Swedish wizard rock band Ravenrock made their live debut at the recent “Wrock and Love Festival”, and have just released their first full length album on June 6. Titled Heptalogy, the band (which is actually comprised of one member – Johan Leoo) graciously shared a copy with the Wizrocklopedia so we could properly review it for wizard rock fans who are craving some new music. Johan’s been working on this album on and off since last August, and his dedication definitely shines in his work. Initially the album will be available on the Ravenrock Bandcamp page for $5, and in the near future physical copies will be made available as well.

So without further ado, let’s get into the music!

The album starts of with “Hedwig – Variation on a Theme”, an acoustic rendition of the theme we all know so well. However, halfway through the song the music immediately goes heavy, into an almost bombastic stoner-rock feel. It comes as a surprise, but Ravenrock makes it work. After the instrumental introduction, the synth pop of “Chamber of Secrets (Part One)” takes over as the song recounts the major plot points of the second book. The vocals use Auto Tune to give the almost standard vocoder type effect that’s becoming a bit overused at this point. It works, however, within the context of the song and the piano melody helps tie everything together.

“Sorting Song” is a mid-tempo rocker propelled by acoustic guitars and a fast-paced vocal singing from the Sorting Hat’s point of view, recounting the different house characteristics as it considers new Hogwarts students. “Luna Lament” is a touching tune about everyone’s favorite nargle believer, sung from a shy student who crushes on her (and her uniquely beautiful qualities) from afar.

“If I Survive” takes the feel of the album to an even deeper emotional depth, offering a gently fingerpicked guitar with some strings in the background which help support the quiet vocals. “The Final Moments of Severus Snape” starts with some ominous piano playing underneath dialogue from Deathly Hallows concerning Snape’s end. Halfway through the semi-instrumental, the song takes on an almost funeral dirge like feel, underscoring Snape’s death.

“Azkaban Interlude” brings us a tolling bell, martial drums, and a solemn electric guitar solo that truly evokes the feel of being trapped in Azkaban. The downtrodden feel of the previous songs gives way to Ravenrock’s upbeat cover of the Draco and the Malfoys classic “99 Death Eaters” that wouldn’t sound out of place in a 80’s dance pop soundtrack.

“The Misery of Argus Filch” provides listeners a glimpse into Filch’s world and life from his point of view, and the quiet guitars help emphasize the lyrics’ melancholy. “Fall From the Tower” is another instrumental track, giving a quiet and somber backing to Dumbledore’s final moments. From there, Ravenrock moves into the Harry and the Potters classic “The Human Hosepipe” with a nice little musical nod to one of the lyrics that’ll definitely put a smile on your face. In fact, the song itself is almost a bit too upbeat and happy in contrast to the lyrics, and doesn’t share the same confused angst that the original has.

After the short instrumental “After the Battle”, “This is the End” (previously available as a single on the band’s Bandcamp page) covers the events leading up to Harry’s battle with Voldemort, with a reaching chorus that emphasizes the tension in the air as the Battle of Hogwarts comes to its final close. Finally, the album wraps up with another instrumental, the quietly melodic “Dreams of a World In Harmony” which was originally not meant for this album, but Johan added in because its feeling fit in with the overall theme of the album (a decision which we heartily agree with).

Heptalogy is an interesting debut album – it’s very instrumentally strong, and that’s perhaps it’s finest attribute. Musically, the majority of the songs tend to be on the quieter, somber side which comes as a bit of a surprise after the first two songs; that’s not a BAD thing by any means, however it’s a bit unexpected after your initial impressions. The vocals on the album are very strained at times, without a large range – but don’t let that dissuade you from giving the songs a listen, because the fantastic musicianship and songwriting more than makes up for that.

If you’re looking for a wizard rock album to listen to while you cruise the highways with your windows rolled down, this may not exactly fit the bill. These are songs meant to be felt as much as listened to; I could see myself putting this album on while re-reading Deathly Hallows, and having the music fit much of the emotions of the book. Johan mentioned that he drew inspiration from movie soundtracks, and I feel that has helped him craft a debut album that is perfect for reading, relaxing, or taking a slow drive in a pouring rainstorm. The majority of his work also harkens back to instrumental wrockers like Dumbledork or Mirror of Erised, who used melody and musical emotion to convey their thoughts and feelings on the books, rather than rely on lyrics alone.

Be sure to give the songs a listen on Bandcamp, and pick up a copy of Heptalogy if you like it! Let us know below how you like the album, and your thoughts on Ravenrock’s full length debut.