Symfonia - In Paradisum

It is common knowledge that Scandinavia is one of the leading forces when it comes to the production of melodic power metal. Symfonia is not a new found band is more an all star project of some of the biggest names in Power Metal that join forces in order to record a power metal masterpiece. So here we have Timo Tolki (x-Stratovarius), Andre Matos (x-Angra), Uli Kusch (x-Helloween), Jari Kainulainen (x-Stratovarius) and Mikko Harkin (x-Sonata Arctica) composing and performing “In Paradisum”. The names alone guarantee a very promising album but is this so for Symfonia?
\r\nIf you are familiar with the sound of the above mentioned bands you will know what to expect from such a project. Although there’s been a long time since Timo Tolki left Stratovarius, his composing and performing abilities seem to lead back in glorious days of his former band, something pretty obvious in the whole album since the distinctive Stratovarius sound seems to prevail. The band (and each one separately) knows that they don’t have to try new tricks or new ways to impress the audience, so they do what they do best. They play melodic power metal with a Finnish touch. So Kusch on the drums follows Timo Tolki’s melodic power riffing while Harkin’s keys add a touch of Sonata Arctica to the songs. The only flaw (if I could name it so..) are Andre Matos’s vocals which sound a bit peculiar here. I don’t imply that there’s something wrong with his voice, all I am saying is that he just doesn’t fit.
\r\n“In Paradisum” consists of fast paced songs with powerful melodies and some really impressive solos like these on “Fields Of Avalon”. “Come By The Hills” with its ultra melodic chorus could have been a Stratovarius missing track, while “Rhapsody in Black” is, in my opinion, the albums’ greatest song. Another jewel is the emotional ballad “Analya” in which Andre Matos performs excellent, singing every lyric straight from his heart. Last but not least we have “Pilgrim Road” a stunning song with a catchy folk melody that will blow your mind!
\r\nAll and all, “In Paradisum” might not be a groundbreaking release for the power metal genre but it is powerful and very well produced and I think that’s more than enough for me.
\r\n“Hit the shadows back, find your destiny and never ever let it go.”
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\r\nDecemberfae\r\n