ALBUM REVIEW: Heaven’s Demise – Glasya

Named after the infamous Devil from Dungeons and Dragons, GLASYA from Portugal are ready to consume the fantasy metal realm with all their might, as the symphonic sextet unleash their debut offering Heaven’s Demise. The album follows the band’s debut single in 2018 – the title track from Heaven’s Demise. Can GLASYA cement themselves as big players in the growing Portuguese metal scene?

Crystal clear production by the hands of Fernando Matias ignites a smooth and professional burst of energy as Heaven’s Demise bombards you with equal waves of majestic orchestration and crisp yet savage delivery. Like a symphony of slaughter, Ignis Sanctus crashes before you showcasing a dynamic fusion of NIGHTWISH infused composition with back to the roots heavy metal. With the triumphant potency of a Thomas Bergensen epic, Coronation Of A Beggar raises the stakes by pushing the musical boundaries of GLASYA to the territory where their idols dwell.

GLASYA take the symphonic elements of bands like NIGHTWISH and EPICA and lace them in a dramatic neo-classical style that sets them aside from their cinematic counterparts. Moving briskly forward like a shield clad formation of warriors GLASYA see’s a diverse vocal fusion with the addition of male vocals whilst Eternal Winter rips up the rules by seamlessly combining screeching guitar solos and grandiose symphonic bombardments. With enough flair to push Floor Jansen from her spotlight, accomplished singer Eduarda Soeiro stands her ground in Birth Of An Angel before Bruno Prates finishes off the job with ever-energetic guitar mastery.

It’s surprising to see such a well composed debut album from a symphonic metal band yet GLASYA keep the energy peaking consistently as The Last Dying Sun and Neverland really put the symphony into symphonic metal – as each track rewards you with a generous offering of truly epic composition. GLASYA are certainly not just another addition to the legion of cookie-cutter symphonic metal bands; they raise the bar with consistent musicianship and discharge a very fresh sound by incorporating elements of classical metal into their strain of metal. No Exit From Myself reminds you that heavy music can still be beautiful before thought-inducing A Thought Of You closes the chapter on a commendably invigorating musical journey.

Many symphonic metal bands today, including some well-known acts, often bypass the symphonic side of the genre and struggle to put out the sheer power that GLASYA have created. For a debut album, Heaven’s Demise surpasses expectations and repeatedly surprises you with each track. It’s as epic as RHAPSODY OF FIRE and NIGHTWISH but retains powerful cinematic at its core that in turn augment the power and ferocity of the metal. From face ripping guitar solos to choir laden orchestration this album has all you would hope for from a symphonic metal release. Fans of this genre will not be disappointed with what GLASYA have to offer – consistency, angelic vocals, furious riffage and mind-blowing composition.

Rating: 8/10

Heaven’s Demise is set for release July 12th via Peace And Joy Music. 

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