Alcest - Shelter (2014)

Originating from France, Alcest is a band that creates utterly beautiful music with shoe gaze, post rock and dream pop influences. In Shelter the band leaves behind bursts of guitar, all the elements are smoothed out and melody, beauty and ethereal qualities are emphasised to great effect. 

From album opener Wings/Opale all the way to the closing track Deliverance, the album takes the listener into an ethereal otherworld. This is a soundtrack of wonder and beauty. In this regard, apart from the the album opener and closing track mentioned above, I would highlight Voix Sereines. Placed half-way through the album is the heart of the album with a great mix of delicate sounds and lullaby-like feel.

Best of all, though, the album is consistent in quality and concise at 47 minutes. The songs are great on their own but are best appreciated in the context of the album. The mix of post rock and dream pop qualities is perfectly blended and the band manages to sound honest and true, never generic. Like many other bands before, who moved from darker territories to lighter sound-scapes (think Opeth's Damnation or Anathema's latest albums) Alcest have managed to create a very special album.

Rating: Good Vibrations

Gamma Ray - Empire of the Undead (2014)

Gamma Ray have been around for a long time and Empire of the Undead is exactly what you would expect from the band. Fast, heavy, epic and melodic, power metal. Whilst many bands have moved away from power metal and changed their styles, Gamma Ray have always stayed true to themselves. This is a band with very little evolution over the years but one that always delivers consistently.

The album opener Avalon is a perfect example of what Gamma Ray do best. The song is epic, perfectly built with a slow introduction that builds up into a half tempo majestic part with an excellent chorus. Half way through, the song increases the tempo and moves into power metal territory. Hansen has always known how to create songs like this and he nails it, once more. The song is perfectly built in terms of music contrasts, rhythm changes and story telling. 

From then on, the album is quite varied, showcasing the different sides of the band. It's hard to pick favourites but apart from Avalon I would highlight, Hellbent, a furiously fast song with shades of Judas Priest. Born to Fly and Master of Confusion, halfway through the album with a lighter and more melodic tone. And I Will Return, a song that moves into Gamma Ray's epic melodic territory again and leaves you wanting more.

Overall, Gamma Ray has delivered another great album. Their style of power metal, with little sprinkles of speed, thrash and progressive metal, is fast furious and melodic. They know how to have fun but also how to be aggressive and epic. Another great album from this band that, as always, is an absolute pleasure to listen to again and again.

Rating: Heavy Rotation

Xandria - Sacrificium (2014)

Originating from Germany Xandria has been around since the late 90's and has delivered great albums. Unfortunately, they have always remained in the shadow of other symphonic metal bands and the last few years they've had problems retaining their vocalist. Thankfully, this album will put all those things in the past. 

Sacrificium is an excellent symphonic metal album from start to end. In fact, the first thing that struck me when listening to it was how consistently good the album is. There are no real stand out songs as they all complement each other and create a whole. The album is symphonic but the band has a very present and heavy sound. The music is epic in scope but the songs are tight. The album is varied and show many shades but it always feels coherent. 

Xandria have managed to create an excellent album. I honestly can't stop listening to it. One of my favourite symphonic metal albums for a very long time.

Rating: Heavy Rotation