German multi-instrumentalist 'Tristan Harders' is the lead singer of power metal band 'Terra Atlantica' which has released two albums, 'A City Once Divine' in 2017 and 'Quest into the Sky' in 2020. He took advantage of the health crisis that deprived his band of concerts to create a new solo project, 'Tristan Harders' Twilight Theatre', which he produced almost single-handedly because apart from the contribution of 'Tomi Fooler' and 'Gabriel Tuxen' on the track 'Save Me From Insanity' and the addition of backing vocals to flesh out the vocal section, he took care of all the instruments, the vocals, the mixing and the production of this album. The result is a very good power metal album with melodic hymns which ultimately are quite close to 'Terra Atlantica' with a touch of neo-classical: after the short epic introduction 'Entrance' which is typical of this style of music, compositions all as addictive as each other with a first title 'The End' of which any fan of power metal should sing the chorus loudly, then, 'Open the Gates' drives the point home with sharp saturated riffs which give a mad desire to headbang and which has some rather original variations of tempo and intensity. In the same style, 'Rise Against the Tyranny' deploys crazy energy thanks to a raging rhythmic section, the short instrumental 'Interlude In G# Minor' brings a neo-classical side, 'In the Realms Of Memories' is the typical anthem power metal to take back in choirs and the fast 'Save Me From Insanity' is not to be outdone with beautiful vocal harmonies. When the rhythm section wants to be less unleashed, 'Rise against the Tyranny' shows a more measured face with a new catchy chorus, and we can also mention 'Quest Into The Mountains Of Steel' which has beautiful alternations of intensities between verses and chorus or even 'When Fairytales Are Gone' with its very classic melodic lines but so catchy and effective. We will also not miss the ballads 'Back To Avalon' and 'Between The Battles' which offer remarkable breaks between all the energetic compositions.
In summary, 'Tristan Harders' is releasing, at the start of 2022, a remarkable power metal album, certainly close to what we know from 'Terra Atlantica' but which offers effective melodic anthems that come directly grafting in the head and 'Drifting Into Insanity' should please fans of classic power metal who like bands like 'Hopes of Freedom', 'Running Wild' or 'Powerwolf' to name only those who have recently released albums in this style... | |