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May 2023

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New Horizon: Gate Of The Gods

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal

5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 09.03.2022 | Released: 11.03.2022

With origins in AOR melodic hard rock band H.E.A.T., vocalist Erik Gronwall and songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Jona Tee have partnered to create New Horizon, a new melodic power metal band. More specifically, the roots of New Horizon came from Tee's love old and new school power metal bans like Iron Maiden, Hammerfall, and Edguy. Originally intended as a new project with multiple vocalists, when Gronwall arrived to sing on two songs, both agreed it was time to work together again. The result is their debut long player, Gate Of The Gods, wherein, with the cover art, you may see some Maiden nuances.

New Horizon: Robbie Lablanc

There's little doubting the aforementioned power metal influences within this debut album. The songs are fast and heavy, bristling with rabid riffs and epic solos, yet tempered by song melody and harmony, notably vocal harmony in many songs. Honestly, it took me a spin or two to appreciate Gronwall's vocal style. He can seem harsh and assertive at times, and perhaps the character of the power metal music brings this out. But, he sings clean, melodic and, when that aforementioned vocal harmony rises, Gronwall shines. You'll hear this within Call Of The Underground, Fearless, and especially with the chorus from We Unite. But he can be raging as within Cry For Freedom. Otherwise, the fast and heavy power metal reigns supreme with those tunes and also Gate Of The Gods, Stronger Than Steel, and Stardust (thought you would not expect it from its mild start). The odd song out may be The End Of All which backs off on the speed for marching, steady metal (with another example of strong vocal harmony). If you're a huge guitar solo fan as I am, you will definitely dig Tee's axe attack throughout the album. By the way there are no pussy ballads to be found. Up the irons! All in all, with Gates Of The God and New Horizon there's a new power metal hero on the horizon. These guys get the genre; they're the real deal. Very recommended.

All in all, with Gates Of The God and New Horizon there's a new power metal hero on the horizon. These guys get the genre; they're the real deal. Very recommended.

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This experience deserves mention for one very good reason: Finland's One Desire is one of the best classic AOR melodic hard rock bands in the genre and, perhaps, the world, right now So, I also apologize, in ... [ Read More ]

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