Artlantica - Across The Seven Seas (2013)

Artlantica - Across The Seven Seas

Heavy metal has always been maligned as uncultured, distasteful and boorish by the ignorant masses. It's a cross we've all had to bear. But one example of emancipation from this tag has been the neoclassical style of heavy metal pioneered by Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, Ritchie Blackmore, etc. Carrying forward this virtuosic art form is Artlantica with their latest release, Across The Seven Seas.

Artlantica's majestic sound template isn't all that surprising considering their formation from the remnants of 2 bands; neoclassical metal band Artension (which also featured noted composer Vitalij Kuprij no less), and power metal band Angel Of Eden. In this album, the experienced band pull out all the stops to make their fusion of power metal and classical elements an epic affair.

The first track "2012" immediately gets down to business with an intro of heavy riffage, symphonic elements and sharp drumwork, progressing into a mid-pace rhythm with operatic vocals and a winding solo. The next track "Devout" carries on in the same vein with a speedier power metal tempo and soaring choruses, making this one of the more stand-out tracks here.

And so Artlantica work to their strengths and then some to make Across The Seven Seas a soaring journey. The fact that the power metal and neoclassical aspects don't overpower or undermine each other but instead compliment each other greatly is noteworthy. The songs here are uncompromisingly epic; whether it is the mid-pace title track, the charging "Fight For The Light" and "Demon In My Mind", or the captivating instrumental "Return Of The Pharaoh Pt. III" (parts I and II appeared in Angel Of Eden's "The End Of Never"). Even the somewhat sappy piano ballad "Ode To My Angel" can definitely work if you're in that kind of mood, and it's solo is commendable. The unit of John West on vocals, Roger Staffelbach on guitars, Mistheria on keyboards and John Macaluso on drums work to their highest limits in technicality and instrumentation to make this album a majestic and engrossing effort. Add to that the eclectic guest credits in the form of lauded bassist Steve DiGiorgio, Helloween drummer Dani Löble and Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Chris Caffery, and you've ultimately got some high-class material in your hands.

Thus, the album approaches it's end with "Heresy", which keeps up the overall tone of great power metal with orchestral elements. However, the last track "Nightmare Life" is the real magnum opus in the band's sign-off. It pretty much sums up everything we have listened to so far in the album, spread out over 5 and a half minutes with high-and-mighty choruses and even a piano interlude to add more richness to it.

copas from http://www.metalwani.com/2013/06/review-artlantica-across-seven-seas.html

Tracklist:
01. 2012
02. Devout
03. Across The Seven Seas
04. You're Still Away
05. Ode To My Angel
06. Fight For The Light
07. Demon In My Mind
08. Return Of The Pharaoh Pt. 3
09. Heresy
10. Nightmare Life
11. Stormbringer (bonus track)

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