Metalium As One Chapter Four
Century Media CMR8153-2 - 2004
By Rodrigo Escandon
Upon reading the press bio that came with this release, I was just ready to hate As One Chapter Four, the latest album from the power metal band Metalium. Power metal is just one genre that for the past couple of years has gotten really stagnant and predictable, and this was an album that looked like it was going to fit such a role. With the bio throwing out catchy but really unbelievable descriptions of thunderous drums, edgy guitar riffs, soaring solos and energetic rhythms, coupled with an extremely convoluted storyline, As One had everything going against it with me.
The initial impression didnt do anything to dispel my fears, but with subsequent listens I really began to find some great musical moments that I just could not ignore. For example, the fast opener Warrior really gets your heart racing with its energetic vibe, and Find Out has an incredibly interesting bass and drum rhythm that starts the song and reappears throughout it. As One is an infectious song that you cant help but sing along to, and Illuminated is a great epic that features a variety of tempos and plenty of guitar solos.
But just as there were great moments there were also some bad moments with As One. The most notable one is the singing of Henning Basse, which is in a higher range that just doesnt sound very good at all, and it can get pretty annoying. When he stays in mid-range he really excels, and that is where his voice should really stay. Another weakness that As One has is that there are very forgettable songs, especially towards the end of the album. If it werent for the fact that As One ends the album I would be inclined to stop it after Meaning of Light (Reprise) (the 8th song in a 13 song album). Finally, someone please tell these bands that a narrator is really unnecessary.
One cant hide the fact that there will be no surprises with the music. Its the tried and true formula of power metal, that plenty of bands other than Metalium play . As One definitely has moments that make it shine on its own light, but once you strip it down, it cant escape its roots. Fans who cant get enough of this music will definitely enjoy it, some others will probably find a few great moments.
7/10
Metalium Official Website
Century Media Official Website
Century Media CMR8153-2 - 2004
By Rodrigo Escandon
Upon reading the press bio that came with this release, I was just ready to hate As One Chapter Four, the latest album from the power metal band Metalium. Power metal is just one genre that for the past couple of years has gotten really stagnant and predictable, and this was an album that looked like it was going to fit such a role. With the bio throwing out catchy but really unbelievable descriptions of thunderous drums, edgy guitar riffs, soaring solos and energetic rhythms, coupled with an extremely convoluted storyline, As One had everything going against it with me.
The initial impression didnt do anything to dispel my fears, but with subsequent listens I really began to find some great musical moments that I just could not ignore. For example, the fast opener Warrior really gets your heart racing with its energetic vibe, and Find Out has an incredibly interesting bass and drum rhythm that starts the song and reappears throughout it. As One is an infectious song that you cant help but sing along to, and Illuminated is a great epic that features a variety of tempos and plenty of guitar solos.
But just as there were great moments there were also some bad moments with As One. The most notable one is the singing of Henning Basse, which is in a higher range that just doesnt sound very good at all, and it can get pretty annoying. When he stays in mid-range he really excels, and that is where his voice should really stay. Another weakness that As One has is that there are very forgettable songs, especially towards the end of the album. If it werent for the fact that As One ends the album I would be inclined to stop it after Meaning of Light (Reprise) (the 8th song in a 13 song album). Finally, someone please tell these bands that a narrator is really unnecessary.
One cant hide the fact that there will be no surprises with the music. Its the tried and true formula of power metal, that plenty of bands other than Metalium play . As One definitely has moments that make it shine on its own light, but once you strip it down, it cant escape its roots. Fans who cant get enough of this music will definitely enjoy it, some others will probably find a few great moments.
7/10
Metalium Official Website
Century Media Official Website
