Númenor - Runes Of Power
(Elevate Records -2025)
(Genre: 80's Heavy Metal)
Númenor stands out in the crowded European metal scene by delivering a sound that cleverly defies expectations set by their Serbian origin.
While one might anticipate a darker, Scandinavian-inspired tone, the band instead channels the raw energy and melodic might of the best 80s British Metal, like listening to the best of Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Venom, combining them to make new music. There are fast-paced riffs and driving drumming adds to their epic, fantasy-driven lyrical themes. Songs about such loved topics of Tolkien, Lovecraft, Saxons, and Vikings.
Central to their sound is the incredible vocal range of Marko Miranović, who sings between a clear, soaring metal voice and a darker, more aggressive growl. As he demonstrated on the track 'The Nine'.
Included is 'Make the Stand 2025' - a remake of a song that they clearly love. It appeared on both their 2021 EP of the same name and the 2023 album 'Tales From The Edge Of Time'. 'Runes Of Power' is a really great album. From their first album you can see how the have matured.
Everything about their sound hits the mark. They deliver fast and heavy riffs that stick in your ear. The growling, snarling vocals inject raw aggression. The songs have sing-along moments and plenty of head banging, Mosh-out inspiring intensity. It is powerful, heavy and irresistibly catchy.
The band are a mix of European power metal flavours of Sabaton and Twilight Force. These and the British Metal influences are what make Númenor a refreshing find for fans of classic, battle-ready fantasy, traditional Heavy Metal.
A Fabulous album that's as heavy and as fast as a Megadeth album with themes straight out of the Dio handbook. It is a must for any Metal fan!
By Dale Holford