Welcome my fellow black metalheads, Sean here at the Black Metal Archives, and today we’re storming the ramparts of England’s Fellwarden with their latest epic, Legend: Forged in Defiance. Unleashed on June 14, 2024, via Eisenwald, this third full-length from Frank Allain (aka The Watcher of Fen fame) is a towering slab of atmospheric black metal, delivering six tracks of heroic defiance across nearly an hour. Inspired by David Gemmell’s fantasy novel Legend, it’s a concept album where each song represents a wall of a besieged fortress—bolstered by guest contributions from Alasdair Dunn (drums), Mark Harrington (bass), Adam Allain (choirs), and Sean Darling (narration). This is Fellwarden at their most ambitious, blending raw aggression with soaring grandeur. Let’s breach the gates.
The album charges in with “Exultance (Wall 1: Eldibar)“, a beast that’s as majestic as it is martial. The Watcher’s guitars roar with gritty, folk-infused melodies—sharp tremolo picking meets expansive, choral-backed swells—while Dunn’s cavernous drums thunder with relentless blast beats and rolling fills. Allain’s vocals snarl with a raspy edge, layered over triumphant choirs that evoke ancient battle hymns. It’s a dynamic opener, shifting from belligerent speed to introspective lulls, then soaring back to grandeur with a production (mixed by The Watcher, mastered by Greg Chandler) that’s crisp yet cavernous. The bass, courtesy of Harrington, rumbles low, anchoring the chaos—a perfect kickoff that sets the tone for this fortress-sized tale.
“Despair (Wall 2: Musif)” plunges into bleaker depths. The guitars weave intricate, meandering riffs—jagged yet captivating—while dense choral vocals and thundering percussion create a surging, dark energy. It’s a dramatic counterpoint to “Exultance,” trading exultation for grim resolve. Dunn’s drumming drives the track with a relentless pulse, amplifying the mood of a fortress under siege. This is Fellwarden showcasing their knack for contrasting light and shadow within their atmospheric palette.
The album’s heart beats in “Renewed Hope (Wall 3: Kania)”, an anthem that reignites the fire. Chunky guitar leads—edging toward heavy metal territory—pair with crystalline post-rock flourishes, while the choirs return with renewed vigor. The Watcher’s snarls cut through, backed by a spoken-word passage from Darling that adds storytelling gravitas befitting Gemmell’s narrative. It’s punchy and epic, with the instrumentation—guitars, bass, and drums—locking into a tight, anthemic groove that lifts the spirit.
“Desperation (Wall 4: Sumitos)” takes a slower, more contemplative turn. It opens with a mournful acoustic passage—delicate and spacious—before crashing into melancholic riffs and searing black metal fury. The ebb and flow between grand waves and polished restraint is masterful, with synth undertones enhancing the track’s sprawling melancholy. Dunn’s dynamic drumming keeps it alive, delivering emotional weight that resonates like a warrior’s last stand.
“Serenity” (Wall 5: Valteri)” blends folk-tinged riffs with doom-laden heft. The guitars dance adventurously, while the rhythm section—Harrington’s thick bass and Dunn’s muscular beats—grounds the track’s myriad shifts. It’s hypnotic and immersive, pulling you into a reflective calm before the final battle. “Death” (Wall 6: Geddon)” closes with an uplifting note. Haunting vocals and imaginative guitar work—thunderous yet melodic—craft a spiritual farewell, with choirs and narration tying it off with majestic grace.
Fellwarden’s sound on Legend hinges on The Watcher’s guitars—gritty, melodic, and versatile—bolstered by Dunn’s powerful drumming and Harrington’s essential bass. The choirs and synths add a cinematic layer, painting a vivid sonic tapestry. In the black metal genre, they stand alongside atmospheric titans like Saor or Moonsorrow, blending second-wave aggression with folk and post-rock flourishes. They’re less raw than Fen and more epic, carving a niche that’s both traditional and expansive—think Summoning’s Tolkien-esque grandeur applied to Gemmell’s gritty heroism. This is Fellwarden’s boldest swing yet, brimming with passion and compositional heft—a heroic journey through a blackened fantasy realm that demands your allegiance, and it is streaming now on Bandcamp!
Until next time, keep forging that blackened path!
