STARGAZERY – Constellation (2020)
Finland based STARGAZERY already released two very well received albums, and now are ready to unleash their new effort “Constellation“. Admirers of traditional hard rock and melodic metal, what I like from Stargazery is the inclusion of keyboard / synth lines on all songs which creates a very melodic atmosphere, while featuring ex Michael Schenker Group Jari Tiura on lead vocals is a plus.
Take the powerful yet clean attack of Axel Rudi Pell, add the epicness of TEN and a pinch of House Of Lords harder side, and that pretty much sums up what “Constellation” is all about, all with a ‘Scandinavian touch’.
“Sinners In Shadows” introduces us to Jari’s clean, soaring tenor, rich with vibrato (later on, he displays a formidable lower register as well), and the band’s equally bright traditional sound. The chorus is heavenly.
As said, there’s a strong keyboard presence all over the album. Pasi Hiltula is rather the ‘Jens Johansson’ of this band, and the band have no fear of letting him take the instrumental lead on many places. In “War Torn,” his keyboards provide the main riff, with guitars serving as the foundation and adding toughness.
Their instinctive ability to craft a sticky chorus is evident in “Self-Proclaimed King”, complemented by an epic feel.
“Ripple The Water” starts with a fat bass line, then marches into a keyboard/guitar jaunty swing that continues throughout. As always, nothing goes on too long and works at the service of the song.
“I Found Angels” is one of the highlights. This power ballad boasts another stirring chorus – that little pause before the words start is perfect, and the final one modulates just as it should. The change in perspective in the second chorus, from “where are my angels” to “I found angels,” is a damn nice resolution there in a tidy three minutes or so.
The title track is faster but still light and airy – those lines with the alternating vocal harmonies are terrific. The slower bridge is led by what sounds like a harpsichord, then it picks up to the original speed.
“Caught in the Crossfire” rocks hard with a certain Eighties feeling, while “Dark Side of the Moon” soars in melody and keyboard arrangements. Pasi uses different synths / keyboard chords and sounds on each track, and it’s refreshing.
An organ-like keyboard and bottom-heavy guitar riff starts ”In My Blood.” It’s a midtempo rocker that slowly builds over a strong guitar riff and colorful vocals
The closer, “Raise The Flag,” has plenty of neoclassical drama with its fine uplifting tempo and chugging metal riff. The bridge picks up in intensity and layers, adding as well some epic orchestration.
“Constellation” is a powerful, mature and melodic new offering from Stargazery, cleverly arranged and produced to keep you entertained all over its 45 minutes.
A very consistent album delivering Stargazery’s trademark strongly synth enhanced, melodic metal hard rock.
Highly Recommended
01. Sinners in Shadows
02. War Torn
03. Self-Proclaimed King
04. Ripple the Water
05. I Found Angels
06. Constellation
07. Caught in the Crossfire
08. Dark Side of the Moon
09. In My Blood
10. Raise the Flag
Jari Tiura (ex-Michael Schenker Group) – Vocals
Pete Ahonen – Guitar
Pasi Hiltula – Keyboards
Marko Pukkila – Bass
Ilkka Leskela – Drums
Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Constellation-Stargazery/dp/B0875ZTF1B
