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Regathering their composure following a period of internal problems, Pythia’s third album is here.

Fans will know what to expect of the Londoners, still fronted by co-founder Emily Ovenden, but there’s no denying that Pythia do what they do incredibly well.

Emily’s spectacular voice remains the focal point of a style that fuses symphonic and gothic elements, transporting us to a fantasy-driven wonderland that yields muscle, romance and commercial appeal. Is that really Brian Blessed introducing Sword Of Destiny with a rousing speech to “most valiant knights”, reminding them of the courage of their forefathers? As the guitars of Ross White and Oz Wright chime out in galloping yet melodious response, echoed by the pulsating keys of Marcus Matusiak, Pythia teach a few of their rivals how to tell a decent yarn. They also deserve respect for the fact that Shadows… contrasts longer, more demanding pieces such as the yearning Your Eternity with heavier, more immediate moments like War Games and The Key.

Self-Released

Dave Ling was a co-founder of Classic Rock magazine. His words have appeared in a variety of music publications, including RAW, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Prog, Rock Candy, Fireworks and Sounds. Dave’s life was shaped in 1974 through the purchase of a copy of Sweet’s album ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’, along with early gig experiences from Status Quo, Rush, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Yes and Queen. As a lifelong season ticket holder of Crystal Palace FC, he is completely incapable of uttering the word ‘Br***ton’.