Ravensire - The Cycle Never Ends

Ravensire is a four piece band consisting of, Rick - Vocals / Bass. Nuno - Guitars. Zé Rockhard - Guitars. F - Drums. Genre described as Metal. Band origin Portugal.

The Cycle Never Ends album to be released on Cruz Del Sur Music 12 February 2016. The opening riffs to this album take me back, way back to the early metal days. Such a classic distortion sound. In a way reminding me of Lazz Rockit mix with a Venom influence. On this release the band gives us eight tracks of epic metal like the early Maiden Pual Di'Anno era or Black Sabbath. Although it was enjoyable listening to all the songs, it would have been amazing to me if I was twenty years younger. To be fair, I am really into death/black/grind metal these days, so it made it difficult to keep my ears open and pay attention to the melodies. 

In conclusion, if you like the early era of metal, Manowar, UFO, Black Sabbath, Venom and Dio, then this album would be right up your alley.
~Artemortifica

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Septagon - Deadhead Syndicate

Septagon is a five piece band consisting of, Markus Becker - vocals. Markus Ullrich - guitars. Stef Binnig-Gollub - guitars. Alexander Palma - bass. Jürgen Schrank - drums. Genre described as Metal. Band origin Germany.

Deadhead Syndicate album to be released on Cruz Del Sur Music 12 February 2016. A metal onslaught that carries the torches of traditional metal up high. The solos are killer, fast, fluid and complex. One of those solos can be heard in the song "Solitary Vagrant", it stands out and becomes memorable in my mind. In total the band offers us nine tracks. Among my favorites would be "Deadhead Syndicate", its natural progression and catchy chorus reminds me of early Iron Maiden. "Unwanted Company", is another track worth mentioning. Its like Megadeth meets Overkill. "Secret Silver Panorama Machine", its a long title but its awesome to listen to. The licks in the middle of the this particular song  features some interesting melodies.

In conclusion, metal is executed with exact precision. if you like bands Anthrax, Megadeth, Overkill and Iron Maiden, then this album should be in your collection.
~Artemortifica

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An Argency - Through Existence

An Argency is a five piece band from Minsk. Genre described as Sympho blackened deathcore.

Through Existence album to be self released on January 29 2016. The band recently formed in 2015. This is their debut album. Considering how long they have been a band this recording is very tight and well arranged. The opening track is epic and will quickly grab your attention. A powerful performance is delivered and the amount of brutality is set at a high level. Some of the influences I do hear in the songs would be bands like At The Gates, Lamb Of God and Chimera. Although, they do have their own characteristics being express with an orchestral atmosphere they are projecting. Some of the more stand out songs from this album would have to be "False Recognitions", heavy guitar riffing and memorable passages. "The Final Conclusion", this particular track reminded me of the early Fear Factory albums, very well structured and the harmonies combined with heavy breakdowns make this one worth spinning several times.

In conclusion, if you are looking for something with unsuspected twist and turns along with orchestral atmosphere, then this an album worth checking out. 
~Artemortifica

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Show Me Wolves - The World They Took Over

Show Me Wolves is a one man band consisting of Hörður Lúðvíksson. Genre described as Metal, Black/Deathmetal, Prog, Metalcore. Band origin Reykjavík.

The World They Took Over album released on False Beings Productions January 16, 2016. To my unsuspecting ears the intro to this album was a nice surprise. It reminded me of a soundtrack you might find in an early 70's horror film. Haunting and captivating. When the music starts you automatically know its going to be intense black metal. Composing all the melodies within the chaos is no easy task, but he manages to mix it all together in magnificent way. The song"Mother" is an interesting piece musically. The dissonant scales and vocals steer away from the black metal style and steadily become more progressive as you listen. Honestly, it is a good variety to have and shows the level of talent this musician has. My favorite track from this release would have to be "Exit The Realm Of The Living", it is a powerful song that is both cryptic and memorable, it is one of those songs that you can listen to over and over again and never get tired of it.

In conclusion, this album will please most black metal fans and there is enough melodies to keep things interesting for other listeners. The World They Took Over, is a must for your collection.
~Artemortifica

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Sicada - Requisition

Sicada is a four piece band consisting of Louis Adipietro - Vocals / Guitars. Chris Martinez - Guitars, Anthony Costanzo - Bass. Anthony Adipietro - Drums. Genre described as Metal, Thrash Metal, Death Metal. Band origin N.Y., USA.

