For all the dark, heavy, and destructive bands in the metal world, it's difficult to sometimes branch out and spend some quality time with the lighter side of the genre. To clarify, light, as in redeeming, virtuous, and heroic sounding. Power metal is an avenue that commonly exemplifies some of these characteristics, and if one can get past the hurdles so many complain about in the genre, some enlightening and satisfying experiences can be had.
Vancouver, Canada is the cold land where Unleash the Archers resides. With their classic style of power metal, they are not satisfied to be just another band in their genre. Unleash the Archers re-establishes what is sought for and desired when experiencing new music. This five member band, led by female vocalist Brittney Slayes, will release their third full-length album via Napalm Records on July 10th in the US.
Yes, soaring guitar solos, catchy choruses, and a vocal range that makes opera look like a 5th grade choir. These are all excellent characteristics of Unleash The Archers' newest album Time Stands Still. One of the biggest challenges Unleash The Archers presents to all and any competitors is their flow. The harsh vocals, and the solid song writing are excellent, and many bands can perfect this, but as for flow, Time Stands Still has yet be matched in 2015. Each song is similar to a chapter that slowly unfolds. The intro "Northern Passage" is a slow intro that has a soft piano and ambient build up. It then dives into battle with "Frozen Steel" that will get your pulse going, preparing you for the shred to come. Slayes quickly shows off her talent with her exorbitant range, as if personally challenging the subject matter within her lyrics to battle. Each track has a strong identity, and continues the story that makes the progressing movement as religious and identifiable as King of Asgard's Karg album. The conclusion is an epic song, which is their title track, "Time Stands Still." The male chanting brings an ominous chorus as the closing track pounds its impression on the listener. This heroic conclusion is not that of a final battle, but that of life continuing and peace being found. This is a refreshing ending to a high energy album that will draw you in, engage emotion, then gracefully release you to fully absorb what was just experienced.
A near perfect album with no complaints. Time Stands Still has something for everyone, even if you're not into power metal, the talent and flow cannot be ignored as this organic spirit will evoke that soul you may, or may not, have to thirst for more quality music, and release you from that dark dungeon of solitude that all other death metal bands try to get you in.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvZKJlrtk8[/youtube]
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