Just over 20 years since Swedish Power Metal mainstays Axenstar released their impressive debut “Perpetual Twilight” the band has racked up a number of equally attention-grabbing and unapologetically bombastic Metal albums, arriving in 2023 with their eighth offering (if only there was a clue in the title somewhere). Ever-present and leading the charge from the beginning is vocalist/keyboardist (briefly guitarist) and current bassist Magnus Winterwild, retaining the twin guitar attack of Jens Klovegård with Joakim Jonsson (together since 2008) and introducing new drummer Pelle Åkerlind who some may recognise from his ten years in Bloodbound.
Thanks to Winterwild’s distinctive mid-range vocal delivery and melodic style, Axenstar are instantly recognizable to existing fans and “Chapter VIII” carries that trend on vehemently. Right from the start Axenstar settle easily into a galloping, double-kick fuelled onslaught of top drawer Power Metal with catchy melodies, great guitar-work, powerful rhythms and anthemic choruses – “Chapter VIII” is indeed the eighth chapter following the same blueprint. This is by no means a criticism as the dependability of Axenstar to deliver a quality Power Metal behemoth is imperative and the band have no need to veer from this winning formula.
Incorporating classic Power Metal elements akin to Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Thunderstone, Iron Fire and the like into their own unique sound is such a practised art that Axenstar 2023 sound utterly at ease in their own identity, dispelling comparisons and becoming a band that others are compared to. The band haven’t had the breaks that others have, but need to be commended for their tenacity and determination. Tracks like ‘No Surrender’ and ‘Heavenly Symphony’ show the band at their most fluid, able to blend speed easily with melody whilst losing no power or aggression.
But Axenstar also like to mix the tempos, throwing in mid-paced Metal pounders such as ‘The Great Deceiver’ and ‘The War Within’ to further emphasise their diversity and show how capable they are of maintaining the energy levels even when the drums are allowed to slow the pace a little. “Chapter VIII” has everything an existing Axenstar fan like myself could want, delivered via an excellent Ronnie Björnström mix, that highlights the band’s strengths perfectly. Axenstar albums may not happen as often as other bands, but when one arrives it’s great to know that you can sit back, relax and enjoy a band that are truly happy in their own skin and know how to expertly deliver what their fans want. And they have delivered once more.
(8.5/10 Andy Barker)
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