Requisition EP to be released on Tridroid Records 12 February 2016. My initial thoughts are, full of energy, fast and progressive. The album starts out with a melodic riff then quickly brings in the heaviness. In terms of production, the drums have a well balance mix, tight snare and solid double bass kicks. Warm guitar tone make the characteristics of the verses easy to comprehend. Some of the musical influences that I hear include bands like Wrath, Overkill, Flotsam and Jetsam or just an early thrash metal style of riffing. Particularly the tracks "Black Sheep" and "No Reprieve", take a flashback to the early metal days which is enjoyable to my ears. My favorite song from this release would have to be the title track "Requisition", I enjoy the bass parts the most, it is a prominent factor in the main structure of this song and simply rips. 

In conclusion, if you like metal that comes from the roots of the genre, then this is for you.
~Artemortifica

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Entropia - Ufonaut

Entropia is a five piece band consisting of  U – Guitars, vocals and drive. L – Drums and tempo. T – Bass, vocals and depth. R – Synth and colour. A – Guitars and tone. Genre described as psychedelic. Band origin Poland.

Ufonaut album to be released on Arachnophobia Records 15 February 2016. From the opening track you can tell that the music is not your standard by the book writing style. Instead the band explores the outer realms, sort of speak. Yes, there are blast beats and grinds but, the way they structure their progressions offer the listener off-time and dissonant time signatures and they blend well together. Like a mad scientist exploring new theories. One of the heavy hitters from this release would be the title song "Ufonaut", the drums are a big highlight on this track. Thunderous rolling toms deliver massive blows of brutality. Crushing double kicks and cryptic riffs. To be honest the entire album sounds excellent to me. Another song worth checking out would be "Mandala", it provides a chaotic and devastating ride of sonic proportions and Paradox, listening to this is like being ripped to shreds in outer space.

In conclusion, if you are looking for something refreshing, heavy and climatic, then look no further, you will find it in this album.
~Artemortifica

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Second To Sun - Ladoga Master exclusive streaming!

Second To Sun brand new single "Ladoga Master" exclusive streaming. The band impressed many listeners with their album First Chapter. This is their latest offering and it delivers a heavy blow. You can read my review of First Chapter at this location.

Second to Sun, Russian-based metal band, was formed in 2012. It’s members (Vladimir Lehtinen-guitar player/mastermind) and Fedor Borovsky (drums) play metal and hardcore instrumental music and one of the most inherent features of their oeuvre is the Finno-Ugric culture and also the blackened atmosphere in their songs.

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Ground Meat - Unborn

Ground Meat is a five piece band consisting of Christofer-Vocals, Cristóbal-Bass Guitar, Camilo-Lead Guitar, Alfredo-Rhythm Guitar, Raúl-Drums. Genre described as metal. Band origin; Santiago de Chile.

Unborn album released on September 29, 2015. My first thoughts, interesting band name. The album cover brings images of some kind of radioactive spill creating a preconceived notion that it may contain some thrash metal. I was wrong. The music is clearly rooted in metal, think of bands like Machine Head, Lamb of God, Chimera, Sevendust and maybe even old Sepultura. In terms of production the quality is very good. Solid bass tones, heavy drum attack and crushing guitar distortion.
This is the bands debut album and it contains nine powerful tracks with catchy solos and strong phrases rooted in traditional metal compositions. Amongst my favorites would have to be, "Death Project", "Motor Burn Machine", which contains some excellent bass lines that come clearly with sonic resolution through my speakers and "Black Minutes", which has some fast passages the get the blood flowing.
  
In conclusion, a crushing debut, well composed elements rooted in metal with catchy solos and strong bass lines. Enough metal for old school fans and progressive enough to catch the ears of new generation of headbangers.
~Artemortifica

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Thy Worshiper - Ozimina

Thy Worshiper is a six piece band consisting of Vocal & guitar:Marcin Gasiorowski, Bass: Krystian Mazur, Accustic & electric guitar: Dariusz Kubala, Drums: Bartosz Maruszak, Percussion and ethnic instruments: Grabaż, Female Vocals: Anna Malarz. Genre described as Tribal Metal. Band origin Wroclaw.

