Emerging Artist Reviews

EP Review: Dragonborn "No Mercy"

by The Metalverse

Updated July 14, 2026

The Turkish epic metal band Dragonborn (can't help but think of Skyrim) released their latest EP "No Mercy" on May 3rd. Founded in 2024 by Ekrem Kani, Dragonborn is a completely original creative universe centered on a war between fire and ice dragons, as well as the armies that they command. The project is also in the works as a standalone book.

The EP begins with "Ash Before Dawn," and it is my first introduction to the band. Very quickly, you can hear the expertise of the arrangement as massive orchestral elements, percussion, and choirs build a truly cinematic sound that feels like the opening to a fantasy epic like The Lord of the Rings. The 3-minute intro perfectly sets the scene for a huge, fantasy world filled with magic and battle.

Next is "Warhorns For Liars," which kicks off the album as dark horns are soon met by explosive guitar chugging, booming wardrums, and powerful choirs. Dragonborn manages to keep the same level of theatricality as the intro track while introducing heavy metal and screaming vocals. Dragonborn reminds me of power metal with the dramatic fantasy elements, but feels more authentic and goes a step further into the cinematic vibe with their music.

"Execution" starts with booming wardrums as the cadence of an army's footsteps landing with a thud can be heard in the distance. Soon, loud cheering, bright strings, and soaring guitar leads cut through the heavy metal, creating a sense of intrigue and interest through the heaviness.

The fourth track, "Revenge Of Pagan Storms," starts with brutal synchronized guitar chugging and double bass drumming after a pause for the dramatic unsheathing of a sword. Stoccato string hits add impactful hits as screeching guitar leads create a classic heavy metal sound alongside powerful screams. Throughout their music, Dragonborn perfectly balances intensity and melody as melodic elements are always contrasted by equal symphonic elements to create a sense of balance.

"Valexus, Lord Of Ice" starts with distorted guitar and slamming drums as rising trumpets fill the background. As the song builds, energetic screaming, strings, and electrifying guitar solos are brought into the fray. In a bridge that slows things down to change up the dynamics, clean guitar builds a strong atmosphere as a female narrator begins to speak. A shredding guitar solo builds back into galloping tempos and blaring trumpets as the full gusto of the band is brought back.

The final song, "When Steel Forgot Fire," starts with an atmospheric acoustic guitar that layers atop itself. The dramatic guitar work reminds me of a medieval nighttime campfire tune as dark choirs hold the low-end in the background. Just as the first song acted as a powerful introduction to set the stage for the music, "When Steel Forgot Fire" ends the EP in an equally epic and grandiose fashion.

Overall, Dragonborn has a very unique and meticulously thought-out sound. The band perfectly encapsulates the magic and feeling of fantasy; their music feels cinematic, theatrical, and epic, and is followed by a complex world that has been designed around the music. You can stream "No Mercy" on all platforms now.