Kerion created the next installment in their epic story based symphonic metal, Cloudriders saga with Age of Cyborgs. The album was released June 3rd, on Beyond the Storm Productions.
Kerion was formed in 2002 in Nice, France. The band consists of Flora Spinelli, on lead vocals; Remi Carrayrou, on lead and rhythm guitars; and Stephane Papasergio, on bass. Additional vocals are sung by Elisa C. Martin, (Dark Moor, Fairyland), Raphael Dantas, (Ego Absence), and Vitor Veiga, (Aquaria).
Kerion began by releasing two demos based on a heroic fantasy story. They followed that success with their first full length album, Hold Creatures Quest, released in 2008. In 2010, Kerion released The Origins. Kerion had achieved some success after these symphonic releases as well as the quality of the vocalists and choirs directed by Phil Giordana. In 2012, they released the first part of the Cloudriders saga with Road to Skycity. They followed its success in 2015, with Part 2: Technowars. Now, Age of Cyborgs, continues the story with plenty of unique, cinematic and symphonic metal music. The genre of music they create has been called “comics metal”.
This wonderful fantasy music is developed for gaming or comic book dreams and illusions. However, the music is very cinematic, symphonic and thoroughly enjoyable on its own. It is a wonderful amalgamation of perfectly played instrumentation, coupled with a story line and lyrics for the songs.
I enjoyed the entire album as a new collection of metal music set to a theme with unbelievable piano, keyboards, synthesizers and guitar work. It is the spacey keyboards and synthesizers which attracted me and they are heard in just about every song.
My favorite songs were, the opener “Riders Theme”, with its beautiful strings, piano and opening orchestration. The theme is a wonderful reminder throughout the album, but it takes you by storm early. The synths and drum sounds are epic. The choirs are wonderful. The story is also laid before you well.
“Nova Prime” is a thumping metal extravaganza, full of intricate keyboards, choirs, heavy guitars and drumming. Flora Spinelli’s voice is perfect for this genre. She illuminates the story well, with her words.
“The Mission” is full of cinematic sound effects and much of the story background. But the keyboards and orchestration make this one a keeper.
“One Way Love”, is full of beautiful acoustic and electric guitar coupled well with piano and the sound of rain. The feel of the music begins to take on an almost Blade Runner soundtrack sound. Flora Spinelli’s voice shines above all.
“The Desert”, is one of my favorite songs. It almost sounds like an Arjen Lucassen, Ayreon experience. Wonderful.
“Final Race”, is full of the sounds of futuristic motorcycles, drums, choirs and heavy guitars. Thunderous vocals and a fast-driving beat.
“Virtual Rhapsody”, almost has an Avatar/Larry Fast/Delerium sound to it. In fact, throughout much of the album you can hear influences from these famous composers.
“Before the Storm”, “Global Annihilation”, and “Electric Requiem” are also wonderful and share similar comparisons to what I have mentioned above.
This album was a fantastic and fresh look at metal music delivered with a concept and story founded in comics. You can hear many influences of the artists I mentioned above as well as all new original pieces of music which will enrapture your ears and spirit for the length of the album. Get this, sit back, and enjoy the story…and the ride.
Cloudriders: Age of the Cyborgs, was mixed and mastered by Damien Rainaud, (Dragonforce, Fairyland, Fear Factory). The artwork was produced by GENZOMAN, (World of Warcraft, Marvel).
Track List
- Riders Theme (Age of Cyborgs)
- Nova Prime
- The Mission
- Red Squad
- One Way Love
- The Desert
- Nowhereland
- Final Race
- Virtual Rhapsody
- Alert
- Cyborg Hunt
- Before the Storm
- Global Annihilation
- Electric Requiem
Kerion discography:
2007: Holy Creatures Quest
2010: The Origins
2012: Cloudriders Part 1: Road to Skycity
2015: Cloudriders Part 2: Technowars
2022: Cloudriders: Age of Cyborgs
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/KERIONmetalband
https://kerion.bandcamp.com/album/cloudriders-age-of-cyborgs
You Tube:
Lyric video for ‘Final Race’