ALTARIA „The fallen empire”

Release date: March 24, 2006
Music: Melodic/Power Metal
Website: www.altariamusic.com
www.metalheaven.net
Country: Finland
Good songs: Disciples, Valley of rainbows, Access denied
Duration: 11 Songs – 53:54 Min

Contact:
altaria@altariamusic.com

Discographie:
Invitation – 2003
Divinity – 2004
The fallen empire – 2006

ALTARIA – a typical Finnish melodic/power metal band. Nothing is new, nothing is innovative, no own identity – but good anyway? Yes, that is true!

With their third album „The fallen empire“, the Finns do not reinvent themselves, although they show less keyboards and more heaviness. Anyway, the album is great!

How does the quartet do this? They have good to very good compositions, without going over the top. Synthies (played by SONATA ARCTICA keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg) are used unobstrusively. And also singer Taage Laiho (he sometimes reminds me of GOTHIC KNIGHTS singer Rick Sanchez, particularly on „Abyss of twilight“) does not bring his clean voice to the top of a mountain. And guitarist J-P Alanen (being a substitute for Jani Liimatainen) does not rape his guitar until you get a headache because of fast melodies. A further guest on this record is Rowan Robertson (ex-DIO), who contributes one-of-a-kind guitar solos.

11 tracks that take turn: The opener „Disciples“ indeed is a midtempo song, but it´s a good figurehead for the whole album. Melodic, without becoming boring. Very catchy: „Valley of the rainbows“. A little hard rock style: „Showdown“. And a bit epic: „The dying flame“.

About one hour of good melodic metal made in Finnland. And this leaves a good impression!

The Finn quartet will be in good hands on the tour with SONATA ARCTICA this year!

note: 9/10

Tracklist

1. Disciples – 6:12
2. Valley of rainbows – 4:21
3. Abyss of twilight – 4:54
4. Frozen hearts – 4:39
5. Crucifix – 3:27
6. Showdown – 3:38
7. The lion – 4:57
8. Outlaw blood – 4:11
9. Chosen one – 4:12
10. Access denied – 5:20
11. The dying flame (European bonus) – 7:57
12. History in German and English + Band Pictures

Line-up

Taage Laiho – Vocals
Marko Pukkila – Bass
Tony Smedjebacka – Drums
J-P Alanen – Guitars