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Universe Calls
"Good folk of the Rock and Metal fandom, I hope you’re sitting down! Because it’s one of those rare occasions that I’ve managed to find time in my day to actively listen to new music and write about it! Enjoy it while it lasts, as me writing reviews is a little like the British summer – full of bountiful promises that end up being shattered by the inevitable rain, so you must take whatever you can in the brief moments of reprise!
To that end, I’m going to tell you about “Universe Calls,” the new album from Swedish Progressive Metallers, Paralydium. And I’ll say straight away that if you enjoy Power, Melodic, Cinematic, or Euro-Metal, there’s going to be something in this album for you. Because it’s not just all about cross rhythms and audacious cadences. It’s full of melodies, sumptuous guitar work, and vocals that even the most hardened metalhead will appreciate.
‘Prelude’ kicks the album off, giving us a snapshot of what’s to come. It’s cinematic and expansive, with symphonic synth horns taking the lead, and pacey riffs and rhythms that move through the variety of stanzas in the song. It feels a lot bigger than it’s 2 and a half minute timestamp, telling a story through instrumentation even at this early point. But we haven’t yet been introduced to the classic melodic vocals of Alexander Lycke( ex-Astrakhan). That happens in the next track, ‘Sands Of Time’.
Imagine, if you will, Rhapsody of Fire’s Giacomo Voli putting his soaring powerful vocals over cross-rhythms. This track is massively Symphonic, and borderline cheese – but I bloody love a bit of cheese! It’s as endearing as it is indulgent, and it makes me want more (this applies to cheese as well as this song, I should add)!
And this is where the album takes more of a progressive turn. Most notably in the track lengths. Aside from ‘Interlude’, the remaining tracks on the album reach anywhere up to 13 minutes in length. But not a second of those minutes is wasted on frivolity. The movements are there for a reason, and serve their purpose in the storytelling of this album. Themes of navigating destinies and exploring truths create a truly cinematic experience. And this is backed up by very accomplished musicianship, that pays attention to dynamics and placements of instruments, which is commendable. The growing and swelling of songs further enhances the Symphonic nature of what’s on display here, and these are often brought back to their Progressive roots by unexpected changes and breaks.
Track 5, ‘Caught In A Dream’ is the track that shines through the most on this album for me. It’s a wonderfully Progressive track. It dabbles with the 70s, and is filled with harmonies, guitar licks, and catchy melodies.
This is a very pleasing album, and it’s only narrowly missed out on a 10 from me because it feels a little safe. I think Paralydium could push the boundaries, and move further into the realms of the Progressive. The final track on the album begins this, and is skilfully and adeptly handled by all the musicians. But I want more! I’m greedy like that.
For Prog/ Symphonic/ Power/ Operatic Metal fans anywhere, there’ll be something you like on this record." - Ever Metal