Flight of Icarus – “Terra Nova” | Progressive Rock Central.com

Sweden’s Flight of Icarus returns with a brand-new cinematic pop-metal album, Terra Nova; which was released on June 13^th; on Battlegod Productions. The band has released two albums of tales already including: Flight of Icarus, self-released in March 2018 and Cleo, also self-released in May 2021. They have also released several singles under the band name. So, they are not newcomers to the land of prog and metal.

The band includes members: Elisabeth Särnefält Rösehag, on lead and backing vocals and Oskar Frantzén, on lead guitars, bass, and keyboards.

Additional artists playing on “Terra Nova,” include:

Erik Söderman – who plays the guitar solo on “Terra Nova;” Bobby Rösehag – who plays additional guitar on “Terra Nova;” Rickard Andersson – who sings duet vocals on “To the Stars (and Back Again);” Magnus Dahlin, who played drums; and Disa Frantzén, who sings backing vocals.

The band statement on their sound includes: “We have heard from the very beginning how we sound like a hard rock version of the movie “Frozen’s” soundtrack, and the music of Disney overall” says Oskar Frantzèn. “That`s like the biggest compliment we could ever get, and it set the tone for Flight of Icarus moving forward.”

“The Flight of Icarus is a famous Greek myth that tells the story of Icarus, who attempts to fly too close to the sun using wings made of wax and feathers. Despite his father’s warning not to fly too high or too low, Icarus becomes overconfident and soars higher, causing the sun to melt the wax in his wings. As a result, he falls into the sea and drowns. This myth serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and disobedience.”

“Terra Nova” leaves the flight deck with “Icarus Rise.” It is a brief, orchestrated opening intro, full of solemn keyboards and tranquil sounds, until the electric guitars and drums add power to the occasion. They elevate it towards and anthem. Almost 2 minutes of powerful welcoming vibes.

The title track, “Terra Nova,” on the other hand, has perfect “Blade Runner” – like synth sounds at its opening. Then, the guitars, bass, and drums join in, before we hear Elisabeth’s first vocals. She has a good, strong voice and provides the story we all have heard so many times before. “A brave New World, when all our hope has turned to dust. A state in time. A shooting star, our greatest wish!” So many generations of our species have journeyed through this adventure. From the Europeans landing in the Americas, to the Scandinavians landing in Europe, and more. But I think she is probably talking about the future, when we may find a planet hospitable enough for humans. It will be a great discovery, and it will unfold yet another new exploration for humankind. The music video for the song is full of AI renderings that dramatize the lyrics and powerful music. We are off to a great start!

“Lost Highway,” opens with brilliant keyboards and slow played electric guitar. Then, drums, bass and elevated keyboards raise the level of the sound. Elisabeth sings, “I know, it’s hard to let it go. The life we built together, it’s over that I know. I feel the time is running low. It’s time to let you know.” A break-up song full of impact and emotion. This one almost sounds a little like ABBA.

“To the Sun (And Back Again),” has a light opening with keyboards and orchestration, before the electric guitars, bass, and drums join in. Elisabeth sings, “I remember clearly the first time that I saw you, when you came into the room. I could feel my heartbeat. And I couldn’t breathe as I was falling through the sky.” Well, I guess they patched things up, after all. Elisabeth sings, “Stay with me, until the night is over.” Rickard Andersson sings his lines declaring his love as well. A great love song, after being lost on the highway, the track before. But ok; I like a happy ending too.

“Through Space and Time,” opens with bold electric guitars, unfolding like springs’ leaves. Elisabeth sings, “If you listen to me one more time, I will be there for you always.” A great love song of, yes Disney-like proportions. I see now, what they meant by the silver screen influence. But I also see the influence of ABBA, who made some pretty spectacular love songs of their own. A happy song that we all need right now.

“Deus,” or God, opens a little like Glass Tiger’s (from Canada), “Ancient Evenings.” Which is an amazing coincidence, because I doubt Flight of Icarus or most of the people reading this, even know who they are. But I mention them, because I did love their 1986 debut album, “The Thin Red Line”, which included the aforementioned song. There is a lot of anticipation before the band bursts onto the stage with metal guitars, bass, keys, and drums. Elisabeth sings, nobly, “I am the morning breeze, where daylight has been born…” But she also sings, “But now I wonder, yes I wonder, will I always be, around or alone?” (please include lyrics to avoid questions). A solid song of faith and wonder.

“God Bless,” opens as a hard rocking AOR like song, with bass, lead electric guitar, and drums. Elisabeth sings, about the ebbs and flows of human relationships. She has a great, strong, leading singer.

“War Cry,” has a deep, ethereal and solemn opening with choirs and orchestration, before the guitars, bass, keyboards, and drums join in. An over two-minute, instrumental break and opportunity for the band to show off its chops.

“Nangilima,” may be inspired by the Smith and Thell song, of the same name. It is an over five-minute track with powerful drums, bass, and electric guitar lighting the way. Elisabeth sings, “It is time to leave this world behind. We don’t have to suffer any more. Our time, a new dawn will rise. You don’t have to be afraid no more.” The Smith and Thell song, sings about the “emotional turmoil and deep connection between two individuals in a challenging and difficult world. The song tells the story of a broken girl who has often tried to escape the hardships of her life but is bound to her partner through a promise made in blood.” I think the two songs are too similar to avoid comparison.

“Liberi,” “is a Latin word that means children”. The theme seems to be that children; though raised by parents, are free to develop their own lives, which is indeed the meaning of life itself. The song is sung in Swedish, and so I don’t have the translation, but the melodies and musical theme is very calming. You don’t always need the translation to feel the music. And this music and Elisabeth’s voice are very soothing here.

“Flight of Icarus,” is the band’s cover of the Iron Maiden classic. It is a CD exclusive bonus track. And they a great job covering the classic well. Elisabeth’s voice is perfect, and I think even better than Bruce Dickinson. (Which I’m sure will enflame many IM fans). But I was never a big fan anyway. The melody is slower and more deliberate than the Iron Maiden original. As the song progresses, the melody matches the pace of the original, without the massive drums and electric guitar of the original. The keyboards Flight of Icarus adds to the soundscape warms the song even more.

Flight of Icarus’ “Terra Nova,” is a great introduction to this band. I enjoyed all of the songs and would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys the progressive rock or metal genre. My favorite songs were: “Icarus Rise,” “Terra Nova,” “Flight of Icarus”, “War Cry”, “Nangilima,” “Liberi,” and their cover of “Flight of Icarus”. Give Flight of Icarus’ “Terra Nova” a spin. I think you will enjoy the journey as much as I did.

“Terra Nova” was produced, mixed and mastered by: Kenny Boufadene at Studio Meltdown. Band photos and album artwork: Oz Hawe Petersson / Blindfoldead International MGMT. Management: Blindfoldead International MGMT.

Album Track List: