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Insatia: Phoenix Aflame
Insatia Phoenix Aflame CD Album Review

Insatia: Phoenix Aflame

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal
4.0/5.0

Power metal band Insatia is a living example of how fortitude and persistence in the face of challenges eventually pays off. Formed in 2009, and despite releasing a debut album in 2013, the band has had a cyclonic revolving door of personnel over the years. Yet Zoe Federoff, vocalist since 2012 and essentially the leader of the band, has gathered some new members to record Insatia's second album, perhaps appropriately titled, Phoenix Aflame. Recorded in both Arizona and Italy, the album features several guest players including features Apollo Papathanasio (ex-Firewind, Spiritual Beggers), Chris Amott (ex-Arch Enemy, Armageddon), Christian Hermsdorfer (ex-Visions Of Atlantis, Serenity), and Erica James (The Erica James Band).

Insatia Band Photo

Insatia

What you have with Insatia and Phoenix Aflame is the American side of European melodic power metal with female vocals. Ms Federoff's vocals are that hybrid of rock, metal, and slightly operatic styles. She sings clean and melodic, yet without the lyrics (which I did not have), you might find her difficult to understand. As for the other musical elements, Insatia delivers their metal with strong riffs, soaring guitar solos, a fair touch of synths, and a deep and steady rhythm section adding gallop as necessary.

As for the songs, here's some observations of a few to pique your interest. Probably the closest song to traditional power metal is the title track, Phoenix Aflame, which begins with some ferocious and sharp riffage, then the rhythm section jumps in. Federoff's lighting melodic vocals provide an interesting juxtaposition to the acerbic riffage. A song that shows off both Federoff's range and control is Act Of Mercy, where they act as a hook as she follows a catchy melodic line and chorus. The song also has a solid rock groove twisting with the power metal gallop. Also matching gallop with groove is Captor And The Captive, which begins with a light piano intro and line that lingers underneath. But the riffs and rhythm section rule the song. Even the guitar solo is slight. Another song of some interest is Sacred, which has this epic symphonic-like start from what sounds like an actual cello, and I'm hoping so because cellos are way cool. A final mention should be made of Not My God which features Ms Federoff in duet with Apollo Papathanasio of Spiritual Beggars.

All in all, Insatia's Phoenix Aflame, as their second effort, is an ambitious, interesting, and entertaining album of melodic and heavy power metal. Fans of the same should definitely have some interest. Recommended. Enjoy the video below.



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The Bottom Line

Insatia's Phoenix Aflame, as their second effort, is an ambitious, interesting, and entertaining album of melodic and heavy power metal. Fans of the same should definitely have some interest. Recommended.

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