Astral Doors Of the Son and the Father
Locomotive Music LM137 - 2003
By Rodrigo Escandon
Guitarist Joachim Nordlund and drummer Johan Lindstedt started Astral Doors because they wanted to play music in the same Hard Rock/Heavy Metal style of bands like Deep Purple, Rainbow and Black Sabbath. The duo recruited Jocke Roberg to handle the keyboards, Martin Haglund (who also played bass for this recording) as a second guitarist, and finally Patrick Johansson as the singer. Astral Doors definitely succeeded in their mission to play the music of their heroes, because Of the Son and the Father is an excellent and enjoyable album that fans of any of those bands should definitely enjoy.
As soon as you put this release into your stereo you are going to think that you are back in the late 70s and early 80s as Astral Doors throw in every musical element of the era, including organs and mellotrons. The musicians just belt out crunchy guitar riffs, powerful drumming and enough hooks and melodies to drive you insane. The variety in this album is truly one of its greatest strengths. From speedy tunes like Cloudbraker, Slay the Dragon and Burn Down the Wheel to slower ones like Of the Son and the Father, In Prison for Life and The Trojan Horse, this release will surely have something for everyone. With every listen one should be able to hear new things, which makes listening a fun experience because something new is always popping up.
But the person who truly shines has to be Patrick. Folks, this guy can flat out sing, and he will definitely remind you of such vocalists as Dio and Tony Martin. He has such a powerful and commanding presence that you just want to listen and enjoy the performance. He has also sung on the latest Space Odyssey and Wuthering Heights albums, but it is in this CD that he absolutely shines. This is the music that fits his voice perfectly, and it is worth purchasing this just to listen to him sing.
Sure, this is not entirely original but Astral Doors do sound relevant and current in a style that not many bands are out there playing. Frankly, it is extremely refreshing to hear this type of album right now, because it just cuts through the clutter of so much mediocrity like a sharp, hot blade cutting through butter. If you love and consider yourself a heavy metal fan this is one album you need to own.
9.5/10
Astral Doors Official Website
Locomotive Music Official Website
Locomotive Music LM137 - 2003
By Rodrigo Escandon
Guitarist Joachim Nordlund and drummer Johan Lindstedt started Astral Doors because they wanted to play music in the same Hard Rock/Heavy Metal style of bands like Deep Purple, Rainbow and Black Sabbath. The duo recruited Jocke Roberg to handle the keyboards, Martin Haglund (who also played bass for this recording) as a second guitarist, and finally Patrick Johansson as the singer. Astral Doors definitely succeeded in their mission to play the music of their heroes, because Of the Son and the Father is an excellent and enjoyable album that fans of any of those bands should definitely enjoy.
As soon as you put this release into your stereo you are going to think that you are back in the late 70s and early 80s as Astral Doors throw in every musical element of the era, including organs and mellotrons. The musicians just belt out crunchy guitar riffs, powerful drumming and enough hooks and melodies to drive you insane. The variety in this album is truly one of its greatest strengths. From speedy tunes like Cloudbraker, Slay the Dragon and Burn Down the Wheel to slower ones like Of the Son and the Father, In Prison for Life and The Trojan Horse, this release will surely have something for everyone. With every listen one should be able to hear new things, which makes listening a fun experience because something new is always popping up.
But the person who truly shines has to be Patrick. Folks, this guy can flat out sing, and he will definitely remind you of such vocalists as Dio and Tony Martin. He has such a powerful and commanding presence that you just want to listen and enjoy the performance. He has also sung on the latest Space Odyssey and Wuthering Heights albums, but it is in this CD that he absolutely shines. This is the music that fits his voice perfectly, and it is worth purchasing this just to listen to him sing.
Sure, this is not entirely original but Astral Doors do sound relevant and current in a style that not many bands are out there playing. Frankly, it is extremely refreshing to hear this type of album right now, because it just cuts through the clutter of so much mediocrity like a sharp, hot blade cutting through butter. If you love and consider yourself a heavy metal fan this is one album you need to own.
9.5/10
Astral Doors Official Website
Locomotive Music Official Website
