ALBUM REVIEW: Arsonist Of The Soul – Burning Point
In a blaze of mighty riffs and charging drums, power-metal collective BURNING POINT are back with a fierce new album. In their most cinematic feat yet, Arsonist Of The Soul is a densely layered treat; a smorgasbord of immense soundscapes, killer guitar solos and anthemic storytelling, this is an album that highlights the very best that BURNING POINT have to offer.
Opening track Blast In The Past immediately sets the scene – a ferocious blast of drums, riffs, and gripping showmanship. The heavy instrumentals build, densely layered and sucking you further into the world of BURNING POINT’s creation. As vocalist Luca Sturniolo proclaims “dead bodies lie on the ground!”, you can envision the harrowing scene, and feel the severity in your bones.
This instrumental world-building comes into play throughout. Tuomas Jaatinen’s drumming is intense, amplified by Jarkko Poussu’s visceral basslines and Pete Ahonen and Pekka Kolivuor’s guitars, every layer adding to the overwhelmingly cinematic soundscapes. Title track Arsonist Of The Soul, Hit the Night and Off The Radar all showcase how overwhelming this instrumental building can feel. Hit The Night in particular, with it’s quick, gruelling tempo, feels like music fit for a final boss battle – a true testament to the showmanship embedded throughout this release.
Sturniolo’s voice undoubtedly heightens this cinematic feel, their talents highlighted on a track like Running In The Darkness, where clear, commanding vocals drive the track forward, spurring on the gloriously feral drumming. Vocals and instrumentals join together to make tracks feel gruelling yet grand – another example being Persona Non Grata, with its timeless, spiritually anthemic sound and euphoric calls of “I WANT IT! I NEED IT!”.
We also see just how affecting Sturniolo’s vocals are on Calling – a track that feels fairly stripped-back in comparison to the rest of the album, allowing a gang of choir-like harmonies to take centre-stage over a steady drumbeat. And, despite its stripped-back feel, the listening experience is equally as epic as any other track on the album.
Despite the overarching feel of darkness on Arsonist Of The Soul, there are definite moments of light. Rules The Universe is an uplifting, melodic joy, with charming calls of “she rules the universe!” that leave you grinning. The track feels playful amidst the rest of the album, and is a great sprinkling of variety. Closing tracks Will I Rise and Eternal Life, also feel musically uplifting, as well as rounding off journey on a climactic high.
Pairing a timeless power metal sheen with colossal soundscapes, BURNING POINT have churned out a pretty impressive album here. Every element feels purposeful and distinguished. Arsonist Of The Soul is truly an experience.
Rating: 8/10
Arsonist Of The Soul is set for release on October 22nd via AFM Records.
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