Gloryhammer - Space 1993: Wrath of Kor-Virliath (2026) Album Review

Cover of Space 1993: Wrath of Kor-Virliath (source: www.gloryhammer.com)

    Gloryhammer is a relatively young band on the power metal scene, formed in 2013 by Christopher Bowes (Alestorm), but they have quickly established a huge cult following thanks to their intergalactic tales and epic symphonic battles. Their new album is the fifth studio record in their discography. Blending symphonic power metal, catchy melodies and epic sci-fi storytelling, the record continues the band's cosmic fantasy saga. Read my Gloryhammer Space 1993: Wrath of Kor-Virliath review, check the tracklist and compare ratings from other metal publications.

My Thoughts:

I think the album is a solid ride, but at times it feels more like 80s disco and synth-pop than straight-ahead power metal. There are actually plenty of heavy riffs here, but the overly prominent, very 80s-sounding keyboards often overshadow them. Combined with the polished, disco-style vocal melodies, they make the songs super catchy and fun, but also take away some of that heavy metal grit.
My rating: 7/10
(what do you think about this album - leave a comment)

Other Reviews and Ratings

"If nothing else, GLORYHAMMER have always provided some light relief. An inherently ridiculous proposition from the start, the Anglo-American quintet built their reputation on being slightly more preposterous than everybody else, with albums that matched the giddy stupidity of their elaborate concepts with music that was as formidably heavy and sumptuously symphonic as anything else in contemporary metal. [...], GLORYHAMMER have never tried to provide solutions to humanity's ills, but they have proudly cheered a lot of people up along the way. [...]"
BLABBERMOUTH.NET 7.5/10

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"A direct sequel to Space 1992 that comes back darker, heavier and more cinematic — and closes on a twelve-minute finale that may be the best thing they have...
[...]"
My Global Mind 10/10

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"Hoots! Grab your hammers and don your armour, as Gloryhammer return with their fifth album, and Angus Mcfife V and co. embark on yet another intergalactic space quest. Christopher Bowes, keyboard player and mastermind behind the band, is a busy man. Somehow, he manages to juggle Gloryhammer, Alestorm, and the lesser-known extreme wizard metal band Wizardthrone. But that doesn’t compromise the quality on display here. [...]"
The Razors Edge

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"The modern power metal legends are back this Friday with their highly anticipated new album. Not only is it a follow-up to 2023’s Return to the Kingdom of Fife, but it seems to be a direct sequel to 2015’s much loved Space 1992.[...]
A grandiose, pretty long intro track sets the epic tone perfectly and expertly blends into the lead single from the album[...]
By ‘Silver Talon’ I did start getting slightly tired of the same style, pace and lyrics for a fourth straight song. It’s a damn good song in its own right, and very enjoyable in isolation[...]"
Overtone 7.5/10

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(transl.) "Listening to Gloryhammer for the story is like watching a softcore sex comedy for the plot or the outstanding acting.[...]
I wasn't particularly happy with the band's previous release, [...]. The fact that the music had also become less hard and more Eurodance certainly didn't help either.
Michael still sounds like you asked Suno to generate a power metal vocalist. He's not bad, just boring and generic[...]"
heavymetal.dk 5/10

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Average rating from other publications: 7.5/10

Tracklist

1. Ultra Portam Astralem
2. Ultimate Sacrifice
3. On a Quest for Aberdeen
4. Die with a Sword in My Hand
5. Silver Talon
6. Starfighters of Leuchars
7. Warriors of Auchtermuchty
8. Pax Galactica
9. Demonic Devotion
10. Hammer of Fate
11. The Celestial Warhost of the Dundonian Empire Marches to Space Against the Dark Sorcerer: Final Assault on Battlemoon X-22

Line-up:

* Sozos Michael – Lead Vocals
* Paul Templing – Guitars, Backing Vocals
* James Cartwright – Bass, Backing Vocals
* Michael Barber – Keyboards
* Ben Turk – Drums, Synthesizers, Orchestrations

The official GLORYHAMMER Website

Worth checking:
- our previous review - [Review] Frozen Crown - The Legend of the Six Kings
- Latest Upcoming Album Releases - Forthcoming albums - August 2026