Review by Alex Grindor on September 18, 2024.

Recently called "The most arid Viking metal band in the world" due to their geographical location, Wardemon has made quite the buzz for a couple of years now. Formed by Jorge Vargas and Israel Bruna, Wardemon has seen tremendous support from their peers as they not only provide a great show but also combine it with somewhat-choreographed Viking battles in the midst of their setlist, which has had a great reception from their fans. Since 2021, Wardemon has released mostly singles and an EP, but in 2024, the band announced their debut full-length; Aires De Guerra.

Beginning with the self-titled intro, it quickly sets up the atmosphere for the first real track 'Morir The Pié', one of their most recognized songs. In their 10 tracks, Wardemon pays tribute to Viking mythology, warriors of old, epic battles, and (of course) to drink some mead after a well-earned victory in battle. Musically, it is well-executed, all instruments are in perfect balance and do not overshadow or drown each other. The guitars have a lot of riffs and (more importantly) never seem to subdue in their endurance, as the average song lasts around 5 minutes. The bass has a notorious presence and keeps up with the guitars, all of this toppled with great keyboards that just add to the overall atmosphere. Drums are just as perfectly done as well, even more so in the last 3 tracks, which are each longer than the last but show no signs of relenting.
Vocals are comprised of guttural growls and clean vocals (which are provided by the rest of the band). As the project was initially conceived to be more akin to Amon Amarth and Unleashed, the growled vocals could be the last vestige of this initial conception, as the voice is (in my opinion at least) way too much for what the music actually needs. I think a more subdued performance could have been better than the deep growl Jorge provides, but this is just a minor detail.

Production-wise, there is pretty much nothing to complain about. Wardemon knew exactly what they wanted to sound like and found the best people they could to fulfill their standards. As stated previously, all instruments are well-balanced and no one is left without their moment to shine. I did find though that the guitar melodies sound a bit drowned at moments but they are still perceptible. If I had to point at something that brings the album down by some points, it would have to be the last 2 tracks (outro not
included) 'Requiem' and 'To Die Standing'. 'Requiem' is the album's closing epic, lasting almost 11 minutes, but it does feel that it could have been shorter, given the constant repetition of a leitmotif that lasts around 4 minutes that I think could have been more compacted without detracting from the song as a whole. 'To Die Standing' is an English version of 'Morir De Pie' and it shows that translating the lyrics to another language does not mean they can sound or fit as well as they do in their original language. I give it props for the intention but it feels like an unnecessary addition to bookend an excellent album.

Overall, Aires De Guerra is an impressive debut album and sets a standard for Wardemon as a band, AI cover art notwithstanding as it is a current trope that many bands are using, but the horrendous photoshop of the bloodstains in the axe cannot be excused. Wardemon's debut shows very few flaws and exudes quality and compromise, taking no shortcuts in the production and getting the best available for the job. If the idea of a Viking metal band born in the desert catches your attention, then Wardemon's
Aires De Guerra is recommended.

Rating: 9 out of 10