Recent Reviews

September 2023

August 2023

July 2023

June 2023

[ More Music Reviews ]


Borealis: Illusions
Borealis - Illusions Album Art

Borealis: Illusions

Melodic/Progressive/Power Metal
4.0/5.0

A long time presence in the Canadian metal underground, Ontario's Borealis returns with their sixth studio album, Illusions. The recording is a second chapter in the concept/story begun with 2018's The Offering. The original story concerned an ancient cult using child sacrifice in hopes of issuing in a new world order. Illusion continues the story from the children's perspective. I can't tell you more about the latter as I did not receive lyrics with my digital promotional material.

Borealis Click For Larger Image

Borealis

As you would expect, the album and concept is arranged within Borealis' signature, hard and heavy, progressive power metal. Which consists, in its foundation, of strong riffs, an assertive rhythm section, notable orchestration, blazing guitar solos, and generally melodic and harmonious vocal arrangements (although, in the mix, vocalist Matt Marinelli can seem muted). Adding to the depth and breadth of the arrangements is the contributions of composer and multi-instrumentalist Vikram Shankar, perhaps best known for his work with Redemption. His influence is across the entire album, yet quite expansive within Light Of The Sun, The Phantom Silence, My Fortress, and the softer Burning Tears which feature female vocalist Lynsey Ward. Otherwise, you'll find some rough and tumble, quite speedy, power metal with Believer and intermittently with Ashes To Rain and its chunky riffs. All this to say, Illusions finds Borealis going from strength to strength with their consistent, constant, and creative progressive power metal, made even more lavish and expansive with the orchestral and synth contributions of Redemption's Vik Shankar. Recommended.



Support the Artist & Dangerdog Music Reviews: This title is available, with unlimited streaming, via an Amazon Music account.


CraigHartranft.net - New fiction, crime fiction by Craig Hartranft


The Take Away

Illusions finds Borealis going from strength to strength with their consistent, constant, and creative progressive power metal, made even more lavish and expansive with the orchestral and synth contributions of Redemption's Vik Shanker. Recommended.

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
Album of the Week
Read the Eclipse: Megalomanium Album Review

Formed in 1999 by singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Erik Martensson, Sweden's Eclipse is well into their third decade of making music. In the recent past, their recordings and reputation have ... [ Read More ]

August 2023 Stats
  • Users: 5,886
  • New Users: 5,190
  • Sessions: 11,867
  • Pageviews: 39,298
  • Pages/Session: 3.31
  • Bounce Rate: 10.19%
  • Source: Google Analytics