Non-existence? What does that mean? Well if you've ever watched the show Metalocalypse, a cancelled (but absolutely amazing) show from adult-swim, then you may have a brief idea of what I meant in the title. If not, allow me to explain.
Pentakill is based off of several video game characters from League of Legends, an extremely popular MMO MOBA.
The game started making skins (cool outfits you can buy for your characters) with the label "Pentakill" on it. They gave these characters an instrument each. For example, you could buy a Pentakill skin for a champion called Mordekaiser. This skin kept his basic character look, but made him bare-chested and a badass blood-red guitar with spikes and such. Another character, Karthus, who normally wields a sceptre was given a skin where he now holds a microphone. Months after these skins came out, League of Legends announced out of nowhere that they were getting musicians together to write an album. And when this album hit, I didn't think much. How good can an album from a video game company be? Sure, a lot of video games have GREAT soundtracks, but making a metal album from scratch based off of the game sounded like a sure failure.
I. Could. Not. Have. Been. More. Wrong.
Pentakills first album was amazing. It featured two singers, Jorn Lande, and ZP Theart (previously of Dragonforce). The riffs were heavy and fast. The singing was incredible. Overall, it'll just make you wish this wasn't just a studio band, because if these guys toured it would be an incredible show. The album even has some instrumental tracks consisting of a fully symphonic track (feels very Harry Potter themed, which is great) and a techno/trap track.
I almost forgot to mention the best part of this album. League of Legends released it for the incredible price of $0. Yeah. Free. Can't beat that. Check out my favorite track Deathfire Grasp and Thornmail below. Then we'll move onto the new album.
Now let's talk about Pentakill 2: Grasp of the Undying.
This album sort of came as a surprise to most people. Metal isn't really a popular genre. So a lot of peeps thought it would be a one and done kind of deal. But fortunately that was not the case. In fact, the band recorded even more songs than the last record, AND made an animated music video with the Pentakill band champions in it. And it is oh so sweet. Jorn Lande returns to lead the way on vocals again, but the album also features Per Johansson, and female vocalist Noora Louhimo. And once again, the whole album is free. Check out the lead single Mortal Reminder!
So how does it compare to the last album? It's a bit tough to say. The first album has a solid amount of tracks. All 6 in my opinion are at least a 7/10. The newest one has a pitfall or two. I'd say the track Frozen Heart is lacking a bit, but at the same time the rest of the tracks once again are top notch. The guitar solos, a personal favorite thing of mine being a guitarist, are out of this world. I thought Deathfire Grasp had some shred to it, and then I listened to Rapidfire Cannon....holy shit. Talk about a facemelter.
So do yourselves a favor, check this freaking album out. It's free after all. There's literally no reason not to check it out.