RSS Feed


TÜNDRA
Tündra EP

Self-released (2024)
Rating: 6.5/10

Tündra is a relatively new Cleveland, Ohio-based combo that dabbles in power metal, although due to poor production there’s a lack of punch on this debut EP. Even so, this three-song release rumbles like some early-to-mid 80s traditional metal import laced with New Wave Of British Heavy Metal grit.

Vocalist Nick “Killing” Kelling sounds a bit low in the mix as he cries “He’ll come and take you in the night, and he knows when you’re time is right, there’s not a chance you will survive” on opener ‘Grim Reaper’. Guitarist Nick “Rigor” Morris, alongside bassist David Coy and drummer Hunter “Haunter” Just, sounds restricted, somehow unable to unleash any fury which results in a rather tepid gallop. It’s still entertaining, if somewhat clichéd as sprigs of early Iron Maiden emerge.

‘Hell’s Heroes’ suffers the same fate, only this time the drums splat and dominate, but not in a powerhouse way. However, I’m not going to write these guys off based on one EP because closing track ‘Voices Are Calling’ restores my faith. Dripping with menace, the track sees Kelling finally take command and the rest of the band follow with dollops of molten steel.

With a decent mix Tündra could become a formidable power metal unit because the ethos is there, just embedded in the icy fog. Although not quite the arctic tundra I was expecting, a few tweaks in the mix for a full-length would surely give the blizzard full reign.

Neil Arnold

<< Back to Album & EP Reviews



Related Posts via Categories
Share