ALBUM REVIEW: Imperial Dawn – Rexoria
Like all labels of the varied sub-genres of metal, power metal has come define a host of bands and artists and allow for an immediate identity to be established before the first track is even heard. Images of dragons and swords are conjured in the mind’s eye accompanied by bombastic melodies and soaring soundscapes. Online discourse often ridicules power metal with some choosing to demean it as a sub-genre not to be taken seriously and not worth the investment. Fools! All they are doing is denying themselves pure distilled fun. For many, the very appeal of metal is that it does not take itself seriously and the outlet that is sought is one of escapism and joy. Power metal fits this bill perfectly and there are a number of bands that are champions and flag bearers of this. One that can be added immediately is REXORIA, as their third release sees them soaring to new heights and delivering an album that encapsulates all the positives of power metal.
Much like 2019’s Ice Breaker, Imperial Dawn launches straight into the riffs and melodies. Paradigm opens with a synth-led melody before the guitar riffs kick into a soaring charge. The vocals of Frida Ohlin sit atop the mix and elevate the chorus to a catchy, earworm-inducing peak. Guitar solos are suitably widdly without being pretentious and the rhythm section is unrelenting in its galloping support of the main melodic drive. The initial three minutes are a breathless tour de force setting up the thematic feeling for the rest of the album.
Paradigm sets out the stall for what is to follow and there is no question of the stylistic qualities deviating from the opening delivery. The New Revelation picks up the majestic chorus baton and if anything elevates the catchy melodic qualities even further. Thick textures and grand dynamics serve up a colossal wall of sound that reaches a new level of catchy. The key change choruses may be seen as a little formulaic and therefore predictable, however they are executed to a high standard of musicianship that allays any thought of dull paint by numbers song writing. Instead, the end result is a track that is as engaging as it is energetic and will certainly go down a storm in a live environment.
REXORIA are not breaking new ground with what the have produced on Imperial Dawn. Each track builds upon the well-established stylistic qualities of the power metal sub-genre. Synths are employed to execute the symphonic edge to great effect, the instrumentation works together to bolster the rhythms and melodies while the vocals drive home the lead melody lines with memorable hooks and precision. However, the album contains an edge to it that stops it from being mundane and forgettable. There are standout moments aplenty in the form of the aforementioned opening tracks, as well as the fist in the air inducing battle cry of Fading Rose, while Set Me On Fire and closer Enchanted Island keep the sonic interest going right through to the end. There is something new to enjoy with each run through and the music seeks to deliver a melodic hook at every turn.
Album number three sees REXORIA thoroughly establishing themselves as a melodic force; their song-writing and musical delivery has grown with each of their previous albums and Imperial Dawn represents a band at their creative peak, however it appears that they are not in any mood to rest on what they’ve created previously. While they may not be exploring new boundaries just yet, there’s nothing boring or stagnant with this release. It’s just straight up good fun metal and it’ll put a smile on the face of even the most hardened sceptic.
Rating: 8/10
Imperial Dawn is set for release on February 3rd via Black Lodge Records.
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