The symphonic metal scene is or has been well saturated, but once in a while a band comes along that totally blows my mind. And here we have Shatterheart from Sweden with their debut album Infernal Symphony (what do the Scandinavians put in their water?).
The band
Though the band may be a new name in the scene, its members are no strangers to the stage, having toured and performed in several countries and festivals throughout the years. Meanwhile, this awesome and commercial sounding debut album from these seasoned musicians, offers up a symphonic metal lover’s wet dream, with power metal dynamics and darker gothic atmospheres.
Jump into the Infernal Symphony
Consequently, the record gives us a dramatic yet balanced sound where melody, intensity and strong songwriting go hand in hand. And this becomes apparent from the off, with Afterlife being a symphonic belter, and before you can recover, along comes the catchy Nightchild that explores dark romanticism.
Every track to my ears a real banger
The record continues in a similar vein, every track to my ears a real banger. There is a tsunami of awesome cuts here, closing with the epic 11-minute plus title track, but if I was to have any faves, they currently would be Betrayal, the melodic Raging Storm and the wonderful ballad Forever Will Last.
Infernal Symphony “combines majestic melodies with symphonic intensity”
No doubt, however, subsequent listens will see that accolade change. Shatterheart‘s music combines majestic melodies with symphonic intensity, shaped by guitarst Johan Bergman’s compositions and Alicke’s powerful voice.
Produced, mixed and mastered by Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Obscura, Architects) at Studio Fredman, the band now aims to carve a name for themselves in the world of Symphonic Metal and with this release, I am sure they will. As a consequence, I certainly recommend this record to fans of melodic symphonic metal and the like! Album of the year, is it too early to say?
Track List
- Afterlife
- Nightchild
- No Rest
- A Shattered Heart
- Betrayal
- The Ghost Remains
- Raging Storm
- Forever Will Last
- Ground Turns To Dust
- Infernal Symphony
Line-up
- Johan Bergman – Guitars
- Alicke Kostopoulou – Vocals
- Olle Bengtsson – Drums
- Jonathan Strand – Bass
- Daniel Lyngsaa Larsson – Keyboards