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Astral Doors - Requiem Of Time

Label: Metalville
Format: CD download
Released: 2010
Reviewed By: Mark Gromen
Rating: 8.5 /10


Physically and emotionally exhausted from shoveling/dealing with the second record setting snowfall in a matter of days, the unanticipated arrival of a legal download to the new Astral Doors album changed the mood quicker than any chemical enhancement ever could! Hot rock for a cold winter day, nothing’s better: rollicking melodies, upbeat guitar rhythms driven by Hammond organ and Patrik Johansson’s amazing Dio-inspired pipes.

 

There are 14 tracks on the CD and apparently six others were recorded (hopefully to see the light of day as an Ep or something). After stretching their legs, walking away from their trademark sound (Rainbow, Dio era) to avoid being typecast, the Swedes have returned to form. Could swear it was going to be ‘Falling Off The Edge Of The World’ (Black Sabbath), after a similarly subtle intro, ‘Testament Of Rock’ supplants Astral Doors’ last album or two. ‘Rainbow Warrior’ is a likeminded stormer. Backed by that omnipresent synthesizer of yesteryear, ‘St. Peters Cross’ is the mid-tempo style these Doors do so well, plenty of space for Johansson’s voice. Seemingly alternating between fast and slower tracks throughout the entire running sequence, a fist-pumping ‘So Many Days, So Many Nights’ follows, finally giving the guitars some embellishment time. Once more, religious ‘imagery’ is sprinkled throughout the lyrics. ‘Metal DJ’ invokes the titles of metallic masterworks within its lyrics. A more modern (keyboard) sound is evident in a simplistic, bouncy ‘The Healer’, while the closing ‘When Darkness Comes’ opts for a belabored pace, minimalistic instrumentation and a strong Dio influence.

One of the first great records of 2010!

 
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