Review PORTRAIT “The Host”

It took them a while to work on the new album and three years after the release of “At One With None”, Portrait are back with their sixth longplayer. The Swedes put a lot of time and effort into their latest release as it is a special one for the band. Portrait took the challenge of writing a concept album which is always a special thing as a storyline and music needs to go hand in hand from start to finish.

Not being a total surprise, the band goes back in history and tells the story of a nameless protagonist who is looking for truth and strength after having had to face injustice and hypocrisy. In principle we are dealing with a sword and battle storyline that fits to the bands trademarks and is narrated in 14 chapters/songs.

It was the lyrical concept that existed first and once the script for this story was rolled out, the songwriting went rather smooth.

No doubt, Portrait’s music reflected always a certain fascination for Mercyful Fate and King Diamond, not only, but also very much due to the falcett-like screams of frontman Per Lengstedt. Those moments are also present on the new longplayer more than just once being also a style element to make the expression of ths tory stronger and more impactful.

The prelude to this concept album is called “Hoc Est Corpus Meum”. It is a dark intro that creates the base for the thundering “The Blood Covenant” with its racing tempo. Furious solo parts a strong punch is what fan will appreciate a lot.

“The Blood Covenant” is certainly the fastest track on the album while the band also takes a theatric turn with songs like “One Last Kiss”. Partly acoustic and emotion-laden the song has a cinematic expression with the next song in line being the counterpart. Although having some melodic guitar lines the song is faster and louder. “Treachery” is a typical metal anthem that might not bring much new to the plate but is crafted in an excellent way.

The center of inspiration for “Dwellers of the Threshold” can be found in Denmark again, followed by the traditional metal anthem “Die in My Heart”. That Portrait can also ignite riff fireworks in slower pace is what “Voice of the Outsider” brings to light before the guys shift gears again with “From the Urn”.

Not to forget in all this is the closing chapter of this story. “The Passions of Sophia” is with 11-minutes the by far longest track on the album and cinematic grand finale of Portrait’s first concept album. I actually was reminded a bit of the earlier Manowar and Virgin Steele while listening to the closer with all its pathos.

One can conclude that Portrait deliver with “The Host” a well-crafted metal album that shows again their passion for traditional metal that isn’t shy of high-pitch screams. “The Host” has a headbanging-guarantee included and it is the versatility that creates excitement throughout.