Ozimina album released on September, 15 2015 Arachnophobia Records. My first impression, eclectic, mellow and atmospheric. Musically, there is an overabundance of sounds. Every tracks contains its own individual characteristic. The passages keep the listener in trance and captivated. The song "Halny" is a good example of mesmerizing tones with enchanting female vocals by Anna Malarz. The song "Ożyny" is certain to rise your spirits. Its feeling is monumental and I ended up playing this one several times because is that good. The subtle build up in the song "Wietlica", is both beautiful and filled with positive energy. The guitar melody makes this one of my favorites from this release. There are a few metal oriented riffs such as in the track "Wśród cieni i mgieł", but they are kept to a minimal amount.

In conclusion, the band manages to capture the essence of nature elements through out its entirety. If you like music with many paths to explore then you will want to add this one to your collection.
~Artemortifica

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Neuronia - Exclusive interview

Very happy to introduce our readers to metal band Neuronia from Warszawa. This is their exclusive interview with us.

1- Hello, first off, thanks so much for participating in this interview. What are you guys currently up to?

Tektur (vocals): Hello, thanks for taking your time to do the interview! Currently, we're about to release our third full-length album "Under the Same Sky" on December 14th. It took us three years of hard work to prepare and record this album, so we're hoping that it will make some waves with metal fans. We're also planning some local shows for next year to promote the album.

2- Could you tell our readers a short history of the band?

Long story short, the band started in December 2013 as a jam-duo of Misiek (guitars) and Chief (drums). In the beginning, they were playing simple rock music. Some time later, Radek joined on bass and vocals and the band started playing live. In 2006, the band issued two demos: "Neuronia" and "Wedding Day", before parting ways with Radek, taking on two new members, Acid (vocals) and Domo (bass). In this line-up, Neuronia started to play straightforward metal music with a doom/death sound intertwined with thrash and hard rock. The EP "First Blood" (2007) and debut album "The Winter of My Heart" (2008) are a testimony to that era. In 2009, Thor became the new drummer, replacing Chief and adding a more edgy, thrashy feel to the music. The band started to play bigger shows, including the festival circuit. I joined in the fall of 2009 and played the first two gigs as a guitarist/singer, but stuck to vocals from then on.

In 2010, we've released our sophomore album "Follow the White Mouse", which marked a more melodic and eclectic sound. We've played a lot of gigs in the next two years and had some line-up changes: in January 2011, Thor and Domo left the band. We've recruited Beton on bass and played the most of 2011 with Deviant on drums, but switched to Lukass at the end of the year. In this line-up, we've recorded the "Insanity Relapse" EP, where we added even more melody to our sound and put the main impact on thrash metal. We have spent the most of the last three years working on our third album and we were gigging sporadically. Now, the new album is coming and we can't wait to play and promote it!

3- How could you describe your sound?

It's really hard. Thrash metal is surely the main element of our music, but it's intertwined with influences from heavy & melodic death metal, sludge and of course also classic rock. We're trying to keep it as eclectic as we can - in most of the cases, playing in one straightforward style can be a bit boring.

4- What are the band’s main musical influences?

We have very diverse musical backgrounds. Misiek loves classic thrash in the vein of Metallica, Megadeth & Sepultura. Lewy is a very accomplished solo guitarist with a penchant for progressive playing, but he also likes thrash metal. Beton's main interest is in death metal and grindcore, but he also adores Pink Floyd. Lukass is also a death metal freak, but he really likes all kinds of good metal. I was a punk rocker in my teens and I still like to listen to this kind of music, but I'm really into all kinds of music from classical to black metal, putting the main accent on thrash/crossover though.

5- I have listened to the promo for the new album, sounds melodic and captivating, has the writing process become easier since the first release,"The Winter of My Heart" back in 2008?

I haven't been there when the debut was recorded, but from what I know the process was for Misiek and Chief to write the most of the music back then and Acid to add the lyrics and vocal parts. Now, it's a more collective process, where we discuss the arrangements together and everyone has an influence on the final outcome. I write all the lyrics though.

