Bombastic Power Metal from Vienna
When a band from Austria writes a rock opera about the Nibelung saga, expectations for epicness and drama are naturally high. Ratlehole from Vienna deliver exactly that with their bonus track Dragonfight: a symphonic metal firework that takes no prisoners. The song storms forward from the very first measure with furious riffs and thundering drums.
At the center of the action is the outstanding female lead voice, which tells the story of Siegfried's dragon fight with incredible power and theatricality. The mixture of classic heavy metal elements and orchestral bombast is reminiscent of the golden era of European symphonic power metal. They don't do things by halves here, but go all out with massive choirs and epic melodic arcs.
Dragonfight is an absolute must for fans of bands who know how to perfectly combine fantasy and heavy guitars. Even though it is only a bonus track from the album The Nibelung Saga, the track absolutely stands on its own. Ratlehole impressively prove that orchestral metal from Vienna can absolutely compete on an international level.
Die SoundNex Analyse
Vocals & Performance9.0/10
The female lead vocals are the absolute heart of this epic track and cut effortlessly through the dense instrumentation. With an impressive mix of classic theatricality and pure metal energy, the story of Siegfried and the dragon comes to life. The voice skillfully varies between powerful, clear highs and a driving dynamic that immediately captivates the listener. Every note is perfect and takes the dramatic atmosphere of the rock opera to a new level. It is a masterpiece that proves both technical precision and emotional depth.
Songwriting & Composition8.5/10
Conceived as a bonus track for The Nibelung Saga, the song delivers exactly what you would expect from a symphonic rock opera. The structure is classically rooted in power metal, but repeatedly breaks out of the standard pattern through clever orchestral interludes. Driving double-bass attacks harmonize perfectly with the majestic keyboard layers and sharp guitar riffs. The chorus is extremely catchy and practically invites you to sing along with a raised fist. You can feel the attention to detail and the band's epic vision in every second.
Production & Sound Quality8.0/10
The production is massive and gives the many different tracks enough room to breathe, which is often a challenge in symphonic metal. The guitars sound razor-sharp, while the orchestral elements broaden the sound without overloading it. The drums push powerfully out of the speakers and give the track the necessary drive for a real dragon fight. Only in the absolute peaks could the mix perhaps have been a touch more transparent to bring out small nuances better. Nevertheless, the sonic guise is absolutely professional and internationally competitive.
