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Cryonic Temple: Into The Glorious Battle
Cryonic Temple - Into The Glorious Battle CD Album Review

Cryonic Temple: Into The Glorious Battle

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal
4.5/5.0

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Scarlet Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 12.04.2017

When the email from Scarlet Records dropped in my Inbox with announcement of a new Cryonic Temple, I did a double-take and had to read the email again. Wait. Really? I remember these guys. When I was getting back into heavy metal at the turn of the century, an owner of a local record shop recommended them for some European power metal. The album was 2003's Blood, Guts & Glory, the only CD I ever had from them and, unfortunately, don't have anymore. Later, in 2008, I was pitched an EPK for Cryonic Temple's last album Immortal which I reviewed favorably. After being nine years MIA Cryonic Temple returns with a new line up (founding guitarist Esa Ahonen is the only original and constant member) and a new album Into The Glorious Battle.

Cryonic Temple Band Photo

Cryonic Temple

According to the band, Into The Glorious Battle is a concept story set in the future. While not having the lyrics, judging from the song titles, the story may have something of a sci-fi space war theme. After this, Cryonic Temple delivers the power metal goods, having all the usual characteristics of the genre. The songs are propelled by galloping speed metal from the roaring rhythm section. Above this, twin guitar riffage races along and then turns into abundant and soaring solos. Also keeping pace in the same horse race is vocalist Mattias L., who sings clean, melodic, and strong. Surrounding these things are some synths, perhaps guitar synths, for color and light orchestration. And that pretty much describes the bulk of the songs, with Man Of A Thousand Faces, Into The Glory Battle, and metal rocker Mean Streak as power metal stand outs. But sometimes the thunder and speed of the power metal is set aside. More moderation in tempo is found within The War Is Useless, and the epic orchestrated anthems of Heroes Of The Day and Freedom, the last song. I found these to be some of my favorite songs of the bunch.

Suffice to say, despite an absence of nearly nine years, founding guitarist Esa Ahonen and Cryonic Temple have returned reinvigorated and strong. Into The Glorious Battle is fine and entertaining album of quintessential Scandi melodic power metal. Easily recommended.

Cryonic Temple - Man Of A Thousand Faces




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The Bottom Line

Despite an absence of nearly nine years, founding guitarist Esa Ahonen and Cryonic Temple have returned reinvigorated and strong. Into The Glorious Battle is fine and entertaining album of quintessential Scandi melodic power metal. Easily recommended.

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