Introducing a unique ode to the ancient poetry of East Asia’s borderlands and battlefields, this phenomenal playlist compiles English Metal Songs that traverse the historical landscapes and stories of a rich cultural fabric.
Featuring a plethora of compositions uniting war cries, poems, melodies and dramatic cinematic arrangements, this playlist begins with the fast-paced drama and passion of Hymn to the Fallen, a devout and catchy progression, which utilises contrast beautifully between the quiet verse poetry or piano-led bridge, and the bolder anthemic choruses.
This is the first sonic journey of the 23-track playlist, and captures the urgency and emotion of an advancing army, backed by taiko drums and contemplative ideas that feel both motivational and devastating in their poignancy and truth.
March Of Pamir’s Course continues with the same chorus of male voices united in volume and song, with hints of electronic alteration to the underlying progressive metal set-up. Then for Marching Chant in the North, we enter a decidedly concise and catchy portrayal of conflict, with a poem from Du Fu reflecting both artistry and politics in equal parts.
Young Man’s Chivalry is a distinct highlight, a rise and fall melody and a superb use of contrast between the soothing melody, the rising anticipation of the verse, and the sudden energy and power of the drop to this metal-infused anthemic chorus.
We then get the raw and tribal human unity of Comrades Share the Cloak, with a mighty metal guitar-line at the forefront, and literal lyrics offering short and memorable rhyming couplets. Another impassioned hook delivers a level of motivation and self-belief that’s intoxicating at volume.
Revolution: Oath of Pastoral Field is a war song with a striking electric guitar-line, leading us into a relentless and breathless outpouring of reflections from the Oath of Muye – a significant moment in East Asian history during the transition from the Kingdom of Shang to the Kingdom of Chük.
The story continues to enthral, with stylistic variations accompanying the changing details of this plethora of landscape and events from the vast timeline. Consider the closing moments of The Warden’s Last Stand, a high-octane metal soundscape with supreme guitar work and fast-paced vocals igniting a sense of heavy metal nostalgia and theatrical conviction. This closing track wraps up the intensity and journey of the playlist with a fearless reminder of the sacrifices and struggles that consistently paved the way.
Transport yourself to the battles and the stories around the Great Wall, experience the movie-like embrace of intricate production and performances that feel both organically tribal and cleanly contemporary. This playlist is a musical anthology, inviting listeners to reflect upon the human condition through the sadly forever relevant lens of conflict and determination. It’s a fiercely focused set of stories and songs, with a boldly heartfelt undertone that feels decidedly honest and, at times, heart-breaking.
