In general, I hope to write reviews that contain the possibility that even someone who wouldn’t normally like the band I’m writing about might read something that intrigues them enough to check that band out. OK, it’s possible I fail to do this on a regular basis, but the thought’s there… Occasionally however, you just have to put the nuts and bolts of an album out there and basically scare a few people away immediately. So, I’m going to say one sentence; “Fantasy Symphonic Power Metal concept album inspired by The Dragonlance Saga” and just see what happens.
Oh, still here? Well, that’s a surprise – yes, and who needed them anyway! OK, seeing as it’s just me and you and I still have your vague attention I’ll tell you a bit about the music on this album if you like? This is Greek Power Metal band Paladine’s second release (their debut came out back in 2017) and pitches itself firmly at the classic Power Metal of the last 20 years, similar in style to bands like Crystal Eyes, Human Fortress, Steel Prophet, Iron Fire and bands of a similar ilk that labels like LMP had an almost abundance of over the last couple of decades. There’s a bit of the most recent Firewind offering about this album, but also fellow countrymen Elwing – further examples of how the songs on “Entering The Abyss” stretch over time.
The band rely on a twin guitar assault rather than messing around too much with decorative keyboards, choosing to back the powerful lower register gravel-throated vocals with pounding, driving rhythms and memorable riffs. The arrangements are interesting and engaging, the band build up a dramatic atmosphere and there’s some very nice leadwork thrown in too. Seeing as it’s just me and you here, I might have to admit that nothing particularly new or unique jumps out from this album on the first couple of spins, but there’s more than enough to enjoy throughout the album and the depth of the songs mean that other fine moments will undoubtedly unveil themselves with further listens.
Look, we know what it’s all about don’t we? This is a very good Power Metal band releasing a damn fine album that has a familiar feeling to it – but in a good way! And there aren’t so many acts out there doing this style as there have been over the years so Paladine certainly won’t disappoint anyone who has heard as many albums in this style as we have. What’s that you say? Yes, by all means, check the album out, it sounds like it might be just your kind of thing. Feel free to drop by again any time…I must go, I grow weary now and I think the nurse is here with my medication…
(8/10 Andy Barker)
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