethereal to fierce with impressive range. She is a powerhouse. Mondelli’s vocal harmonies deliver extra impact to the fierce melodic moments.

The interplay between musical textures is one of the defining features of War Hearts. The songs have complementary vocals, with Mondelli’s grit adding a rough-edged balance to Etro’s soaring and operatic style. The guitar section allows for intricate and finely tuned passages that support the heavy, melodic tone the band is known for. The developing and contrapuntal fluidity of the rhythm section of Zof’s bass and Tomasini’s drums provides a foundational power to the album’s driving force.

“War Hearts” has a theme of brotherhood, overcoming challenges, and unity. The lyrics explore a battle metaphor, where the battle represents the daily struggles we face, yet there’s also a sense of camaraderie and a shared dream. The song has an aggressive yet melodic style, with complex guitar leads. The band’s tight cohesion elevates the song to an anthem-like status, giving the track a definitive, statement-making feel.

“Steel and Gold” is where the lyrics and musical elements reference contrasts between generational differences (old vs. young), personal and societal struggles, and even allusions to literary and film references such as Conan the Barbarian and Lady Hulk. The musical style has clear references to classic power metal acts like Hammerfall and Angra, but with a fresh spin. The interplay between Etro’s powerful vocals and Mondelli’s aggressive male vocals creates a dynamic, compelling balance. The solo sections are intricate, showcasing the band’s guitarist’s ability to blend melodies and technicality without losing the song’s focus.

With lyrics focusing on how our deeds shape who we are, “To Live To Die” brings us a key theme of motivation, resilience, and self-improvement. The music is energetic and straightforward, with a positive, uplifting vibe. The dynamic guitar solos deliver emotional intensity, especially with the double-bending guitar licks at the track’s close, offering a soaring peak of expression and resilience.

Inspired by Jack London’s The Call of the Wild, “Night of the Wolf” explores the primal spirit of the wolf and the band’s personal connection to it. With a musical style that has elements of gothic and melancholic metal with a powerful, dynamic chorus. This is reflected in the build-up from haunting, melancholy verses to an explosive and powerful chorus. Bellomo’s guitar performance adds a raw emotional depth to this track, enhancing the wolf’s untamed spirit.

“Edge of Reality” addressed the theme of the passage of time, loss, and hope. Drawing inspiration from Highlander mythology, the song reflects on the fleeting nature of life, yet finding solace in the belief that loved ones will reunite in the afterlife.  Fast-paced with a heavy rhythm section part that supports the track’s melodic structure. The high-speed segments where Etro’s vocals soar above the band and the swift tempo shift yield a powerful performance.

One of the standout aspects of War Hearts is the band’s ability to vary the tempo and intensity while keeping their signature sound intact. There are moments of intense, fast-paced rhythms that drive the energy forward, contrasted with slower, more introspective sections that allow the listener to reflect on the depth of the lyrics and instrumentation. The intricate guitar solos, especially in tracks like “Marching on the Edge of Time,” are a nod to the band’s flair of virtuosity without overshadowing the emotional core of the music.

In conclusion, War Hearts is a strong continuation of Frozen Crown’s journey within the symphonic power metal scene. With its infectious melodies, intricate musicianship, and powerful performances from the entire band. This album deserves attention in any metal aficionado’s playlist collection.

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Frozen Crown, War Hearts Review - Chalked Up Reviews