I hope you aren't thinking "oh no, not another power metal release." While it is understandable that in power metal or any other type of music saturation is imminent,
Axxis does have many appealing factors of their own. Their music is filled with a lot of "busy-ness" and density, but yet their groove is tight, where aggression and harmony collide into a monstrosity of melodic force. At the same time the still provide the haunting presence, intelligent melodies, and sophisticated musicianship to provide ear candy for the metal masses.
While
Paradise in Flames mixes the dark atmosphere of At Vance, the belligerent metal attack of
Jag Panzer and Blind Guardian, as well as
some symphonic elements of bands such as Mind's Eye;
Axxis does not go overboard. Overboard that is with too many orchestrations; the keys and the guitars along with the rhythm section provide a wall of sound that has as much sonic proportions as an orchestra provides.
When you listen to the record, you realize that the songs are key, but nevertheless the music is complimented by dense arrangements that engage the harmonious force that drives the record through its melodic sophistication. Now take for instance the vocal use on "
Lady Moon," which is a dark but aggressive cut that uses the operatic female vocals of Lakonia to create an orchestral soundscape of it's own rather than keyboards (her vocal presence is heard throughout the record). This vocal technique is something you don't hear often, literally minding a different musical approach, rather than say using keyboard vocals; there's nothing like the real thing . But it is frontman Bernhard Weiss who is at the forefront of the lyrical expression; he has this Halford/Sammett timbre to his voice.
Consistently following the heavy tread line of compositional proportions; cuts such as "
Tales of Glory Island," "
Ice Wind," and "
Dance with the Dead" have the classic Stratovarius/Gamma Ray sound intact. But
Paradise in Flames does not only stay within the realm of quick tempo power metal, other songs such as "
Talisman," "
Will God Remember Me," and the piano ballad "
Don't Leave Me" provide the emotion that is conveyed on a higher level, creating a mood; what type of mood; well alright, it's just a mood.
Although the record might stand in line with many power metal bands,
Axxis does have the excellent songs (and arrangements) to stand out, and I can't stress it too many times, it is the catchiness and the hooks that lead to anthems that lead to the whole "raise your fist in the air" factor.
Axxis provides this a-plenty.
Written by
Hashman Wednesday, February 22, 2006
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