London-based metal band Lost Citadel makes a striking debut with their three-track EP, The Watcher’s Spire, released on November 15, 2024. With influences ranging from traditional heavyweights like Visigoth and Eternal Champion to the melodic finesse of European power metal legends such as Orden Ogan and Bloodbound, the band delivers a sound that is both classic and refreshingly inventive.
At the heart of Lost Citadel’s identity lies their dynamic songwriting, characterized by the interplay between twin lead guitars. Intricate yet powerful, these guitar harmonies weave a seamless tapestry of riffs that feel equally inspired by metal’s golden age and its modern evolution. Complementing this is a vocal approach that is as engaging as it is inventive, with Daniel Leons-Marder’s voice cutting through the mix with emotional clarity. A robust rhythm section adds technicality and depth, ensuring every track feels polished and expressive.
The EP explores themes of divination in a high fantasy setting, capturing the imagination as much as the ear. The lead single, “Ambria,” released earlier in September, has already garnered airplay on the UK’s Primordial Radio, signaling a strong start for the band. Alongside tracks like “The Bad Necromancer” and “Embers of Conquest,” The Watcher’s Spire creates a vivid world brimming with mysticism and adventure.
The standout feature of this EP is its unique balance: gritty and muscular guitar work paired with melodic sensibilities that make every song memorable. This duality reflects the band’s influences, from the galloping rhythms of Slough Feg to the soaring melodies of Wuthering Heights.
The release is celebrated with an EP launch show at Camden’s Fiddler’s Elbow on November 22, featuring Bloodstock Festival veterans Sorceress of Sin. With album artwork by Mark Erskine, the visual and sonic elements of The Watcher’s Spire come together seamlessly, establishing Lost Citadel as a band with both grit and grace.
Lost Citadel’s lineup includes Daniel Leons-Marder (vocals, keys), John Evered (guitars), Aaron Sharma (guitars), Kerryan Dawson (drums), and Adam Havsky (bass). Together, they have created a debut EP that surely captivates its listers! For fans of heavy riffs and captivating melodies, this is, without a doubt, one band to watch!
