<p>Taking their thematic inspiration from the fantasy world of author J.R.R. Tolkien, Italian power metal combo Wind Rose align themselves in particular with the Dwarven race. A mix of sprightly symphonic and
... <p>Taking their thematic inspiration from the fantasy world of author J.R.R. Tolkien, Italian power metal combo Wind Rose align themselves in particular with the Dwarven race. A mix of sprightly symphonic and folk-metal, the band spent the mid-2010s rising in the ranks of the European metal community, paying allegiance to the Dwarves in both song and appearance before the success of their 2017 track "To Erebor" brought them greater visibility. After signing with Napalm Records, they became a viral success with the Minecraft-themed anthem "Diggy Diggy Hole" from their 2019 breakout album, Wintersaga. With their profile significantly raised, Wind Rose followed up with 2022's rousing Warfront and 2024's Trollslayer.</p>
<p>Formed in Pisa in 2009, Wind Rose's lineup includes vocalist Francesco Cavalieri, guitarist Claudio Falconcini, keyboardist Federico Meranda, bassist Cristiano Bertocchi, and drummer Federico Gatti. Both their thematic world and knack for crafting rousing power metal were in place from the beginning, and based on the strength of a 2010 demo, they earned a contract with Bakerteam Records to record their debut album, Shadows Over Lothadruin, in 2012. Over the next few years, the band worked to establish themselves, touring with groups like Finntroll and Epica in advance of their 2015 follow-up, Wardens of the West Wind.</p>
<p>By the time of their third long-player, Stonehymn, Wind Rose had begun to find a wider audience. Released in 2017 by Inner Wound Recordings, the album's second single, "To Erebor," became a surprise hit, notching a significant number of streams and earning Wind Rose slots at prestigious festivals like Bloodstock in England and Masters of Rock in the Czech Republic. Signing with Napalm Records, the band released the single "Diggy Diggy Hole" in June 2019. A straight-up Dwarf anthem based around an online catchphrase used by players of the video game Minecraft, the song went viral and drew much attention to Wind Rose's fourth album, Wintersaga, which arrived later that September.</p>
<p>The band carried their newfound momentum into the next decade, releasing Warfront in 2022. Replete with battle anthems, orchestral passages, and even a multi-part prog rock suite, Warfront built on Wind Rose's growing legacy. They continued to court Dwarf metal glory on 2024's Trollslayer, a robust and deeply melodic set that featured cuts like "To Be a Dwarf" and "Legacy of the Forge."</p>
<p>Timothy Monger<br />AllMusic.com</p>
