Since their debut in 2005, Derdian have told one long fantasy story across their albums: the New Era saga. If you are discovering the symphonic power metal band from Milan, this is the best place to start.
Who is Troghlor?
Every chapter opens in the fortress of Derdian, where Troghlor, sitting on a glittering throne in front of a crowd of warriors, begins to tell an epic tale of war, death, battles and conquests. Troghlor is no ordinary storyteller: he is the bloodthirsty warlord at the heart of the saga, the man who sealed a blood pact with Mohzer, god of darkness. You can read the full story, chapter by chapter, on the New Era page.
The chapters
New Era Pt. 1 (2005)
Derdian is a peaceful and democratic kingdom, where war is waged only in defence. Not far away, in the dark jails of Astar, the tyrant Troghlor dreams of revenge – until Mohzer offers him a pact: the power to seize the souls of his victims. Troghlor conquers Derdian and imposes the law of blood: a New Era begins, and his black army spreads terror as far as the lands of Anubi. Beside him rises Golstar, a commander torn between his duty and the love for Lady Loren.
Our pick: Screams of Agony.
New Era Pt. 2 – War of the Gods (2007)
Released on Magna Charta, the second chapter brings betrayal and gods into the war. Golstar turns against Troghlor, heroes search for the Oracle known as the Immortal, and the fate of Astar and its king Exenthar hangs in the balance. But the gods of evil are not done: to save his life Golstar accepts a spell that strips him of every good feeling and takes the throne of Derdian. Evil has triumphed.
Our pick: The Hunter.
New Era Pt. 3 – The Apocalypse (2010)
Golstar finally awakens from the spell and realises the horrors he has committed. After the final battle of Astar he proclaims democracy and erases every evil deity from the kingdom. Mohzer’s answer is the apocalypse: fire, blood and lightning rain from the sky and Derdian sinks into the ocean forever. Golstar dies with a pure heart and is reunited with Lady Loren. The reign of evil seems defeated… for now.
Our pick: Battleplan.
New Era Pt. 4 – Resurgence (2023)
Centuries later, from his throne of light, Mohzer watches over the world that once was home to the empire of Derdian – and plans the return of evil and of his favourite demon, Lord Troghlor. After more than ten years the saga is back, released by King Records in Japan and self-produced in the rest of the world.
Our pick: Derdian.
Where to start listening
All the albums, with full tracklists, are on the Releases page. And if you want to enter the saga first-hand, play as Troghlor in Derdian Quest, the band’s official video game.