PUC Chronicle

Issue date: 1/29/07 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: myspace.com Lorenguard, originating from Lafayette, is known for their themed live performances. Lorenguard band members dress up in costumes, including cloaks and cowls to add to their concert themes of medival time.

Have you ever played "Dungeons & Dragons" or "Dark Tower?" If you recall the former, then kudos. How about a role-playing game for a video game system, maybe "World of Warcraft?" Try living it on stage in front of an adoring fan base. Lorenguard, hailing from the blistering cold and mountainous region of Western Lafayette, do just that each time they suit up and slay the crowd.
Watching seven guys embrace their dream of being fantasy heroes is awesome. Watching seven guys do it while rocking out heavy metal in full garb is something worth seeing. No reference is left out; castle siege, dragons, swords and shields, demons and dark princess'. Lorenguard takes you there; lyrically, musically and visually.
Fittingly, the members have chosen stage names that embody their imagery and personas. Lead vocalist Rob Smith becomes "Donovan Marlowe," Raleigh Barrett performs narrations and additions vocals as the Viking-themed "Skahgerok Sindre," David Russell (who recently won his own victory over Leukemia) suits up in a cloak and cowl on the keyboard as "Anerith Zathon," guitarists Dave Schneider and T.J. Hunt are "Anathu" and "Prince Cedric Galvian" and lastly, brothers in life and the rhythm section Adam and Brady Sadler wield the bass and drum kit as "Sebastian" and "Raiken Belrouse."
Live - this group is glorious, even while sick. The vocals sail Dio style over the music and the guitarists bring the shred the entire set.
It was awesome to watch the curtain pull out of sight and reveal not just a band but an experience involving seven fellows who know what to do with a stage and some snappy attire.
Donovan makes all the right gestures even swinging his hands into the air and holding them in the "just-right" position as if calling for a snifter of brandy.
Each guitar solo builds and dive-bombs with pinch harmonic doom at all the right moments. To top off what was already an enrapturing performance the band passes out toy swords during their "hit." I ain't gonna lie here folks; I ran to the front of the stage to try and get one but was overwhelmed by the blood-thirsty, sword-swinging crowd and was denied the chance.
Lorenguard's first EP "Of Tales to Come" visits familiar fantasy metal stomping grounds. The best part about it though is those of us from Indiana get to claim them, seeing as how the members come from both Indianapolis and Lafayette. The production isn't a perfect fit for a metal band but don't think for a minute it lacks quality. Everything sounds beautiful and full.

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