Germany's Aragonit has stepped into the stage light with their new exhilarating album, entitled "Astraleum." These guys have mixed sounds of black metal, folk metal, and symphonic power metal all into one extraordinary album. You will come across multiple elements throughout the album that will really sweep you off your feet. It's full of mixed vocals, ravishing orchestrations, and electrifying guitar work. If you're unfamiliar with this band then you are definitely in for a treat.
The album opens with a short instrumental, entitled "Radiation." The minute and 46 second track contains beautiful orchestrated strings and medieval tones that really set an epic image. "Pegasus" comes in with distorted guitars carrying high flying melodies as the verse starts. The vocals begin with strong power metal tones as they deliver catchy lyrics. Then you're taken by surprise as the vocals switch over from clean singing to vicious black metal growls. The dark vocals mixed with the symphonic guitars and strings will have you at the edge of your seat the entire time as you wait for what's next.
Clean catchy lyrics open up "Astraleum" as fast double bass pedal drumming follows. Quick chugging guitars will have you bobbing your head immediately. The verses continue to mix between clean vocals and wicked screams keeping you hooked throughout its entirety. The drum fills in between the verses are absolutely stunning. Definitely make sure you listen closely to these rolls. "Under The Frostcrust" starts right off with demonic growls as guitars blast away with wild melodies. You're then surrounded by angelic strings which float gently in the background. The fast tempo and violent drum rolls will have you up and moshing in no time while the up beat guitar solos will have you wanting to dance instead.
"A Journey" has a more pagan type of sound to it. The way the clean vocals are delivered, they give you a real folk type of sound. The refrain is full of catchy melodies and will have you singing along. They also manage to give you a short accordion breakdown. It sounds like you're visiting a circus of some sort. The guitar riffs towards the end have an addicting melody that will definitely have you coming back to the track again and again.
Towards the end of the album you'll come across a track called "Winterhawks." This track has all growling vocals but the instruments behind them make it sound like you're listening to nothing but symphonic power metal. The verses are full of distorted guitars and soaring strings while monstrous growls rip you to shreds. The refrain contains a catchy hook that will having you humming along to the riffs in the background. The drums are relentless throughout the track as well. Rapid double bass pedal drums absolutely destroy you while cymbals crash violently behind them. This is definitely the backbone to this album.
"Astraleum" has so much to offer throughout its entirety. All nine tracks flow together so smoothly and yet they each have their own distinct sound. Aragonit is able to mash all of these different genres into one and they manage to do it perfectly. They also use so many different kinds of instruments that you never know what you're gonna get. Definitely make sure you check this album out. It's one that you won't want to miss!
8/10
Official Site - http://aragonit.bandcamp.com/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Aragonitmetal
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