6- Does your band have a strong fan base in your town?

It would be a huge exaggeration to say that we have a cult following or a very strong fanbase here. We're one of tens - if not hundreds - bands in Warsaw. The people have a wide choice and they prefer to listen to many bands than just follow one very strongly. But yes, we do have quite a few big fans who have supported us for years - thanks guys!

7- How could you describe this upcoming album in just 3 words?

Anger, force, melody.

8- How was the production process for your new release?

It's been quite a long one, as we've recorded the drums in December 2014 (in JNS Studio, Warsaw) and closed up the final take on the vocals in the end of April this year. Apart from the drums, all the instrumentals have been recorded in Heinrich House, the studio of our producer and friend Filip "Heinrich" Hałucha of Vesania, Rootwater and Decapitated fame. The vocals were the hardest bit - we've recorded them in a span of a few weeks at Sonic Strike and Sound Division studios. Then, Heinrich took to mixing and mastering and in May we received the final master recording.

9- Is the band planning on doing any touring in support of the new music?

Yes! We're very keen to promote the new album and plan on touring in the summer and spring here around Poland. We don't have any details yet, but we're starting to work on next year's options.

10 – Finally, what are you near-future plans?

Promoting the record and touring as much as we can. The last album was a huge piece of work for us and we're not planning on recording anything new soon for sure. We also hope that the new album fares good abroad, maybe we can also do a few shows outside of Poland - that would be exciting.

11- Thanks so much for taking time to do this interview, any final thoughts?

Thanks to you! To all the readers - support your local scene, you're the ones keeping it alive!

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Second To Sun - First Chapter

Second To Sun is a two piece band consisting of Vladimir Klimov-Lehtinen, Theodor Borovski, Aleh Zielankievič. Genre described as Metal. Band origin Russia.

First Chapter album self released on October 18 2015. This is an album that continues to reverberate in my head. Its an instrumental album that delivers a massive blow. Heavy, progressive, melodic and intense. I can listen to this from beginning to end on high volume and it feels great everytime. About the only part that resembles vocals is in the song "Red Snow", but it is a short piece and could be a sample. The production is great. A solid performance is captured. I absolutely enjoy every song, but if I have to pick favorites they would be "Me Or Him", "Narcat", tight grinds and pure brutality. Virgo Mitt", for its enchanting melody at the end of the track. The bonus song "Chokk Kapper", sounds so good with low tuning guitars and memorable arrangements. An all around excellent tune.

In conclusion, this album is heavy and progressive on all levels. Although its an instrumental album, it will keep you captivated and keep your blood pumping.
~Artemortifica

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Instigator - Bad Future

Instigator is a band consisting of various artist from bands Antichrist, Portrait, Devil Lee Rot, Trap, Autopsy Torment. Genre described as Speed/Heavy Metal.

Bad Future 7" vinyl EP to released on Gates of Hell Records 11 December 2015. So, this is a short but interesting EP. My first thoughts, the music seems to have teleported to the future from the early 80s heavy metal era. The lyric content on the other hand is futuristic. Awesome samples of sci-fi nightmares bring it all together. Tracks like "Inseminoid" bring the space battles and creepy sensations to mind. "Anabolic", is another track that can make you feel like you are traveling through some strange multi verse. The vocals are impressive and reach some intense highs, remind me of King Diamond or Rob Halford at times. The recording quality sounds like it came out of the 80s but, it adds to the overall feeling of the music. A decent amount of solos keep things interesting.

In conclusion, if you like early heavy/trash metal with sci fi themes, this one is worth checking out.
~Artemortifica

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Rectified Spirit – The Waste Land

Rectified Spirit is a five piece metal band from Guwahati India and features members Vocals-Rainjong Lepcha, Guitars - Samudragupta Dutta, Guitars - Dishankan Baruah, Bass - Himangshu Borah, Drums - Nishant Hagjer.

