EXCALION have been on my radar for quite some time, I originally discovered them in my time on the Sound Riot Records street team back in the early ‘00’s and was given a copy of their debut album Primal Exhale, which includes the magnificent A Moment In the Spotlight (if you have not heard this album it is well worth a listen). This album further enhanced my love of melodic power metal, and I instantly became a fan which bloomed with their following releases over the past decade or so. Moving into 2023, the Finnish metal masters have now released their sixth album, prepare to take a trip in fantasy as we visit the realms of Once Upon A Time.
Keitele is the name of a lake in the bands originating principality of Konnevesi, it is known for its clear water and is part of a protection program. The crashing of waves forms the introduction piece before a ripple of keys set the scene, breaking the lines between reality and fantasy before the melancholic guitars kick in. This does pull you in and help set the scene for the album as a whole.
Resolution jumps straight in with a thundering assault of drums and encapsulating guitars. This is going to make you want to bang your head right from the offset.
Soulbound from the intro it could have come straight out of an ‘80’s Fantasy film. This is a narrative tale of sword and sorcery, it features lots of harmonising on the vocals which amalgamates perfectly with the musical composition.
Words Cannot Heal is a melodic masterpiece is reminiscent of some of the bands older material which will appease long term fans and new alike. It fully highlights that words are extremely powerful and that you should make your voice heard and express who you are.
The riffs and melody utilised within Amuse Me does remind one of The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, it totally works and is guaranteed to haunt your psyche long after it finishes!
Like every good fairy-tale you need a good opening. The title track massively showcases this and then some. What comes to mind is the classic Doctor Who intro with the radio wave ripples, blurring between reality and the visions of fantasy and imagination. This anthem is one every metalhead can rally to “we live only once, once upon a time…”
I Am I is a full frontal speed metal attack akin to the mighty HELLOWEEN, it has the opportunity to be incredibly well received in a live environment should the band decide to tour on the back of this release and has all of the scope for immense crowd participation with the cry of “I am I!”
When A Moment Turns Into A Lifetime starts out as a classic ballad. It has a much slower pace compared to some of the other album tracks. This has some powerful lyrics too that ensnare you and give you a resurgence of aspiration and goals: “We have a dream, we have hope. We are running towards our destiny”
Radiant Halo has an incredible atmospheric approach to it. This is a forewarning of what could come in our future as we continue to damage our planet. If we unite as one with the focus of undoing the damage we have done it will benefit all.
Initially I thought Eternals was a homage to Dream On by AEROSMITH. Whilst there are some similarities form its piano-led melodies it is then flipped on its head to give you a full on power metal ballad, if you know Land of the Miracle by EDGUY then you know exactly what to expect.
Band of Brothers is a really big hitter. EXCALION totally know how to pull out all the artillery for a finale. As an album closer it has loads going for it. Massive riffs, thundering drums, loads of harmonising both musically and vocally and enough breakdowns for you to get that head banging!
This album is an absolute delight, my only issue is how long it took me to get round to listening to it! EXCALION have once again pulled out all the stops to add another epic release to their discography
Words: Martin White
Rating: 9/10
Once Upon A Time is out now.
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