ALBUM REVIEW: Far Flung Realm – Adamantis

Originally self-released far back in the mists of time that was 2020, Massachusetts power metallers ADAMANTIS’ debut Far Flung Realms is being re-released by the band’s new label Cruz Del Sur Music to bring the band to as wide an audience as possible given that it flew under the radar of many last year. The first thing to note about ADAMANTIS is that if you don’t like Euro power metal, this already isn’t for you. If, however, you find the likes of BLIND GUARDIAN irresistible, reaching for a copy of Far Flung Realm is far from the worst decision you’ll make this year. 

Opener Into The Realm is the standard orchestral introduction laid over the sounds of battle before the first full song Unbound Souls hits with all the subtlety of a brick. Elsewhere, Misbegotten Dream has a chugging open before an operatic break leads into Jeff Stark’s layered wail; it’s not quite a ballad but has that grandiose cheese and a tint of soppiness to it. Second Sight takes a folkier approach with its woodland noise samples and flute. We’re not in true folk metal territory, but it’s not a million miles away. On the other hand, Puppeteer’s Bane is outrageously over the top, even for power metal, with more than a splash of classic heavy metal in its DNA. It’s also probably the best example of the band firing on all cylinders, with its earworm chorus, up tempo drive and that sense of sheer exuberance guaranteed to plaster a smile on faces.

It’s immediately obvious the inspirations behind the album; the classic 80s-90s sound is given a new lick of paint and a better production but it’s ultimately the same thing with a new band. That’s not to say the band are slouches, though. Stark certainly has the pipes for the style and his soaring melodies as well as occasional lower register work is both charismatic and dramatic. Guitarists Jeff Taft and Javier Estrada lay down charging riffs and squealing solos while the rhythm section of bassist Cody Palchat and drummer Evgeny Gromovoy are thunderous and set an admirable pace. 

Over the course of the eleven songs the record comprises, we’re treated to the classic Euro power metal sound. There’s no genre-blending or new elements here, just the timeless sound of duelling guitars, soaring vocals, grandiose arrangements and more cheese than a hundred gallon fondue pot. It’s a simple enough recipe but the band have more than enough talent and chops to pull it off; Far Flung Realm is an exuberant, cheesy good time that any power metal aficionado will enjoy with the one major caveat that without any experimentation or seemingly any desire to branch out into pastures new, it’s one that’ll grow stale all to quickly. With that in mind, with the song writing quality and musicianship on display here, ADAMANTIS are certainly ones to watch in future. 

Rating: 7/10 

Far Flung Realm is set for release March 19th via Cruz Del Sur Music. 

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