Adrana – “The Ancient Realms” (2011)

Label : Brennus Music

Review by Tony Cannella

France’s Adrana have been together since 2004 and site some of their influences as: Rhapsody of Fire, Nightwish (that one is the most obvious), Symphony X and Dream Theatre among others. The band has previously released an EP and a full-length and now returns with their second full-length album “The Ancient Realms”. The music on “The Ancient Realms” has the complexity of some of the above mentioned bands and vocalist Anae’s all out, blitzkrieg of operatic vocals will be loved by some and loathed by others. Whatever you want to say about her voice, you can’t deny that it is huge and a dominating factor for better or worse on “The Ancient Realms”. “The Ancient Realms” begins with the symphony laden intro “Fall of an Iced Dusk” as the piece gets heavier and then segues into the powerful up-tempo opener “The Frozen Path”. This is an excellent opener and a good introduction to the band. Judging by their song titles it is not hard to see where Adrana looks to for inspiration with their fantasy based lyrics. Next we have “The Grey Princess” which continues in the same vein. For sure Adrana add a lot of elements that you would expect out of a symphonic metal band, but they also add a lot of heaviness and blasting rhythms to the songs – and some cool tempo changes along the way. Sure Adrana may not be the most original band out there, but in my opinion originality is overrated, everything’s already been done! The fact is, “The Ancient Realms” features some good songs, musicianship and most of all passion. Highlights include: “Revelation”, “The Old Guardian” and “Prison of Memories”. Vocalist Anae’s vocals may be polarizing and divisive, but personally I grew to really like them and she adds a lot to the songs. Sometimes I wish she would bring it down a bit, but still for the most part she sings the hell out of the material and it can also be very inspiring. Adrana may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but fans of the opera symphonic metal genre should at least have a listen of “The Ancient Realms” and see what this French band is all about.

Rating – 78/100

Tracklist

1. Fall of an Iced Dusk
2. The Frozen Path
3. The Grey Princess
4. Revelation
5. The Old Guardian
6. Prison of Memories
7. Theater of a Blazing Night
8. Burning Horizon
9. Over the Past
10. Poison
11. The Bow and the Beast
12. Obsidian Collapses
13. A New Dawn

Line Up

• Anae – Vocals
• Grhyll – Keyboards
• Ludo – Guitars
• Mric – Bass
• Max – Drums 

Links

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