FLIGHT OF ICARUS – Terra Nova (2025) *HQ*
Inspired by the likes of Roxette, 80s Heart and Starship, Swedish duo FLIGHT OF ICARUS consisting of female vocalsit Elisabeth Särnefält Rösehag and Oskar Frantzén (who plays almost all instruments minus drums) have released two welcomed albums since formed.
Now they are releasing “Terra Nova“, a new album seeing FLIGHT OF ICARUS adding to their music much more edge, sharper guitars, and a groovy touch in the songwriting. The AOR and Rock&pop factor is still present, yet a bit more muscular.
Opening the album is ”Icarus Rise”, an intre instrumental track that gradually builds intensity with steadily pounding drums and bass over orchestral guitars. Leading on from that is the title track, beginning with almost alien synths that run throughout, the steady chugging riffs add energy to the calm vocals.
then ”Lost Highway” combines soft, layered vocals with gentle piano melodies to create an emotionally charged track that connects with listeners instantly.
”To The Sun (And Back Again)” features an increased tempo and is full of melodic hard rock energy, featuring a leading drum beat complete with effectively placed fills, the duet approach taken adds more dynamics to the track that shows a wider range of the duo’s abilities.
”Through Space And Time” is ballad, the bass leads the quieter sections, low and heavy easily leading into the heavier riffs. “Deus” has more pop atmosphere, quite ’80s in feeling, however production is modern.
”God Bless” is different once again, leading with the heavier front with catchy riffs and an underlying rhythm that gets your foot tapping, the gritty blasting effect of the drums at the end contrasting the smoothness of the vocals. ”War Cry” is exactly as the name suggests, a powerful, cinematic instrumental that gains power over the course of the track.
The curiously titled “Nangilima” is one of the strongest offering of the album so far, with stupendous vocals and a fierce bass pulse, the guitar and piano melodies blend together well and keep the energy of the song on an upward trajectory.
”Liberi” is a beautiful track, the ballad-esque feeling of the opening merges seamlessly into the steady rock elements while the use of their native language works incredibly well making me wish they explored it more in the other tracks.
FLIGHT OF ICARUS is a different beast in the current scene, pop-rock based yet now with some edge and metallic guitars, and while with an ’80s-style songwriting, arrangements & production are modern. Very nice and interesting mix.
Highly Recommended
01 – Icarus Rise
02 – Terra Nova
03 – Lost Highway
04 – To the Sun (And Back Again)
05 – Through Space and Time
06 – Deus
07 – God Bless
08 – War Cry
09 – Nangilima
10 – Liberi
Elisabeth Särnefält Rösehag – Lead Vocals
Oskar Frantzén – Guitars, Bass, Keys, Backing Vocals
with:
Magnus Dahlin (Drums)
Rickard Andersson (Vocals on 4)
Disa Frantzén (Backing Vocals)
Erik Söderman (Guitar on 2)
Bobby Rösehag (Guitar on 2)
Pre order:
foistore.bandcamp.com/album/terra-nova
