ALBUM REVIEW: Access All Worlds – Iotunn

Progressive metal continues to impress with 2021 already offering up some incredible releases. Vying to add their name amongst the elite are Danish outfit IOTUNN who are champing at the bit to get their debut full length Access All Worlds out into the universe which is available via Metal Blade Records on February 26th. Will this release help them to build a solid foundation?

Voyage of the Garganey I opens with some alluring synths and calming acoustic notes to slowly ease you in before diving headfirst into waves of powerful growls and steady but firm riff work. As the track begins to gain momentum you are also blessed with the wonderous melodic tones of Jón Aldará that inject a euphoric quality into the mix. Mesmerizing lead work is introduced to get this release off to a spectacular start. Access All Worlds sustains the energy levels conjured up by its predecessor alongside a dramatic, intriguing tempo. The vocal work will have your jaw landing on the floor with commanding falsetto instances that effortlessly transition to aggressive bursts. The accompanying riff work is delightfully addictive, twisting and turning in varying directions to keep you guessing. What some may consider a pretty lengthy track disappears in a matter of moments as you are enveloped in the exhilarating escapism it provides. Laihem’s Golden Pits offers up a brief moment to catch your breath which is soon brushed aside for a surge of intense blast beats and formidable vocal segments. Whilst only clocking in at around the 4 minute mark it is crammed with as much chaos as possible, displaying just how versatile and adaptable IOTUNN can be.

Waves Below gears up to reel off another epic journey. The initial opening riff work provides an ebbing and flowing theatrical approach bolstered by further impressive vocals from Aldará which instantly grab the spotlight. As the track progresses it is layered with stunning leadwork, flourishes of technicality and uplifting tones that send shivers through your body, particularly the closing minutes which offer up some of the most enticing moments Access All Worlds holds amongst its chapters. The Tower of Cosmic Nihility kicks in with chunky bass lines and emphatic melodies which are soon accompanied by some killer drum fills. As momentum gathers so do the pockets of energetic frenzy with vicious growls, blast beats and slick lead work joining the party.

The Weaver System instils a solemn, soothing tone which Aldará seamlessly slots into, chopping and changing between scintillating falsetto and the more demonic side of the spectrum like a demented Jekyll vs Hyde excerpt. The instrumentation becomes more feverish as the track escalates. Safe Across the Endless Night commences with a heightened energy and pummelling drum beats to get the final instalment off to a impactful start. Moreish melodies and adept lead pieces skilfully executed by the Gräs brothers assist in elevating the piece. This track encompasses all the hallmarks which have ticked the boxes up to this point and meticulously engineers them into one final hurrah which is the perfect climax to a thrilling expedition.

With the current quality of output in the realms of progressive metal it takes a lot to stand out from the pack and IOTUNN have made a huge statement with Access All Worlds. This release takes you on a journey of discovery with its powerful compositions and thought provoking lyrical content that urges you to listen more than once in order to fully digest its rich tapestry. Whilst the instrumentation is evidently top drawer, Aldará’s vocal work is utterly spellbinding. His range will leave you in a state of amazement and elevates the compositions to another level. If IOTUNN can continue with this calibre of material into their future releases then they will most certainly have a very promising career trajectory.

Rating: 9/10

Access All Worlds is set for release on February 26th via Metal Blade Records.

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