Under the Grey Banner
Dragonland · 2011
59 min · 13 tracks · power metal
Epic symphonic arrangements intertwine with soaring melodies to create a grand narrative journey across fantasy landscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Shadow of the Mithril Mountains — This track captures the essence of Dragonland's storytelling through its vivid imagery and dynamic instrumentation, showcasing both intricate guitar work and orchestral elements.
-
→
The Tempest — A highlight for its dramatic shifts in tempo and mood, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend melodic hooks with aggressive passages, making it a fan favorite.
-
→
Under the Grey Banner — The title track serves as an epic climax to the album, featuring lush arrangements that enhance its narrative weight while encapsulating the overarching themes of adventure and conflict.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines orchestral depth with power metal elements, showcasing strong songwriting and production.
What we noticed
- The album features extensive orchestral arrangements that complement the guitar work, creating a layered soundscape.
- Several tracks incorporate narrative elements, with interludes that transition between musical themes and storytelling.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a fast pace while others slow down for dramatic effect.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long immersive listening sessions
- wave-like pacing throughout
- fantasy-themed storytelling elements
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Under the Grey Banner is Dragonland's fourth studio album and marks a continuation of their established power metal sound following their 2006 release, Astronomy. The album showcases the band's evolving songwriting and orchestration skills, building on the narrative themes present in their earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Rhapsody of Fire· Blind Guardian· Kamelot
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
The Tempest
A pivotal moment where the verses build to a cacophony before breaking into a serene chorus reflects internal struggle amidst chaos.
This contrast between chaos and tranquility not only highlights the emotional stakes but also demonstrates the band's adeptness at crafting dramatic musical narratives.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ilmarion 3:18
- 2 Shadow of the Mithril Mountains 5:44
- 3 The Tempest 4:13
- 4 A Thousand Towers White 4:07
- 5 Fire and Brimstone 4:31
- 6 At the Inn of Éamon Bayle 3:56
- 7 The Black Mare 6:13
- 8 Lady of Goldenwood 4:16
- 9 Dûrnir’s Forge 4:58
- 10 The Trials of Mount Farnor 5:26
- 11 Throne of Bones 1:47
- 12 Under the Grey Banner 8:04
- 13 Ivory Shores 3:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.