Altaria - The Fallen Empire
Young band, mature sound, ridiculous lyrics, stunning production.

These impressions are quickly and emphatically underlined as you move through the first four tracks. Then, like a thief in the night, an unwelcome but unavoidable sense of sameness creeps in and steals away that flawed but colourful bloom. More in a moment.

This is Finnish band Altaria's third album. Automatic promotion to the Power/Melodic Metal Premier League seemed a sure thing after 2004's 'Divinity', but with 'The Fallen Empire' they'll be lucky to get a shot at the Play Offs.
Good stuff is rare, but the best is impressive. 'Frozen Hearts', a forlorn anthem of desolation, and 'The Lion', a song of diversity, drama and power, delve deep into hard rock territory and are all the better for it. A well worn path perhaps, but the band seem much more at home and much more natural on this material.

But it's too little, too early.

As the album winds on, the low, arduous hum of by-the-numbers melodic metal becomes deafening. There's no imagination and precious little passion, and despite some fiery guitarwork nothing much ignites.

Often there's too much content and not enough subject. The songs, riddled with relentlessly grandiose lyrics, peddle mock heroics and not much more.
Then suddenly, an ordinary track like 'Outlaw Blood' or 'Chosen One' will be elevated onto a much higher level by a short but inspired axe solo.

Altaria's music never totally descends into failure, it's just that it never really ascends - above mentioned tracks excepted - into spellbinding greatness either.

Disappointing.

Written by Brian
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Show all reviews by Brian

Ratings

Brian: 5/10

Members: No members have rated this album yet.


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RevelationZ Comments


Comment by Alanna (Staff) - Wednesday, May 17, 2006
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Comments: 245
I really liked the "Divinity" album but this seems so trite and uninspired. The production took a real dive too, the last disc was much crisper and deeper where sound was concerned. The vocalist gets on the nerves more too - more having to do with what the material is requiring of him than anything else I believe. A shame, this could have been so much more. I agree with the rating 100%, its dead average.

Posted by Alanna (Staff)
Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Comment by Jarkko Kyntäjä (Anonymous) - Sunday, June 25, 2006
Don´t agree at all. The Fallen Empire is a very good record, worthy successor to great Divinity. Very solid material throughout, with enough standout tracks to keep you interested. And to Alanna´s comment about vocalist, Taage Laiho, WHAT ? Out of his many records (Kilpi etc.), this is maybe the best. These songs suite to his voice really well, only couple of times little out of range, but that happens. Frozen Hearts and Outlaw Torn are best tracks, bad songs I couldn´t find. Best Altaria record so far, a little bit heavier than its predecessors, which is very good thing. Divinity was a little bit on the edge to fall on the AOR-side time to time. 7½ / 10


Comment by Brian McGowan (Revelationz) (Anonymous) - Monday, July 10, 2006
Jarkko - thanks for your comments. It's always interesting to get hear other opinions. Best, Brian


Comment by Ngls (Anonymous) - Saturday, August 5, 2006
Wow this must be a cool band cuz I'm just first listening to thwm from this album and I like them. If you guys say that this is a 5/10 album then thjis must be a truly great band!!!











Review by Brian

Released by
Metal Heaven Europe / Staygold Japan - 2006

Tracklisting
1. Disciples
2. Valley Of Rainbows
3. Abyss Of twilight
4. Frozen Hearts
5. Crucific
6. Showdown
7. The Lion
8. Outlaw Blood
9. Chosen One
10. Access Denied
11. Metality (bonus track)


Style
Melodic metal

Related links
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Altaria - Official Website

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Ratings
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2 - Terrible
3 - Bad
4 - Below average
5 - Average
6 - Good
7 - Very good
8 - Outstanding
9 - Genius
10 - Masterpiece
666 - Unrated

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