ASTRALION – Astralion [Japan Edition +2] (2015)

Featured here when appeared two years ago, the quite recommended self-titled debut by ASTRALION was requested now in its Japanese Edition 2015 with 2 bonus tracks.
ASTRALION is new quintet formed in Finland at the beginning of this decade, and after a welcomed single the band is released theis, their self-titled full length debut.

Make no mistake, this may be a new band and this may be a debut album but the pedigree of the members is very clear. The musicality, the production the songwriting, all are very strong.
Vocalist Ian Highhill and bassist Dr. K. Lundell where part of progsters Olympos, while drummer Arnold Hackman and guitarist Hank Newman where partners in The Addication. Session keyboardist Thomas Henry rounds out the lineup, so the experience in terms of players and musicianship makes this record much easier to ingest than the average ‘newer’ act attempting to breakthrough into the scene.

Astralion plays Euro melodic metal with some ‘power’ background, but despite the ‘ugly’ cover artwork, their sound is pretty accesible with lots of keyboards enhancing the melodies.
The opening track “Mysterious and Victorious” defines what you will hear throughout the album. It’s an uptempo metallic song with a very melodic verse (Highhill has a bluesy register), sharp riffage, precision drums, nice keys and a fast solo. The keyboards certainly have that Finnish meets Freedom Call happy tone all over the record, even when Astralion turns more heavy.

This opening has set the pace and quality for what is to follow. “The Oracle” begins a catalogue of anthemic tracks, powerful chords, a vocal with energy and subtlety at the same time and melody dripping from every bar.
The ’80s spills through the next track “At The Edge Of The World” starting with a flurry of synths before leading into a classic Euro metal tribute.
The pace of “When Death Comes Knocking” rips you with thunderous drum work and solid riffing, but it’s really tight with melody and groove.

Despite its title, “We all Made Metal” slows the pace down a bit to tell what the genre is all about through nice lyrics. The guitars take on a powerful galloping role and the vocal reaches some of the higher end. The keys supply an underbelly of melody to carry the track through to it’s thundering conclusion.
“Black Sails” offers some piano and a juicy guitar intro lead. The shredding is electrifying and again a clear vocal displays the passion that oozes from each track on this album.

There is always room amongst the power and energy, for a beautiful ballad. “To Isolde” is one of the highlights, including strings, beautiful keys and a clever overall instrumentation.
After that blissful encounter things are brought back to heaviness with “Computerised Love”. The powerful and melodic riffing returns with blasting drums, and there’s a neat touch mid way through with some Jon Lord-esque keyboard work amongst a modern feeling track.
Power rules on “Mary Bloody” with a tight lead riff and a heavy sound throughout. As with most tracks, an ambiance is created underneath the heavy instrumentation by light synths.

“Five Fallen Angels” is another anthem, plenty of melody and perfectly showcases the Scandinavian love for telling the world why they will win a fight every time. The use of synths is even stronger on this track.
Final cut is epic. “Last Man On Deck” is pumped by a monster bass line, featuring a titanic vocal work and gentle synths on this lovely Spanish style acoustic guitar piece. It’s build into a crescendo before the riffing kicks into overdrive halfway through. Accompanied by crystal clear, galloping skins and a juicy, lightening solo that battles with the keys in an epic duel, the song ends with a dramatic, slow but powerful sequence to hail this 13 minute titan.

This Japanese edition features two bonus tracks in the form of the first songs Astralion recorded few months after their formation; “New Gods” and “Burning Hills”, very interesting to check how the band has evolved to this debut album.

Astralion have made a really solid debut album. The band knows how to craft interesting metallic songs that at the same time are pretty accessible, inspired by classic sounds of the Euro melodic metal scene.
The guitar and keyboard solos / duels are effective and entertaining, the rhythm section is executed with precision and the vocals are varied. As said, the whole atmosphere is guided by an excellent keys / synth work and this is a plus in my book.
This is a well produced & mixed album with a crystal sound, with each member having their shining moment. A strong debut packed with melody that solidifies the Scandinavian presence into the metal scene.
Quite Recommended.

01 – Mysterious & Victorious
02 – The Oracle
03 – At the Edge of the World
04 – When Death Comes Knocking
05 – We All Made Metal
06 – Black Sails
07 – To Isolde
08 – Computerized Love
09 – Mary [Bloody]
10 – Five Fallen Angels
11 – Last Man on Deck
12 – New Gods (bonus track)
13 – Burning Hills (bonus track)

Ian Highhill – Vocals
Hank Newman – Guitars
Thomas Henry – Keyboards
Dr. K. Lundell – Bass
Arnold Hackman – Drums

BUY IT !
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/IUCP-16210
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