The Waste Land album released on Transcending Obscurity India September 20 2015. My first thoughts, progressive, engaging and epic. Excellent production, all the instruments are clear and dynamic on all levels. Comprised of eight tracks, with very good vocals and lyric content. Many melodic passages and progressive guitar riffing can be heard. Some of the more stand out tracks to me were "Afterthought", catchy to the ears and well contained harmonies like old Dream Theater style which I enjoy very much. "The Waste Land" is the longest song on the album and another favorite for me. It is about thirteen minutes long and for most groups this would be hard to pull off and not get boring. They do it really well, I enjoy the build up and the many soundscapes it creates in my mind, it is easy to rock out to and moves the spirit.

In conclusion, fans of melodic progressive music will be delighted to hear every opus experienced in this release. Although, very melodic the band manages to keep the metal aggression raging in the background. I recommend for fans of Sonata Artica, Stratovarious and Dark Tranquility. ~Artemortifica

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Ephyra - Along The Path

Ephyra is a six piece Melodic Death/Folk/Epic Metal band from Italy. Members are Nadia Casali – Vocals, Francesco Braga – Vocals, Matteo Santoro – Guitars & Choirs, Paolo Diliberto – Guitars & Choirs, Alessandra Biundo – Bass, John Tagliabue – Drums.

Along The Path album to be released through Bakerteam Records on November 20 2015. My first thoughts are, captivating and adventurous sounds, an exploration of deep emotions. Strong vocal choruses can be found in every song. The production sounds great. Every instrument is clear and defined. Progressive guitar work but not over the top.

After a long period of listen to this album on my distant and short travels, it really began to grow on me. At first only a few of the songs resonated in my mind, but now, I can honestly say every track has something special to delight my ears. 

The harmonies and complex arrangements of acoustic guitars and keyboards in the song "Hope" make it a composition I keep coming back to. The violin parts are amazing, simple, yet very effective in this song. The track "Last Night" is another one to mention and features some interesting bass lines. Both melancholy and somber feelings are expressed in every passage, very well executed. 

In conclusion, the band manages to captivate the senses and stand out above others of the same genres by creating interesting harmonies and catchy melodies that are easy to follow and they continue to resonate in the mind long after the the album concludes. Fans of Melodic/folk metal will surely add this album to their collection, but it has something to offer to every metal fan out there and should not be passed up. ~Artemortifica

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Acrania - Fearless

Acrania is a Latin Metal band from Mexico City. Members are Luis F. Oropeza-Rythm Gtr. & Vocals, J.C. Chavez S.-Drums, Alberto Morales G.-Bass Gtr, César A. Gallegos.-Lead Gtr & Saxophone.

Fearless album self released on April 25 2015. Now here we have some flavorful music. Progressive, Jazzy and Metal to name a few of the the emotions being projected on the album. Indeed, something for everyone. If you only stick to a certain genre then this may not be for you. However, if you like you Metal like a mixed salad, then this will delight your ears. Songs like "Poverty is in The Soul" encapsulate the variety of styles happening from moment to moment. Catchy guitar riffs, trumpets and a vast array of drum fills to keep the listener engaged and attentive as to what's coming next. Overall the music moves the spirit while texturing the aggressive parts with metal. ~Artemortifica

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Whispering Woods - Perditus et Dea

Whispering Woods is a seven piece band consisting of members Alexandra Burcă – soprano, Corina Hamat – mezzo soprano, Cătălina Popa – flute, Cora Miron – keyboards, Alex Dascăl – drums, Istvan Vlădăreanu – bass guitar, Doru Căilean – lead guitar, Genre described as Symphonic/Gothic/Doom Metal. Band origin Cluj-Napoca.

Perditus et Dea album released on Loud Rage Music on February 2015. The album consist of twelve songs. I spent a few weeks listening to this album. The melodies and amazing compositions can be found in each song. From the moment I hit the play button the clean guitar instantly grabbed my attention. Alexandra's vocals are great. They come thru with perfect clarity in the second song "Original Sin". The production quality is great, considered all the instruments that are involved, everything comes thru with good balance and tone. Not a surprise because it was mixed and mastered by well-known Finnish producer Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, Amorphis, Swallow The Sun). The majority of the music I listen to is death metal and black metal, so listening to this album was a breath of fresh air. Some of the more stand out tracks would be My Altar, Poetica, Călușarii and Circle Complete

In conclusion, the music creates epic adventures and will grab your senses from the start. The melodic vocals and interwoven arrangements are well thought out and have a way of lingering in your imagination. Fans of goth, doom and melodic metal will want to add this to their collection.  
~Artemortifica

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Cyrax - Pictures

Cyrax is a five piece band consisting of Marco Cantoni - Lead Vocals, Filippo Ferrari - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Paolo Musazzi - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Cesare Ferrari - Bass, Lorenzo Beltrami - Drums. Genre described as heavy/Power/Prog/Thrash/Industrial Metal. Band origin Milano, Italy.

