Embedded Files
KERRIGAN – “Wayfarer”
KERRIGAN – “Wayfarer”
By Mercyful Mike
High Roller Records has been on quite the roll (wink, wink) as of late, and they continue their hot streak with the brand new offering from Germany’s KERRIGAN. 2023’s full length debut “Bloodmoon” was my intro to the band, and while very good, it fell out of fashion for me rather quickly. Now that “Wayfarer” has entered the conversation, KERRIGAN has my full, uninterrupted attention.
While the playing field for so called “traditional heavy metal” continues to become increasingly crowded (especially when it comes to our German friends), KERRIGAN is definitely poised to break from the pack. Lead track “Torchbearer” makes an immediate statement, indicating we are in for a very memorable ride.
“Asylum” ups the tempo, leading perfectly into the outstanding “The Ice Witch”, complete with a frosty intro. Huge riffs and catchy as hell, this may be the album's best showcase of just how accomplished Jonas Weber and Bruno Schotten are with tasty licks and solos. Their interplay and dual harmonies may have that THIN LIZZY flavor, but I’d be remiss in not mentioning Tipton/Downing as well. Exquisite.
Album namesake “Wayfarer” darkens the atmosphere and ups the melancholy, teetering in doom territory ever so slightly. Weber’s vocals soar and croon, and are uniquely enjoyable. It’s hard to pinpoint a direct comparison, but those pointing fingers at GHOST’s Papa Emeritus are definitely stretching. However you look at it, Weber’s vocals are a key element in the KERRIGAN formula.
Second half bangers “Blood and Steel” and “Dystopia” are galloping metal goodness, commanding heads to bang away, but “Red Light Tower” steals the show, folks. If you’ve been following along even the slightest bit, you know how crucial I am of album closers. Happy to report KERRIGAN passed with flying colors in this category. Equal parts epic and magnificent, KERRIGAN crafts a sonic journey filled with melodic twists and turns that every good finale deserves. Once again, Weber and Schotten amaze with their performance, which only heightens the value of this song. The duo’s concluding solos intermingling with the Weber’s final verses are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
“Memories are holding me
Caught in the red light tower
Stuck between
My hopes and dreams
Caught in the red light tower
And I wonder
Why it keeps me going on…”
“Wayfarer” is a great improvement over “Bloodmoon”, and will undoubtedly find itself at the finish line of 2026. There are zero missteps on “Wayfarer”, but I have an overwhelming feeling we haven’t heard the best of KERRIGAN quite yet. Highly recommended!
9/10
Report abuse