Rating:

Tengwar has spent much time studying the heavy metal classics. Considering that all of the band members are in their early twenties, this is nothing to scoff at. Tengwar, whose name is an Elvish language created by Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien, plays ballsy, traditional heavy metal in the vein of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest with a bit of thrash and impressive ’80s flair added. Their self-released debut album, Flight of the Dragon, showcases the exceptional musical abilities of the band’s members without sounding like a wank-fest.

Tengwar guitarist and head honcho Mike Conner, at a mere 23 years of age, has accomplished in his playing what takes many a lifetime. Not only can he and fellow guitarist Brandon Blair shred, but they are also able to create tight, catchy melodies within each of their songs. Many of the tracks are filled with inspired melodies and dual harmonies. The solos on the album are quite impressive; they sound older than the people creating them. Listening to Flight of the Dragon, it is difficult to believe that these masters of the six-stringed beast did not hone their chops in Metallica’s era.

Not to steal any thunder from the other members of the band, the rest of Tengwar’s lineup could easily hold their own in a talent contest. Drummer Cody Watlington’s cymbal-heavy approach to the set is refreshing in a world of metal filled with blast beats. It appears as though he has also taken lessons from the ’80s greats. Bassist Matt Conner, while not always audible on Flight of the Dragon, is able to pound out notes like Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris when necessary. Vocalist Jack Bauer - an actual blast from the past - has a very unique voice, especially for someone his age. Imagine a slightly lower-pitched Geddy Lee at 21 years old and you have Bauer. While vocals of this style may not be the trend in today’s metal market, they fit the music well and help to “age’ the band’s sound.

The songwriting, at least from a musical standpoint, is solid. Each song is built with a good blend of melody and showmanship, and the guitar solos—especially in tracks like “Nothing Here” and “Dark Days and Alleyways”—are both well placed and nearly flawless. While most of Flight of the Dragon comprises straightforward heavy metal, some tracks feature keyboards, melodic parts and progressive elements. “The Watcher,” for example, begins much like Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan” before the gear shifts upward, and “Once to Die” employs the use of a sample in the opening seconds of the song, making it sound similar to Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast” or “The Prisoner.” One album highlight is “The Ring,” which features truly classic guitar parts in a more modern, progressive setting.

While most of today’s bands are content to steal music from their heroes, Tengwar really honor and pay tribute to the kings of metal. They pour both heart and soul into Flight of the Dragon, and it comes through in the music. Tengwar can be found at the web at their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/tengwarbandtengwar.co.nr.