Pictures album to be released on March 31st through Bakerteam Records. Here we have nine tracks of power and progressive themes. A combination of both metal and melodic arrangements. The vocals and chorus parts are very elaborate. For example the song The 7th Seal, features choir type of chorus along with high screams and a dash of can be best describe as Merciful Fate style of vocals, very well executed. In terms of production, it is excellent, with all the different instruments. Everything is solid and pronounced. Some of my favorite tracks would be Oedipus Rex, These Greenvalleys and Shine Through Darkness pt. I, II, III. Complex and melodic solos can be found in each and every passage. Another thing that catches my ears is the amount of twist and turns you will hear. Rather than a standard format of song arrangements, there are some clever compositions that will keep you guessing as to what you will hear next. 

In conclusion, the music covers a wide field of genres and does it without any effort. Everything flows together well and with powerful intention. ~Artemortifica

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Tristana - Virtual Crime

Tristana is a five piece band consisting of Peter Wilsen- vocals. Laco Krabac- bassguitar. Dusan Homer- guitar. Andrea Almasi- keyboard. Roman Elevo Lasso- drums. Genre described as alternative metal. Band origin Povazska Bystrica.

Virtual Crime album will be released on March 31st 2015 on Bakerteam Records. This release contains eleven high energy songs. My first thoughts, progressive and melodic. The music delivers catchy riffs and great vocalization. The compositions contain elements of industrial metal and gothic metal overtones. Some of the tracks that resonated with me the most would have to be, Beg for Death, Killer, Hunting Fever and Wasted Time. The vocals have many different characteristics, clean singing, high and low screams, all done in all the right locations within the arrangements. The track Wasted Time would be a good example of this. The progressive melodies catch my attention, these are very talented musicians. This will be the bands third full length album and it sets a new level for them. 

In conclusion, a powerful and melodic adventure with a variety of keys and strings to keep your mind occupied through out the ride. I recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Fear Factory, Imperia, Dark Tranquility and Insomnian. 
~Artemortifica

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Blacksteel Compilation: AGE OV BLACKNESS (VOL. I)

BLACKSTEEL COMPILATION: AGE OV BLACKNESS (VOL. I) ON SALE!!!

The extreme Metal compilation album was released in 66 copies Limited Edition through BLACKSTEEL MUSIC.

If you love extreme Metal, you cannot miss it!

Only 6,66€* (Payments via Paypal or bank transfer)

*Shipping costs not included

Order your copy now!!

                                      

Kaledon - Antillius: The King Of The Light

Kaledon is a five piece band from Rome, current line up Alex Mele - Guitars, Tommy Nemesio - Guitars, Paolo Campitelli - Keyboards, Paolo Lezziroli - Bass, Massimiliano Santori - Drums. They are currently looking to fill the vocal spot. Genre is described as Power/heavy metal.

Antillius: The King of Light album released on Scarlet Records November 18th 2014. This album contains twelve tracks. My first impression is, melodic and epic. Essentially each track tells one long story. Battle and engagement in mid evil times. High spirited lyrics and progressive melodies are a huge part of the content. All this becomes clear from the opening song "In Aeternum". Highly talented musicians at work, from the keyboards to the guitars, all around each song is monumental. The solos are catchy and well written. I usually do not get to review many symphonic/melodic albums. Listening to this was refreshing and very enjoyable. One of the tracks that resonated with me the most was "My Will", the acoustic intro and excellent riff work that followed stayed with me for a long time and I found myself playing it over several times.

Final thoughts, the music is powerful. The wide variety of melodies and strong lyric content make it one to stand out above the rest. I recommend it for fans of Symphonic, Epic and melodic heavy metal, add this one to your collection. ~Artemortifica

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