ALBUM REVIEW: Abyss – Unleash the Archers

Though power metal may not be the flavour of the month in heavy music at the moment, it is still a sub-genre with plenty of talent. And at the top of pyramid there sits Canadian quartet UNLEASH THE ARCHERS. Formed in 2007, the British Colombian outfit released a trio of solid, though not exemplary, records before unleashing the game-changing Apex in 2017. A record that came from nowhere, Apex saw the four-piece at their absolute best with flawless songwriting and execution across the board. Just three years on, the Canadians are back with a direct sequel to their conceptual juggernaut, and are set to prove they aren’t just a one hit wonder. But can Abyss capitalise on the success of Apex?

Continuing the story of The Immortal far into the future from where Apex left off, Abyss immediately proves that UNLEASH THE ARCHERS are a very different band from the unmemorable outfit of five years ago. Perhaps its the incredible story behind the records, or perhaps they’ve finally hit their creative stride. Whatever the catalyst, the results are incredible. Opening with a repeated refrain in Waking Dream that slowly builds to a crescendo, the title track then explodes to life showing a lighter, synth heavy sound that on paper should be a bit twee, but actually hits harder than it has any right to. Through Stars keeps the momentum going, dripping in melody while Legacy carries all the sing-a-long moments and noodling guitar work that make it a guaranteed live staple.

Return to Me rounds off the first half of the record in incredible fashion, the screamed vocals of guitarists Andrew Saunders and Grant Truesdell working in stunning contrast to Brittney Slayes powerful cleans – something utilised more and more as the album progresses. Soulbound, one of the few offerings on Abyss to fall shy of five minutes in length, is a sharp burst of speed and aggression to kick off the second half of the record, leading nicely into the powerhouse Faster Than Light, living up to its name thanks to Scott Buchanan‘s rapid-fire chops behind the kit.

It’s the closing trinity of Abyss that steal the show, though. Almost ballad-esque, progressive, drenched in melody and emotion and featuring some of the album’s heaviest moments, The Wind that Shapes the Land is a true epic for UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, coming in well passed the eight minute mark and making use of every second. Penultimate track Carry the Flame is particularly notable due to the stunning clean vocals from Saunders, working in perfect harmony with Slayes before Afterlife, featuring some stunning orchestration thanks to FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE‘s Francesco Ferrini ends Abyss on the most grandiose of notes.

With Abyss, the Canadian quartet magnificently continue the incredible work of Apex. In a sub-genre as rife with cheese and mediocrity as power metal, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS have released a duo of records that are unique, dripping with artistry and masterful storytelling. The new inclusion of synths in the four-piece’s arsenal may be off-putting to some, and certainly does take a bit of the darkness that Apex mastered so well, but regardless it’s impossible to deny that UNLEASH THE ARCHERS aren’t just one of the most exciting power metal bands on the planet at the moment – they are shaking the genre to its very core. Where will The Immortal go next? Only time will tell, but we wait with bated breath.

Rating: 8/10

Abyss is out now via Napalm Records. 

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