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In September of 2007, while
waiting anxiously in the confines of Dublin’s Temple Bar Music center for
the debut Irish gig of power metal legends Blind Guardian, I was
introduced to a Swedish support band who called themselves Astral Doors.
On
stage, vocalist Patrick
Johansson is a Scandinavian Ronnie James Dio, with a stage presence rarely
found in a "support" band, and a voice to match.
Astral
Doors were a band who had a lot to say.
Now,
with the release of their 5th full-length album, the band have set the
ball rolling, and it's heading in the direction of superstardom.
'New
Revelation'
is not an album to be thrown aside with the hundreds of other power metal
albums released this year, it is something much more unique, much more
special. As
mentioned already, Patrick Johansson has a voice worthy of any classic
metal/rock release, but I must say that there is no better place for it
than on this album. The
band have always been a riff based band, something perhaps lacking in many
of their rivals in the scene, and yet again the power of the riff is in
full strength, as the title track kicks in and sets the scene perfectly.
Within seconds of 'New Revelation' bursting into full flight, Johansson’s
voice takes center stage, and suddenly it hits home, just how killer this
band are. A chorus worthy of any classic Iron Maiden album, beautiful lead
guitar work, and a spellbinding dual guitar harmony arise, and a sense of
pride and relief spreads throughout my metal heart, as the realization
that metal now has a new light at the end of the tunnel sinks in.
In terms
of songwriting, Astral Doors have branched out even further on this album
than in past releases, choosing to include references to war and religion
in their songs, and in the process creating a compelling, and at times
melancholic atmosphere.
'Freedom War' takes the classic fusion of
heavy/clean/heavy and makes it something much much more. Some reflective
clean vocal work makes way for the head-banger worthy riffing, and the
fists held high chorus. Again a dual guitar harmony is present, and I must
say that I am not complaining. I can't help but think of British legends
Saxon when I listen to "Pentecostal Bound". It has a bluesy, classic feel,
without losing any of the speed and the heaviness, which are such, a
trademark to latter mentioned.
A somber mood is adopted as
'Bastard Son'
comes into play, the predictable, but wonderful, mid album power ballad,
which serves as a reminder as to how much Astral Doors have developed - I
can imagine thousands upon thousands with lighters aloft singing along as
if the words originated at the very bottom of their heart.
The high tempo
is rediscovered on 'Waiting for the Master', a thumping yet melodic chunk
of Power Metal, boasting the early Maidenesque phaser on the clean intro
guitar, leading into 5 minutes of proper heavy metal, which can only make
you smile.
On this track more than any, it is noticeable just how well the
'New Revelation' is produced, it has easily the best guitar tone that I've
heard from these Swedes, with the balance between backing and lead vocals
nothing short of perfect. As tempting as a Duran Duran cover would be,
Astral Doors 'Planet Earth' is quite capable of satisfying fans of Edguy,
Iron Maiden, Dio ... I could go on.
An almost triumphant feel is present as
Johansson and co pound through what is perhaps the best song on this
album, encapsulating absolutely everything that one could look for in a
heavy metal song. Chorus, riffs, solo, harmonies - its all here.
'Quisling' is indeed not up to the fast tempo of many of its fellow album
tracks, but that does not take away from a powerful and memorable track. Yes, maybe a low moment on this record, but when you take into
consideration some of the gems which it is up against, it could be hit
with a worse tag. My favourite track of the album is
'Cold War Survivor'.
If there is any track that has it all, then look no further than this,
potentially a single, potentially a metal classic, either way one thing is
sure, it's a killer track. Guitar solo work is at a maximum, while rhythm
takes on a new live, complete with a groove-laden fill, much to my
delight.
'Gates of Light' takes on a similar being, a good, solid,
reliable rock/metal track, what more can be said! Again, a great riff, and
yet again, mind-blowing guitar work, a far cry from the rather dodgy
messing around on the 12th fret that many bands seem to rely on.
As the
album draws towards a close, things are only getting better, as
'Shores of
Solitude', followed by the closing track
'Mercenary Man' provide a
triumphant and memorable ending to a perfect example of what a power metal
album should sound like.
Power, melody, emotion, all is present on
'New
Revelation', and I can only hope that the worldwide metal community will
wake up to the new revelation that is Sweden's Astral Doors.
A debut USA
gig shall take place at the Progpower festival next year, and hopefully a
return to UK/Irish shores will ensue in the meantime. Either way, this is
an album not be missed, ignore at your peril!
* Review by Shadow Warrior. |
