Keyboardist Andersson returns for his second album of neo-classically fused compositions for more technically minded metal that again intrigues the mind of precisely orchestrated ear candy.
Along with axeman/co-founder Magnus Nilsson, drummer Andreas Brobjer, and vocalist Nils Patrik Johansson, whose vocals ponder upon Dio's timbre and Tony Martin's (Sabbath/The Cage) range,
The Astral Episode is no disappointing follow up to
Embrace the Galaxy. Again the songwriting is strong, but yet the headroom to expand with many arpeggiated solos of both the keys and guitar is created around the main melody.
Yes there is lots of soloing going on, but it is done in the discreetly place manner, rather than masturbatory jamming, where in this case, the scope for expansion is already in place where the song owns the blueprint for the expansion itself.
There is quite a bit of diversity within the tracks found here, for example "
Back to the Dark" has the driving stripped down hard rock vibe, but it is surrounded by solos; "
Presents of Mind" and "
Dazzle the Devil," although upbeat, are somewhat doom minded power metal ditties with an abundance of layered arrangements; and "
Through Dreams and Reality" and the title track feature the precise orchestrations, making this latest offering a plethora of sub-symphonic explorations.
The production and arrangements on the record were constructed completely from the mind Andersson, and like the last one, he enlisted the help again from Flower King Jonas
Reingold to put the final touches on the record during the mixing process, which is another feat considering the dense arrangements and multi-layered instrumentation; you actually can discern all the different instruments on this one. Without a doubt, Andersson and Co. again creates his own brand of Rising Force infused compositions to further invoke his place within the world of modern sub-symphonic metal.
Written by
Hashman Thursday, May 5, 2005
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