Ainur – War of the Jewels
Ainur is back with a new epic album, War of the Jewels, that will be released on March 19, 2021. I must admit that I am a fan of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies from Peter Jackson. I am also a fan of the J. R. R. Tolkien’s books that inspired them all. However, Jackson did not take on the original story which came before all of Tolkien’s other epics. That story was The Silmarillion. Now, Ainur attempts to put this famous story to music, with War of the Jewels.
“It’s been 17 years since Ainur thought to transform Tolkien’s masterpiece The Silmarillion into music. Each member of the band was lost in his own musical themes inspired by Tolkienian mythology. As if hypnotized, they outrageously composed themes for the main characters and started to imagine this huge concept work”.
Rockshots Records will release the album produced by Ainur, an orchestra, made up of: Luca Catalano, on guitars, and vocals; Marco Catalano, on drums and vocals; Alex Armuschio, on keyboards and lead vocals; Max Clara, on lead vocals; Roberta Malerba, on lead vocals; Elena Richetta, on lead vocals; Giuseppe Ferrante, on bass and contrabass; Luca Marangoni, on violin; Carlo Perillo, on viola; Daniela Lorusso, on cello; Cristiano Blasi, on flutes; and Chiara Marangoni, on horns.
Something this big, needs special guests; which include: Roberto Tiranti, on vocals; Ted Nasmith, providing narration; and Derek Sherinian, on keyboards.
Ainur has a large discography of music, creating 8 featured works, and they mean to do a serious job on Tolkien’s seminal work. “We always follow the path that Tolkien himself has outlined in his tales, so we tried to create a concept that embraces the Wars of Beleriand throughout the album. Since the topic is a little bit complex this time, we thought to divide the concept into two albums: then, side by side with Children of Hurin and Lay of Leithian. They will flow into a big opera that will unite the third chapter of Wars of Beleriand and Lays of Beleriand”. The band has been composing this album since, 2009.
The album opens with “Fate Disclosed”, with deep drums and then narration from Ted Nasmith. Right now, I am wishing for Sir Ian Murray McKellen instead. But I am sure that would have cost more than a pretty penny. I am sure the budget on this project could not have stood it, with all they have tried to accomplish, with so many artists involved.
The music on the second track, “Wars of Beleriand”, is perfect. Charging guitars, bass and drum, surrounded with strings, keyboards and marching rhythms. The piano is a breath of fresh air. The charging over forest and field sound of this song is incredibly good. Not the Hobbit or The Fellowship, a power-packed thunder ride into the wilderness. Off to a great start.
“Hell of Iron”, is full of more hammer fire of drums and heavy guitar and bass. Finally, we get some duel vocals from males. Female voices join in to balance the sound. Powerful, like a Lucassen production, but with less organization. It just seems hell bent on charging ahead. Moving too fast to create characters and add dimension to them.
“Wars Begin”, is full of chimes and broad keyboard strokes, with strings, bass, and electric guitar supporting. The vocals do not stand out. They get lost in the power of the music. With Arjen Lucassen, you can hear every word of every vocalist. He really appreciates and takes a long-time choosing vocalists. Rounds are being voiced, but I don’t hear a story being built. The production level is not great on the vocals on this album. The music is so overpowering, at times, it blots out the vocals.
“Kinslaying (The First)”, brings back the narration, along with strings, piano, bass, drums and guitar. Finally, good vocals you can hear and understand! But the melodies don’t catch you like Lucassen’s. The musicianship is splendid, but, not organized into a set harmony or rhythm. It drifts instead, over jagged jumps and skips.
“Grinding Ice”, opens with cool keys and howling wind. Flute joins in, and orchestration, before slamming bass and electric guitar, coupled with drums. Forget it, I give up on trying to understand their version of the story. The vocals are so lost amidst the bombast.
“The Great Battle (or the War of Wrath)”, finally has distinguishable lyrics. A male singer sings, “It’s hard to begin. Seems to have ended”, to excellent piano accompaniment. The music is held within the volume necessary to understand the lyrics with music playing. One of the album’s best songs, by a long shot. Why couldn’t the whole album be like this. But a battle…without real battle sound effects?
I would love to see this album performed live, like Arjen Lucassen has done with many of his epic stories set to music. This would-be incredible material to see live, with orchestra and choir. However, more powerful vocals are absolutely necessary.
I was really looking forward to this album, when I first heard about it. So, it is with regret that I do not recommend you buy it. Wait, until, hopefully the music will be played live and a DVD or Blue ray may arrive.
The album was recorded and mixed by Massimiliano Flak (Sound Storm, Highlord) at Evolution Studios, and mastered by Brett Caldas-Lima (Ayreon, Devin Townsend Project, Pain of Salvation, etc.) at Tower Studio. The incredible artwork was created by Felipe Franco Machado (Blind Guardian, Axel Rudi Pell, Rage, etc.), to perfectly match the story the album is all about.
Tracks Listing
1. Fate Disclosed (2:08)
2. Wars of Beleriand (6:58)
3. Hell of Iron (5:46)
4. Wars Begin (7:01)
5. Kinslaying (The First) (7:43)
6. Grinding Ice (8:27)
7. Battle Under the Stars (4:39)
8. Spirit of Fire (7:17)
9. The Broidress (3:43)
10. The Great Battle (or the War of Wrath) (11:58)
11. Apocalypse (4:24)
12. Apocalypse (Acoustic Bonus Track) (3:46)*
Weblinks:
ainur.it
facebook.com/ainurprogrockorchestra