Era cover

Era

Elvenking · 2012

52 min · 12 tracks · power metal

A vibrant blend of folk and power metal that weaves intricate melodies with epic storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Am The Monster — This track exemplifies the album's darker themes and features powerful vocals alongside dynamic instrumentation, creating an intense listening experience.
  • →
    A Song For The People — Clocking in at just under two minutes, this track stands out for its poignant lyrics and acoustic arrangement, offering a reflective pause in the album.
  • →
    Chronicle Of A Frozen Era — The closing track encapsulates the album's overarching narrative with sweeping melodies and rich harmonies, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk and power metal effectively but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of dual vocals, alternating between clean singing and harsh growls, which adds dynamic contrast throughout the tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and choirs, enhancing the epic feel of the music and supporting the storytelling aspect.
  • The tempo varies significantly across the album, with some tracks maintaining a fast pace while others slow down for more reflective moments, creating a sense of ebb and flow.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • fantastical soundscapes for daydreaming
  • cathartic releases with powerful riffs
  • playful storytelling in diverse tracks
  • intense emotions with vivid imagery

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek immediate gratification over depth

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 14, 2012, Era is Elvenking's fifth studio album, following the band's 2008 release, Two Tragedy Poets... And a Caravan of Weird Figures. At this point in their career, Elvenking was solidifying their unique sound by further blending genres and expanding their lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Korpiklaani· Finntroll· Blind Guardian

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Walking Dead

    The bridge shifts to a more introspective tone as it explores themes of isolation and survival amidst haunting imagery.

    This moment contrasts sharply with the preceding verses, introducing vulnerability that deepens the emotional impact of the song.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Loser 4:58
  • 2 I Am The Monster 5:13
  • 3 Midnight Skies, Winter Sighs 4:34
  • 4 A Song For The People 1:47
  • 5 We, Animals 4:08
  • 6 Through Wolf's Eyes 3:18
  • 7 Walking Dead 3:45
  • 8 Forget-Me-Not 5:40
  • 9 Poor Little Baroness 5:19
  • 10 The Time Of Your Life 4:21
  • 11 Chronicle Of A Frozen Era 6:41
  • 12 Ophale 2:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata