Asterise is a multinational symphonic power metal project formed in 2018 by guitarist Bartlomiej Mezynski and keyboardist Dionysis Maniatakos – the band completed by drummer Slawomir Siwak, vocalists Tristan Harders (Terra Atlantica), Arnaud Menard, and Katharina Stahl, with bass guitar duties (also) performed by Mezynski. ‘Two Worlds’ is the band’s debut album and was released in 2022…
…featuring nine songs across fifty pulsating minutes of fast-paced, operatic symphonic power metal. If you’re a fan of bands such as Stratovarius, Gamma Ray, or Avantasia – pull up a chair and prepare for a symphonic slapping of pleasurable power metal, with the two-minute intro ‘Intro’, full of atmosphere and anticipation. Not to mention a superb symphonic edge that just glides ‘Intro’ across the skies and into the listener’s universe. And then boom! ‘High Above The Horizon’ accelerates outta the blocks, adopting the classic feel and poise of European power metal. Packed to the rafters with energy and pizzazz, ‘High Above The Horizon’ is infectious and catchy – and with the addition of angelic female vocals…just wow! What an eargasm – and we’re only one song in! ‘Eternal Flame’ – and no, not a cover of the (1989) number one hit single by American pop band The Bangles – is a ferociously paced headbanger of a tune! All the mosh pits around the world are going to come alive to ‘Eternal Flame’, with local A & E departments swamped with neck injuries…mainly whiplash!
Entering the realm of symphonic power metal proper, Asterise is at their most majestic for ‘Frozen Lake’ – a staggering head held a high march of mid-tempo boldness. That is until the band step on the accelerator and races off into the distance. The change of pace and tempo is incredible, ‘Frozen Lake’ is a twisting and turning epic of immense proportions. And with the blend of different vocalists planting a unique slant on the band’s sound, you simply don’t have a clue as to which feel or texture is coming next. A heavy groove-laden guitar riff breathes life into ‘Promised Land’, soon to be replaced with a mellow mood and soaring female vocals. And then soaring male vocals! And then back to female vocals again! I feel a second eargasm coming – excuse me for a moment! Phew! What a surprise ‘Two Worlds’ has been so far – definitely one of the biggest surprises of the last few years, that’s for sure. And at over eight minutes in length, ‘Falling Stars’ is the longest song on offer – picking up the pace and racing on with a purpose and intent not yet heard. Infectious to the max, ‘Falling Stars’ was the first song I heard from Asterise – and from that first listen I just knew something special was brewing. And now I have my hands on the band’s first album. My instincts have been proven correct…‘Two Worlds’ is indeed something special!
Something special that needs to be in your collection – and played time and time again! The band stretched their legs and roared on with the heaviest and hardest-hitting song heard so far, ‘Masked Parade’ a red hot scorcher that’s going to burn, burn, burn! And at its most climactic, it is going to leave listeners dribbling and drooling uncontrollably! I fear multiple eargasms are now coming such is the fabulous impact of this album, the incredible intensity unrelenting in its devastating approach. The band are wearing me out – and there are still two songs to go! I feel on top of the world, the band exploding in a flash of blinding light with the fast and furious ‘Top Of The World’ – and a heaviness not heard among all the previous songs. The blend of power metal with symphonic and operatic arrangements is truly wonderful, Asterise delivering an Album Of The Year performance. An album that is brought to a close with the sub-three minute keyboard-led swagger of ‘Funeral Of Souls’ – complete with soulful vocal performances and an emotional level higher than the one I’ve been going through ever since the album began! What an album – and what a band. I dearly hope to hear more from Asterise in the future – I’m off to have a cold shower and then listen again!
Overall, a fantastic journey of fast-paced and infectious symphonic power metal, ‘Two Worlds’ is a great album.
TRACKLIST
Intro
High Above The Horizon
Eternal Flame
Frozen Lake
Promised Land
Falling Stars
Masked Parade
Top Of The World
Funeral Of Souls
Asterise: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label: Inverse Records
Category: Album
Country: International
Reviewed by Iron Mathew for Frenzy Fire and Metal-Roos.
