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Timo Tolkki's Avalon: Angels of the Apocalypse
Timo Tolkki's Avalon Angels of the Apocalypse CD Album Review

Timo Tolkki's Avalon: Angels of the Apocalypse

Symphonic/Melodic/Power Metal
4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Records
Words by Craig Hartranft,  07.05.2014

Never standing still and getting ever more grand, guitarist Timo Tolkki returns with his second Avalon metal opera, Angels of the Apocalypse. Previously the concept was of a future dying earth and survivors seeking a new land. Now, Tolkki takes on the future Apocalypse. Don't worry it doesn't involve zombies, if you were wondering.

Timo Tolkki's Avalon Angels of the Apocalypse Band Photo

Timo Tolkki: with Flor Jansen.

No, in the future, it appears the Elements are pretty pissed about what has happened to the Earth, and they send out four angels in their names, fire, wind, earth, and water, to usher in judgment day. As usual, the story is played out in epic fashion with Tolkki's large and bombastic symphonic power with his equally epic guitar solos and featuring a bevy metal superstars on vocals. These include Floor Jansen (Nightwish) Simone Simons (Epica), Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire), David DeFeis (Virgin Steele), Zachary Stevens (ex Savatage, Circle II Circle), Elize Ryd (Amaranth) and Chilean singer Caterina Nix.

Fundamentally, if you liked The Land of New Hope, you're going like Angels of the Apocalypse just as much. I might even say that some songs make this album sound heavier than the previous one. Jerusalem Is Falling has some weight and thunder thanks to the big riffs and huge bottom end. Rise of the 4th Reich is deeper as well, but the male vocals (DeFeis, I think) gives it a raw sound. The title cut can race along, but it also has immense symphonic layer that gets even more beefed up by the crashing drums. Alternatively, against all the thunder and lightning, Tolkki can throw in a song with a dangerously catchy groove, melody, and refrain. That song is Design The Century, featuring the wonderful Flor Jansen. Throughout, Tolkki soars on his guitar, demonstrating that he still remains one the best fret wizards in the power metal. And if you like bold and bombastic symphonic power metal, it's all good. Angels of the Apocalypse will be perfect for you.


Timo Tolkki's Avalon - Angels of the Apocalypse (Teaser)





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In Short

It's go big or go home. With Angels of the Apocalypse, Timo Tolkki concocts another bombastic blast of symphonic power metal.

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