AGARTHIC – The Inner Side (2021)

Frontiers Music has signed new Italian symphonic metal band AGARTHIC to the label’s roster. “The Inner Side” is the band’s debut album, which was recorded in 2020 under the direction of producer Aldo Lonobile (Secret Sphere, Archon Angel, Timo Tolkki’s Avalon, etc.).
Based in Northern Italy, Agarthic was founded in 2019 by composer and bassist Mattia Gosetti and vocalist Valeriano De Zordo. The two musicians, tied by a strong friendship, had already worked together several times over the past years, but mostly just some shows and theatrical performances and never a proper band.
Before listen I was expecting another modern sympho with female vocals… wrong. While there’s some sympho touches here, honestly I don’t know why “The Inner Side” is being promotes as such.
AGARTHIC’s music is mostly melodic metal with some awesome melodies, strong male vocals and a great, clean polished production. At places the album reminded me of awesome Brits Balance Of Power, others Jorn, Magnus Karlsson’s Free Fall, etc.
Very good and solid release with impeccable arrangements, production, mix…