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Modern power metal is brimming with bands that take on fantastic stories and jump across the stage in wild costumes. Even though this has its charm and I also appreciate it very much, lately I also feel that it’s gradually getting out of hand… It’s a refreshing change when you then encounter a power metal band that is dedicated to epic stories, but still prefers a certain elegance in appearance.
I’m talking about the Italian newcomers of ALTERIUM! Tomorrow, on September the 1st, their first single Drag Me to Hell will be released, which is supposed to give a preview of the hopefully soon to be released debut album. The whole thing was produced at EMPERIAL SOUND by Lars Rettkowitz.
The song is vaguely inspired by Bolvar Fordragon, a character from World of Warcraft who sacrificed himself and now sits on the Frost Throne. Honestly, I have absolutely no idea whatsoever about this, after all, I’ve never played WoW (and don’t plan to), but it sounds like a dramatic story!
Both video and song are full of fulminant power, which draws the listener in straight away. Stylistically located between DRAGONFORCE, RHAPSODY and STRATOVARIUS, Drag Me To Hell impresses especially with the full and pleasant voice of singer Nicoletta Rosellini (ex-KALIDIA). Especially the chorus captivates with a casual catchiness that proves that experienced musicians were at work here. I simply had great fun listening to this song. For a Power Metal song Drag Me To Hell is very heavy and therefore stylistically rather reminiscent of earlier Power Metal bands, however ALTERIUM have managed to give the song a powerful lightness, which I miss sometimes with other bands of similar style.
In short, Italian creative power artfully meets a genre that could very well use a bit of fresh wind. For this reason(probably), the band has already signed a contract with AFM and can already have their first festival appearance in September. One can be curious what ALTERIUM will release in the future. I for my part am already enormously excited! The video premiere is tomorrow on the Youtube channel of AFM at 16:00 (CET). It’s definitely worth it!
Nicoletta Rosellini – Vocals
Paolo Campitelli – Guitars
Alessandro Mammola – Guitars
Luca Scalabrin – Bass
Dario Gozzi – Drums
Shieldmaiden's Voice 