Angel Nation will return with their third album Antares, on April 8th, of this year. The album will be released by Inner Wound Recordings.
Angel Nation, the melodic metal band was founded by the classically trained Finnish singer and lead vocalist, Elina Siirala, (also in Leaves’ Eyes). The rest of the band includes: Julia B Cadau, on bass; Lucas Williamson, on drums; and George “GT” Stergiou, on guitar.
Their debut album, released under the name EnkeliNation, Tears of Lust, was received with glowing reviews all over the world and their second release, Aeon, took the band ever further from a musical diversity standpoint. Since their beginnings, Angel Nation have played shows around Europe and performed at festivals like Bloodstock Open Air and Brainstorm Festival. In 2016 Elina joined the symphonic metal band Leaves’ Eyes as their new vocalist.
The new album is named after the star “Antares”, the brightest object in the constellation of Scorpius. Inspired by a concept of an army of angels, (Seraphim), the often-cryptic texts intertwine with true life stories, leaving room for the listener’s own interpretation. Guest artists participating on the album include: Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze). The striking artwork is created by Jobert Mello, (Sabaton, Primal Fear), and the mixing and mastering was completed by Alexander Krull, (Leaves’ Eyes, Atrocity), at Mastersound Studio.
“Seraph”, opens the album in regal form. Orchestration and keys open the track slowly before the flood gates of lead electric guitar, bass and drums join in on a gallop. Elina Siirala’s voice matches this regal intensity as the lyrics unfold. She has one of the best, most distinct female metal voices I have heard in a while. Very clear and easy to understand. Not overstated and seriously professional. It is a beautiful voice you want to hear, nit a cruel, harsh voice that grates. This introduction to the band is one of the best songs on the album.
“We are Fire”, opens with a slicing electric guitar riff, and it is followed by another gallop of bass, drums and lead electric guitar. A powerful rocker, with Siirala’s voice rising about the drum fire. Another solid track. The lyrics are serious and emotional. “See the nation rise, we are fire!”.
Beautiful, dreamscape keys and slow electric lead guitar opens, “End of Innocence”. Then, Siirala sings some of the best lyrics on the album, so far, “Deep with darkness grows. Alone in God’s hidden place. Lost in the unknown. Fear written on my face. Is this the end of innocence”. Siirala, almost sounds as regal as Tarja Turunen, her fellow compatriot, on this track, (which is meant as a great compliment).
I’m listening to “Life is War”, as Putin has invaded the Ukraine, and this song couldn’t be more real tonight. Siirala’s voice rising to celestial heights here. Siirala repeats singing, “You’re the soldier”, as a plethora of drilling and pounding drums surround her voice, with slicing and dicing electric guitar, weaving in and out. So far, the best rocker on the album.
“Crucify Me”, is another deep lyrical song. Powerful drums and guitar fill the air, as despair sets in.
“Face to Face with the Merciless”, is another rocker which poses the angel army against their merciless killer. The battle ensues with flashing guitars, bass and pounding war-like drums.
“Where’s the Time”, opens with the sound of a clock and beautiful keyboards and orchestration. Siirala is free of the background crushing sound to sing alone, and it is a sweet moment indeed.
“Out of Sight, Out of Mind”, is another impactful drum-laden anthem of drilling drum pounding. When Siirala is free of the monotonous sound of tapping and pounding drums, she shines.
Finally! Piano and soft vocals for Siirala, on “Way Back Home”. It is like hearing the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, after listening to a jackhammer for hours. So cina-magic. They need more of this on the next album. Take this and make more. Your vocalist has a beautiful voice. Let us hear it. Siirala sings, “A thousand angels lead their way back home”. Like the elves returning to Valinor. Best track on the album.
“Where the Future Lies”, is also a very good song. There are breaks and variety in the sound, more keyboards and atmospherics. This is what you want in your sound. Yes, more of this.
Antares is a great introduction to the band. The album is a story about an army of angels that suffers early losses, but then comes back to rule. At times the sound is monotonous, without much change. The best thing for this band, and many other female metal bands, would be to allow some space for your jewel, the female lead vocalist, to have space to sing alone, to shine, without the rhythm of the drums and guitar. Let her show her abilities. Take a break from the machine gun attack of the drums and guitar. Pauses make the sound much better. We’ll be back to check out the next album. A good album and sound that just needs some variety added in the future.
Track List
- Seraph – 4:24
- We are Fire – 4:04
- End of Innocence – 3:58
- Life is War – 4:09
- Crucify Me – 4:13
- Face to Face with the Merciless – 3:24
- Where’s the Time – 3:26
- Out of Sight, Out of Mind – 3:54
- Way Back Home – 4:51
- Where the Future Lies – 4:32
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