Another day, another great female – fronted band from Frontiers. Today we are going to talk about master vocalist, Anette Olzon’s, other musical project, Ultima Grace. They are releasing their self-titled debut album, on September 9,2022, on Frontiers Music Srl.
Ultima Grace is made up of: Yuhki, on keyboards and Hammond organ; Anette Olzon, on vocals; Toshihiro Kajihara, on guitar; Atsushi Hasegawa, on bass; and Hideki Harasawa, on drums.
This is another great female – fronted metal adventure lead by Yuhki and Anette Olzon. It features excellent, well-developed themes and music provided by a stellar cast of veteran musicians.
All of the album is full of otherworldly vocals from Anette Olzon. The orchestration and musicianship is top caliber. I liked all of the songs, but I especially enjoyed:
The opener, “A Legend Begins”, takes off with angelic vocals from Anette Olzon. Anette sings, “I awake on barren plains. Feel my heart beat in the frozen wind. Forks of lightning in the distance proclaim. The coming of the era’s wane.
And thus, a new legend need only open the door”. She is followed by devastatingly unique and powerful orchestration, a consistent drum-beat and strings that flow like a river. Male backing choirs, deep bass and powerful electric guitar shredding ensues. A wonderful beginning, indeed.
Poetic choirs open, “Getting on with Life”. Anette sings, “Eyes are closed so tight. As I think of what I’ve done. Was there more that I could do? Before I unleashed my heart? Climbing up so high. Grasping at the deep blue sky. Is there something at this height that I couldn’t see before?” Powerful electric guitar and bass supports her along with cool piercing keyboards and power drums. Very symphonic and even operatic. The speed and pace they use, make this music so much different than what I have been hearing in the genre so far this year. And I like it. It comes at you fast and driving, like on a mission.
On “Cry for the Rain”, Anette sings, “Down the freeway into the night, the road glows as I speed. Raindrops streaking down the glass, dyed red as drops of blood.
Oncoming lights shine in my eyes as if I’m on a stage. See the tragic heroine grip tight, foot on the gas. Sounds of downpour driving me to madness. Gotta get away, get a clean break from the past”. The pace continues at rapid speed, as the drums, guitar, bass and keyboards roar by. The Hammond organ and prog sounding keyboards are wonderful.
“Powers of North and East”, is another barnburner. Anette sings, “The shamans foretold of the fateful ascent of forsaken. (Sound the horn and speak the creed).
Those destined to drown all the mountains and poison the seas. (Songs of heroes unsung). Sensing mortal lament. Two warrior tribes blessed by their heaven sent”. A real epic, Game of Thrones/ House of the Dragon, feel to this one.
“Beguile the Night, finally slows the pace, a little. Anette sings, “Beneath the moon, you found yourself drawn here to me. All my powers can be yours, listen close (and). Hold me, touch me, feel me, trust me. Hold me, touch me, feel me, trust me now. (You know there’s no escape. Your heart in magic’s wake. You know there’s no escape). Sweeping tide rolls in as sunlight fades. Southern winds carry my serenade. My true nature revealed before your pining gaze”.
“Ripples”, is not a cover of one of my favorite Genesis’ songs, but it is much slower and peaceful, than the rest of the music that came before it. It is kinda jazzy, with excellent piano. Anette sings, “I’m standing in the park. Staring at the pond. Throw stones upon water. Reflection resonates the ripples left in my heart. So sad and true. How many tears must I embrace. Before longing fades away. I can’t hold back anymore. And so here I stay. Wandering all alone. Don’t know if I can keep on doing this. I can’t live without you”. A wonderful love song.
“Double Caution”, is a real tour de force. An explosion of keyboards that will make any fan happy. Very Dream Theater/ Queensrÿche, only faster. Anette still sings, but this is a symphonic fireball of mostly instrumental music. Excellent!
The epic, and longest song, “The Lost”, is also the best on the album. It opens with bells and choirs, (shouldn’t all epic begin that way?); before more of that great musicianship from the last song takes hold. Then, Anette sings, “When despair overcame me, you were there. Pulling me up off the ground. You said that it would be all right. To find something that’s worth living for. Stories of determined souls. A scrape against the odds. Evil defeated by hope. Defying kings and gods. I took our time for granted, unaware. You used up the strength you had. Fool’s paradise was where you kept me safe. Filled with dreams beyond compare. Tales of the good and just. True love conquering hate. Power of a chosen one. A dare to seize our fate”. The symphonic and progressive blitz of instrumental music that follows is absolutely intense. Just incredible. You have to hear it to believe it. Unlike anything else I have heard this year. I hear Genesis, ELP, especially Keith Emerson-like keyboards, and Procol Harum – like vocal harmonies; as well as haunting guitar and choirs. One of the best songs I’ve heard this year.
“Requiem”, stands out for its slow, melancholic pace and lyrics. One of Anette’s best vocal performances, without the roaring thunder of the symphonic machine surrounding her. Great way to close this epic debut album.
This is a great album. I just don’t understand what the hurry is in all of the songs on the first side. It is like two albums in one. The first half is on fast speed, the second is more traditional. I like it when they seem to slow down on the second half of the album. But the musicianship is spectacular. I hear Rush amidst a number of 80s and 90s bands in their music. I like Anette’s vocals and I want to hear more of their music in the future. Get this, and be a part of a very bright future for this band.
Track List:
1. A Legend Begins – 2:28
2. Getting on with Life – 5:50
3. Cry for the Rain – 5:51
4. Powers Of North and East – 5:00
5. Beguile The Night – 6:13
6. Ripples – 4:41
7. Rise – 7:00
8. Night Hunt – 6:07
9. Double Caution – 5:07
10. The Lost – 11:28
11. Requiem – 5:17
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/YUHKI.OFFICIAL
https://www.instagram.com/ultimagrace/
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