Italian melodic metal rockers, Elettra Storm released their debut album, Powerlords, on February 16, 2024, on Scarlet Records. The band is made up of, Crystal Emiliani, from Re-X, on lead vocals; Francis D. Mary, on guitars and vocals; Matteo Antoni, on guitars; Davide Sportiello, on keyboards and bass; and Matteo Norbedo, on drums. They were discovered and founded by SinHeresy co-founder, Davide Sportiello, in 2023. They do sound a lot like Stratovarius, Rhapsody Of Fire, Unleash The Archers, and Dragonforce.
This is a hard rock/metal band that unleashes power, fast-paced metal, that at times tells a story. Crystal Emiliani’s voice stands out as one of the better female voices in the archipelago of metal music. She does a great job here. However, with this fast-paced metal, you really don’t have enough time to appreciate it. The pace seems set to make this album as fast as possible and get it out for sale. No ballads or storylines are developed to help keep the listener entertained.
It is a safe strategy to release these kinds of albums, because it sounds like many female-fronted albums I have heard. That makes it easily accessible. But it does not differentiate or define you, in a way that you can attract longtime fans and build a future. It seems focused on the present only. And yes, maybe that is the point. If it sells well now, who cares about the future?
Well, There are plenty of legendary bands out there still making great music. Yes, you are competing with the many new bands coming on line; but you are also trying to attract some fans from other legendary bands, to your new project. Short songs, with little depth and storytelling, do not usually build long term fan devotion.
In other words, I did not feel connected with this album. Powerlords? Are you proclaiming you will lead the metal world; before anyone has even heard your music? What differentiates this band from any other metal band I have heard? I am sorry to say, and I proclaim…nothing.
With all that being said, I did like the video and track, “Higher Than the Stars”, “Redemption”, the video and song, “Origin of Dreams”, and the closer, “Voices in the Wind”. They did rise beyond just quickly made-to-sell tracks.
Would I recommend Elettra Storm – Powerlords to other listeners? Yes, if you like the bands I mentioned above, you will probably like this album as well. I really hope Elettra Storm comes out with a more definitive statement with their next album. Anthems and ballads, with that wonderful singer you have found. If so, I want to be the first to hear it. If it is more of the same…there are plenty of other reviewers to cover it. Sorry guys, I really had high hopes. Good luck in the future.
Track List:
1. Higher Than the Stars
2. Redemption
3. Origin of Dreams
4. Powerlords
5. Alone
6. Heirs of the Descent
7. Sacrifice of Angels
8. Spirit of the Moon
9. Voices in the Wind
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://scarletrecords.bandcamp.com/album/powerlords
https://www.facebook.com/ElettraStorm
https://scarletrecords.it/product/elettra-storm-powerlords-cd-digipack
https://www.instagram.com/elettrastorm.band/?hl=en
YouTube and Music Video Links: