06:11 Adastra - Death Or Domination /2009 |
 Year: 2009 Rel. Date: 2010-03-20 Genre: Heavy Metal Label: Violent Journey Records Finland (Helsinki) Exactly one year after the debut, Finnish heavy metal act ADASTA continues the path laid out on The Last Sunset (2007) with Death or Domination. Everything is as it should be and mistaking this for anything but an ADASTRA album is impossible. Theres the typical heavy and distinct riffs making head banging irresistible, the sound of British vintage metal, the soaring vocals of Ville Siikamaki and the outstanding lead work performed by the two duelling guitarists. Ville possesses a melodic voice but knows equally to render it more aggressive or oven more passionate. The vocal performances on Death or Domination are a big step up from the debut, as Ville practically dominates many of the chorus by his inventive vocal arrangements and dominate mid-range singing. The song writing shows signs of clear development both in depth and breadth, reflecting obviously the fruits of a couple of years hard work. While The Last Sunset is an immensely enjoyable album, Death or Domination features improvements on all accounts. To the difference of good number of heavy bands of the 80s, ADASTRA does not sink in the parody, the cliche or the already made. Compositions are original, perfectly executed. The monstrous epic Helsinki 1939 is the only song where the Maiden influence really shines through. Clocking in at 9 minutes and 9 seconds, and entirely devoid of chorus, this song stands out from the rest by having sincere melancholic lyrics about the World War II. It starts off slowly, before it picks up speed little by little. About midway through the song explodes and the galloping guitars are going everywhere, churning out beautiful guitar harmonies and extremely well played and fitting guitar solos. Helsinki 1939 is complex and progressive, blending heavy and intense metal parts, with airy and melancholic mellow sections. Heavy metal doesnt get much better than this. The main differences between Death or Domination and the debut album are the great amount of diversity and the more powerful production. While The Last Sunset is an all full speed metal marathon from start till finish, ADASTRA this time around take the time to slow down in between and create powerful mid-tempo rockers such as the title track Death or Domination, "Who Threw the First Stone" and Man MK.II. There is almost sort of a power metal ballad feel to said tracks, and the amount of passion and feeling in Villes voice in these songs are just incredible. The two guitarists Olli Anttila and Jari Hartman alternate rhythm and lead through the songs. About 23 solos have been recorded for the Death or Domination album and they are equally shared between main songwriter Anttila and Hartman. Unlike many of ADASTRAs fellow Finnish countrymen, ADASTRA sounds closer to British vintage heavy metal in vein of JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN, but also heavy/power/thrash USA metal in vein of ICED EARTH and MEGADETH. As the latter aspect is concerned, this is especially due to said wicked lead guitar work. Granted Anttila/Hartman unleash tons of great solos, but their enchanting lead work also function just as much in melodies as to nail the different sections with breath-taking solos. The two guitarists complement each other perfectly well and work as the backbone for the band. Although having two guitarists in a metal band is a very common feature, it certainly isnt common to have two top class shredders. Within the next few years Anttila/Hartman could very well become Finlands reply to UKs Downing/Tipton (JUDAS PRIEST). The Helsinki boys possess the talents and professionalism that many signed bands never find and most unsigned band can never hope to have. This is one of the best true heavy metal albums released this year, and any fan of this style should get their hands on Death or Domination. It's all here razor-sharp riffs, blistering solos, tight, cohesive playing, tempo variations, and the awesome voice of Ville Siikamaki, who can sing with venom and belt out soaring screams as good as Bruce Dickinson. The production is easily better than the last album and sort of hits one in the face these songs deserve to be re-released on a major label. 1. Locked on to You 3:50 2. One Chance 3:55 3. Death or Domination 6:22 4. Man Mk.II 4:36 5. Helsinki 1939 6:01 6. Who Threw the First Stone 5:23 7. Devil Knows You're Dead 9:09 8. Lost 4:50 9. Wasted Life 5:37 10. The Longing 10:46 60:29 тема на форуме MYSPACE |
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