Search - Excalion :: High Time

`Excalion' is melodic metal borrowing the best of power meta

Nikiforos V. Skoumas | Athens Greece, Cambridge UK | 03/10/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Excalion" is a Finnish melodic metal band on its 3rd release, `High time'. Their sound is a very appealing mixture of melodic metal, power metal and, to a lesser extent, hard rock. If I had to associate their sound with another band that would be 'Leverage', as both bands demonstrate hugely produced works, emphasizing intense vocal performances, often supported by orchestral arrangements while each of their songs are based on an incredibly infectious core melody.

Going into minor similarities `Excalion' choruses are slightly smaller than those of "Leverage" still you can expect considerably more bass drum attack and guitar leads making "Excalion" a bit more aggressive than "Leverage".



The band consists of Jarmo Pääkkönen (v) being the undeniable focal point of the band, Vesa Nupponen (g) whose lead guitar work hits the spot from the first note, Jarmo Myllyvirta (k) hugely responsible for the orchestral arrangements and `dressing' of the album, never forgetting the rhythm section of Tero Vaaja (b) and Henri Pirkkalainen (d) who integrate the power metal element into "Excalion". Favorite tracks include "From somewhere to nowhere", "Enter a life", "Firewood" and "Lifetime".



Above all, "Excallion" is built to hook the audience on first play. Just like "Leverage", the mixture of thick guitars, melodic keyboards, orchestral background and flamboyant vocal performances does not leave much room for thought to the listener instead one simply wants to hear more and more, such is the appeal of this sound; once again keeping in mind that this is melodic metal integrating the best qualities of hard rock and power metal.



Any fan of melodic metal should invest on "Excalion - High Time" especially for those of you who enjoyed the latest "Leverage" album, this is more of the same great stuff.





I am under the impression that this heavy/melodic blend of a sound is a `Finnish affair' and in all probability will be adopted by more newcomer bands. Really promising.

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