Created by Andrew James of Edmonton, AB’s Eye of Horus and Shotgunner, his new project, one man folk metal band North Hammer is drawing inspiration from the mighty Quorthon; for Andrew is not so much a one-man band as a one-warrior metal machine. Andrew wrote and recorded the guitar, bass, vocals, and orchestration along with drums done by Helcaraxë Nunez for North Hammer’s latest album Stormcaller
Inspired by Wintersun, Ensiferum, Amon Amarth, Aether Realm and Blind Guardian, Stormcaller is a 21st century continuation of the work of Norse bards with its melodic death metal folk riffs. While North Hammer is a studio project at the moment, Andrew James plans to put together a band of top-notch like-minded musicians for touring in Western Canada and beyond.
Andrew James explains:
The experience I’m trying to give the listeners is that of a fellow fan. I want people to be euphoric for other bands that mean something to them like Ensiferum, Wintersun and Amon Amarth. To connect personally with my music and realize that I love and worship these bands. Stormcaller has been quite an adventure in itself to record, many aspects of music I had never even attempted before. From the creation of an over-arching narrative to satisfy lyric content, to writing guitar solos and orchestration, I finally have been able to come out with something that I am so excited to share with you! I hope you, the fans, enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it for you!
You can truly hear the sources of inspiration through the music, a very Ensiferum rhythm, but very Amon Amarth style of vocals. I really liked how the interlude of Black Forest Rain transitioned into Spellbinder and those quickly became my favourites of the album closely followed by Magic Mead. Which I must admit, I find quite the funny song. I also can’t help but in my mind make Lion’s Winter to be about Game Of Thrones, the title leans to it, but I think it would be very fitting, maybe as a battle hymn perhaps? I really enjoyed the album overall and I look forward to seeing the band develop into a live band and develop their own style further.
Release date: March 16th, 2018
Label: unsigned
Tracklist:
1. Avatar
2. Wanderer
3. Written In The Stars
4. Magic Mead
5. Tip of The Spear
6. A Soldier’s Song
7. Black Forest Rain
8. Spellbinder
9. North Hammer
10. Lion’s Winter
