To Travel for Evermore

The second album from Wuthering Heights marks a large step in their musical career where they have traveled to places few bands have ever dared to go. They’ve created an album that takes the listener on an abstract journey through the past, future surrounded by nature all the way. From the moment the intro ends and “The Nevershining Stones” plays you get enraptured by atmospheric music unheard of on this Earth. It’s melodic beyond comprehension and energizing and uplifting to the point where you actually become the “Lost Wanderer” Wuthering Heights’ first 3 albums seem to speak of.

Describing a band like Wuthering Height’s sound is like trying to explain color to a blind person. The best way is to simply say it’s unique. I can’t for the life of my find an album or another band to cite as sounding similar to Wuthering Heights. Think atmospheric folkish progressive power metal and you’re on the way. It’s not as folky as, oh say, Eluveitie, instead there’s tons of folk inspired melodies and the occasional folk sounding keyboard part. When I say it’s progressive I mean the songs are long as most clock in at about 7 minutes but they’ll go by so fast you’ll wish there was more. That’s just the way Wuthering Heights plays.

This album is also, completely different in sound than their first album. From the larger focus on atmospheric keyboards to the now neoclassical like guitar play and even a new vocalist! The vocals on this album are unique and excellent. Fitting to the music that’s playing and complimented by the guitar playing. It looks like either Erik Ravn decided to brush up his guitar skills or the new guitarist was a smart pick because it’s amazing. They aren’t afraid to show off with jaw-dropping solos like the one in “Dancer in The Light” or the epic 8-minute instrumental “Battle of the Seasons.” Thankfully it all comes in sounding crystal clear; the production is perfect.

I’d like to go on to describe the excellent lyrics this album has. Good lyricists in metal are far and in between but Erik Ravn is one of a kind. The best example would have to be “Lost Realms” with its deep narrative taking you through a journey of nostalgia. “Let me be afraid of the dark” is probably the most impacting line in the album. The lyrics aren’t long, complicated trying too hard fake prose, instead they’re intelligent lines of song. It’s perhaps the timing when they’re sung, you can’t help but feel crushed by emotion. Also, to all you fans of catchy choruses, fear not, you can find them here as well amidst the other passages which you won’t forget any time soon, either.

To you, reader, I highly recommend this album. Whatever your tastes may be you should enjoy this for its incomparable sound. If you need music you haven’t heard before, get a Wuthering Heights record. To Travel For Evermore is important in the Wuthering Heights catalogue as it has their first attempt at an atmospheric sound, which they would later perfect. It’s melodic in a way all its own. If you need a new power/prog/folk album this should make its way to the top of your list.