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Axxis: Utopia

Axxis: Utopia

Melodic Heavy/Power Metal
Rating: 4.5/5.0

AFM Records
www.axxis.de
www.myspace.com/axxisworld
Review: Craig Hartranft,  08.23.2009

With 2007's Doom Of Destiny I thought German power metallers Axxis revived their sagging career. Doom Of Destiny proved that traditional power metal could be grand, bombastic and, even better, interesting once again. With this genre and many others from traditional heavy metal taking a back seat to today's harsh and mostly vulgar metal trends, its good to see Axxis, marking their 20th anniversary, keeping the flame alive with Utopia another excellent work of melodic metal.

Without question, Axxis has all the elements of traditional power metal nailed down; you could probably put their logo or band picture next to the metal dictionary definition as representative of the genre. However, where the average European power metal fumbles these elements, Axxis excels at weaving them into a glorious and vibrant tapestry.

This tapestry of Utopia consists of huge and bombastic arrangements as on Utopia or Last Man on Earth where the development is multifaceted and breathtaking. It is also made more vibrant by the unparalleled infusion and execution of each musician within the songs. Axxis works together with luxurious precision on the trio of melodic thrillers The Monsters Crawl, Eyes of a Child, and Heavy Rain. When individuals are given opportunity to rise within a song that song shines even brighter. By example, note the opening lead of the rhythm section and keyboards on Fass Mich An or the novel synthesizer play on For You I Will Die. Kudos also go to the immense vocal arrangements that permeate every song, and truly hit a high point on the marvelous Father's Eyes.

After 20 years, Axxis shows no sign of diminishing or abandoning their melodic metal charge. Utopia is another superb outing of bombastic, glorious, and entertaining power metal from these true masters. Highly recommended!

In Short

After 20 years, Axxis shows no sign of diminishing or abandoning their melodic metal charge. Utopia is another superb outing of bombastic, glorious, and entertaining power metal from these true masters. Highly recommended!

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