Much like the worlds of heavy metal and thrash, power metal does not live up to its potential often enough even if it is held in high regard by many all over the world. Despite the wild potential that has been demonstrated through the style's history, it is not nearly often enough that we see an act come around and manage to really take the opportunity to throw at us an experience that's more than simply noteworthy, but, rather, something that really captures the imagination and sense of adventure that the fantastical sound has always been known for. It's been a long drought for me when it comes to good power metal, yet it is now with the newest effort from Arcane Tales that I can finally quench that thirst with an experience more than fitting for the sound's possibilities.
Immediately does the mind go towards creations of sweeping landscapes of awesome beauty layered in ancient magic with the makings of an epic tale laced throughout every possible moment of the creation whenever power metal comes to mind. Seemingly without breaking so much as a sweat throughout the nine tracks of its seventh full-length album, "Until Where the Northern Lights Reign". For every moment that we're presented with for this record, Arcane Tales draws upon its years of experience in the sound to deliver a symphony-laced work of epic melodies, enchanting riffs, more than a little bit of experimentation here and there, and more than enough majesty to make for a work of power metal that certainly deserves to be hailed as a standout creation in the sound. It's in the title track where the symphonies really come into play to show just how adept Arcane Tales is with such a craft, but it is throughout the whole of "Until Where the Northern Lights Reign" that we're able to bear witness just how much they elevate the entirety of the record. Even without them, however, it would be a crude statement for anyone to claim that this record still wouldn't be an absolute treat to dive into over and over again.
Where I have found nothing but disappointment and unfortunate albums in power metal for several months now, Arcane Tales comes to me like a crisp breeze of mountain air that bring life back into these bones. Even the smallest moments have a big part to play within all that "Until Where the Northern Lights Reign" has to offer, and it is no matter the opportunity that Arcane Tales makes a point to capitalize in both the most effective and grandiose way possible.
LISTEN to "Until Where the Northern Lights Reign" on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Arcane Tales on Facebook here.
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