Orden Ogan

Power metal outfit Orden Ogan (‘order of fear’) hail from Germany, a country with an excellent pedigree in power metal thanks to the likes of Helloween, Blind Guardian, Running Wild, etc. Oddly enough Orden Ogan’ initial ambition was to make a dark fantasy western album: when asked about the idea behind the ‘Gunmen’ (2017), figurehead and jack-of-all-trades Sebastian Levermann said the first two tracks they wrote were so reminiscent of Ennio Morricone that it was now or never. The album did well in Germany and beyond, confirming their status as one of the heirs to the German power metal throne. The album is rife with high-octane riffs, blazing solos are legion and the huge singalong choruses invite crowd participation. The occasional folk metal and progressive elements help to keep things vibrant and interesting. On a lyrical note, their 2008 debut ‘Vale’ introduced us to their mascot Alister Vale, whose adventures run like a loose red thread throughout all of their albums. ‘Final Days’ was released twice: the original 2021 album was later re-recorded with a number of guest vocalists, including Stu Block (Into Eternity) and Elina (Leaves’ Eyes). If you enjoy vibrant power metal and intricate storytelling, Orden Ogan are just what you need. (#GMM26)