We are halfway through 2020 already. It has been an exceptional six months for power/ symphonic metal. I have had lyrical treats bestowed upon me by fine musicians of this genre. I have listed my top five for this year so far.
Demons & Wizards – III
This album kicked off my year after an eagerly anticipated build up. It is a passionate and dominant album that contains vigorous bass riffs and compelling lyrics. The song I favour on this album is Diabolic. This track features a potent message of a person that has been denied into heaven. A harrowing tale but well-orchestrated. The lyrics and music work well together to convey this message.
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Brothers Of Metal – Emblas Saga
This album is packed full of Norse themed tales that are not only fist pumping but memorable too. It’s a well-orchestrated album with many delights. I have chosen a few tracks off this album that were a highlight for me. Power Snake is full of power and adrenaline, perfect track to start your journey through the Norse experience. Chain Breaker is a whirlwind of power featuring Joakim Lindbäck Eriksson and Ylva Eriksson’s vocals. It is a catchy and rhythmic album.
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Nightwish – Human. :||: Nature
It’s a concept album that covers subjects such as humanity, nature, technology and art. It’s a beautifully orchestrated album using an array of the band’s talents incorporating folk elements. It features passionate and meaningful songs that strike a chord in this album’s repertoire. Some examples are Noise the lyrics are a powerful warning about using technology irresponsibly. This brought to focus concerns on how much technology has affected me. Harvest is an inspirational folk song that has an upbeat and memorable orchestration. Is this being an encouraging addition to the symphonic genre this year.
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Delain – Apocalypse & Chill
Delain have always captivated their fans by the beautiful orchestration behind their albums. The band also give flawless quality and sound during their performance. Vengeance is one of the highlights for me with Beast in Black‘s Yannis Papadopoulos who makes an appearance on this track. To Live Is to Die ‘s is full of adrenaline and fist pumping riffs and to mention the ethereal beauty of choirs.
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Serenity – The Last Knight
It is a concept album that conveys the tales of Maximillian the first. This album is a symphonic triumph that is full of catchy and passionate lyrics. Here are some songs I would recommend you listen to. My Farewell is a heartfelt ballad where beauty and sorrow are portrayed by the lyrics and music. Souls And Sins is a well-orchestrated track full of poignant lyrics and dynamic bass riffs. This is a memorable track that I found myself singing aloud in the shower. This is a strong contender for the race for the symphonic metal album of the year.
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To finalise this piece, these are the most anticipated albums for me that are being released in the next few months; Powerwolf – Best of the Blessed, Unleash the Archers – Abyss and Orden Ogan – Final Days.
In the power/symphonic metal community, these releases are also causing a stir!! Bring on the rest of 2020
Words: Becky Weale
