Agarthic is out this year with their debut album titled, The Inner Side. The Italian symphonic metal band, from the Dolomites, area is made up of Valeriano De Zordo, on vocals; Mattia Gosetti, on bass and orchestral synth; Jesai Fiabane, on lead guitars; and Denis Novello, on drums. They have brought along some famous guests as well to launch this debut: Guest vocals on “Negotiations Failed” are sung by Fabio Lione; the guitar solo on “Negotiations Failed”, was performed by Aldo Lonobile; rhythm guitars are played by Federico Maraucci. All choirs sung by Valeriano De Zordo, Mattia Gosetti, Marco Pastorino and Sonia Da Col. The Inner Side is a breathtaking album of metal might.
Lead vocalist, Valeriano De Zordo, describes the concept and subject matter for the album: “For several years, I’ve been really interested in knowing all the ancient legends and mysteries about the forgotten history of our planet, especially the theories about the hollow earth. I’ve always been fascinated by it. And when this chance to make an album was offered, the task was quite easy….all I had to do was to combine my two major passions and turn all these themes finally into music!”
I’m ready, are you?
It all starts with an impactful instrumental opening on “The Beginning of it All”. Cinematic and full of piano, strings, orchestration and growing power that finally explodes into Valeriano De Zordo vocals, with the band’s support. “All the legends and the secrets. Fragments of our history that we have lost in time”. The perfect opus to launch an epic journey, complete with guitars, bass and powerful drums.
“The Ancient Secret Scroll”, brings all music to bear, including strings, lead electric guitar, orchestration, bass and drums, before De Zordo sings, “The place where it all began”. A powerful and majestic song to open a wonderful journey of discovery.
“A Journey to the End of the World”, has an incredible supporting video, with the full band playing in front of the mighty and snowy Dolomites. The song matches the epic video recorded. De Zordo sings, “The journey begins to Shangri-La”. I’m ready!
“A Heaven Inside Earth”, sounds like the story of Shangri-La. This is a pre-view of what will also be covered by Edenbridge later this year. The story of Lost Horizon and “Shangri-La” has long fascinated me and most of the world I’m sure. Heaven within Earth, wouldn’t it be nice? Another wonderful song full of adventure. The epic and cinematic music which fills this song makes it one of the best on the album. “A turning point for humankind”…indeed. Close your eyes, put on your headphones and enjoy the journey.
“Through the Mystical Forest”, opens with deep bass strings, synthesizer, piano and foreboding drums. A cavalcade of cinematic instrumentation follows as De Zordo sings, “I feel alive, so alive!”
“Message from the Gods”, is a lighter, track. After all, the travelling party has reached Shangri-La. They made it to the ‘City made of Gold’, and it is time to celebrate.
“Back Home”, opens like the heaviest part of the album. Very strong drums, bass and lead electric guitar, at the opening. Later the power returns and definitely makes this the darkest and most powerful sound on the album.
“Negotiations Failed”, is just what you might have imagined. Powerful drumming, heavy electric guitars, bass, and orchestration. Meanwhile, Fabio Lione reaches his highest volume and highest pitch searching for the perfect Tate/La Brie vocal mix. I think he does an impressive job.
“Escape to Antarctica”, is another of the best songs on the album. The galloping drums are wonderful at the beginning. De Zordo has a great voice and can hit any of those notes you can remember, with the power of a Geoff Tate or a James La Brie. He also matches their vocal temperament on the quieter sections of the song. The guitar soloing on this track is exceptional!
“Last Journey”, opens with soft played guitar and strings. Just beautiful to behold. De Zordo sings, “Aimlessly wandering in these frozen wastelands”. “Please lead me to the secret caves”. Another of the album’s best tracks. Yet, another pair of wonderful guitar solos. Hackett-like guitar to close the last journey.
“Illuminati’s Reign”, is a 10-minute epic closer, in the majesty of the finale, most progressive rock and metal bands have created at the end of their albums, throughout history. An operatic symphony of choirs, strings and the Italian language, creating opera – level drama. Absolutely the best new song I have heard so far this early year. De Zordo sings, in English again. Discussing Masons and sacred missions. A power metal epic that just closes this album perfectly, with an eye to the next album, hopefully. If you haven’t been impressed up until now, you will be with this dynamic song.
What an epic debut for a band. A journey without end begins. How do they top this? I want to see them try. But, I will be there for the follow-up. Get this and don’t miss a minute of the epic journey they will be on, from beginning to end!
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Agarthic
https://www.instagram.com/agarthic
Track List
- The Beginning of it All – 2:49
- The Ancient Secret Scroll – 5:01
- A Journey to the End of the World – 5:19
- A Heaven Inside Earth – 5:27
- Through the Mystical Forest – 4:51
- Message from the Gods – 4:58
- Back Home – 6:16
- Negotiations Failed – 4:51
- Escape to Antarctica – 5:52
- Last Journey – 5:25
- Illuminati’s Reign – 9:53