Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

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Band
Niviane
Title
The Druid King
Type
LP/EP
Company
Pitch Black
YOR
2017
Style
Power
1/11/2018 - Review by: Eric Compton
Collectively influenced by classic heavy metal along with modern European metal
Niviane is an American power metal band hailing from Sacramento, California formed in the fall of 2014. The band is collectively influenced by classic heavy metal along with modern European metal to produce what has been branded "A new breed of American Power Metal". The band's debut album, 'The Druid King', was recorded at Alien Production Studios in California, with JK Northrup (XYZ, Paul Shortino) at the helm and a Pitch Black Records sticker on the spine.

"The Berserker" is the band's leadoff single and album opener. The starting riff is very similar to Grave Digger's "The Curse of Jacques". At 1:08 vocalist Norman Skinner introduces himself with a Warrel Dane type of screaming vocal presence. Gang chants highlight the chorus parts with a bit of medieval flare. The young group showcase a lot of German Teutonic influences on tracks like "Gladiator" (sing along chorus, fast hands and feet) and the military percussion of "Into Twilight". There's a sprinkling of heavy riffed thrash through "Arise Samurai" and even a symphonic approach for "March of the Jotunn".

Both Mark Miner and Gary Tarplee actively combine dazzling guitar work that remains heavy but atmospherically flavored. The vocal talents of Skinner, big production, visually appealing artwork and imaginative writing really places the bar high for the band's sophomore effort. Based on this debut alone, Niviane are going to be a young band to watch.
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    4 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: NIVIANE
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
The Druid King
2017
Pitch Black
Eric Compton1/11/2018
4

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