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Sarayasign: The Lion's Road
Sarayasign - The Lion's Road Album Art

Sarayasign: The Lion's Road

Melodic/Progressive/Power Metal
5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 08.08.2023 | Released: 11.08.2023

Formed a mere three years ago, Sarayasign designed for a purpose: explore and tell the story of the fantasy world Saraya created by multi-instrumentalist and composer Jesper Lindbergh. The tale is Tolkien-esque. Saraya created by the gods and populated by their human creations was eventually invaded by a great evil. "The Dark" continues to expand and conquer the land. Now a quest begins to find the pages of an ancient book which can restore peace and prosperity. The tale began with the release of Throne Of Gold in 2022. And continues now with the sequel, The Lion's Road. You can read more about the story line at their web site. I suspect a trilogy is in store with a third album to follow in the future.

Sarayasign - Click For Larger Image

Sarayasign

The Saraya story is played out within a hybrid of musical genres. There are parts of classic heavy metal, feisty power metal, and certainly the element of hard rock: the arrangements are filled full with melody, harmony, and groove. While not necessarily technical, this combination gives the Sarayasign sound a progressive metal (or rock) feeling. Actually, The Lion's Road is also a rather bombastic presentation as well.


Speaking to some songs, many are simply fast and heavy, just plain tempests, like Everdying Night, Blood From Stone, or When The Lights Go Out. Taking more a steady turn, perhaps anthemic also, are The Beginning Of The End or Hope And Sorrow, which has a light breakdown with acoustic guitar and voice about the midpoint. Perhaps the most proggy song is the closing, sequel to the previous album, Throne Of Gold Part II – A Heartless Melody. You'll find an anthemic ballad in duet (with an unnamed female vocalist) in Will You Find Me. Two final observations concerning musicians. Vocalist Stefan Nykvist can really belt it out. The metal music is quite powerful, but this guy rises above it. (Or thanks to the mix and mastering.) Second, the lead guitar work is fandamntastic. Peter Lundin can truly tear up the fret board. Killer stuff.

All said, if you enjoy well-crafted melodic metal dosed with hard rock sensibility and progressive creativity, then wrapped up in a fantasy tale, you will enjoy Sarayasign's impressive The Lion's Road. Easily recommended.



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The Take Away

If you enjoy well-crafted melodic metal dosed with hard rock sensibility and progressive creativity, then wrapped up in a fantasy tale, you will enjoy Sarayasign's impressive The Lion's Road. Easily recommended.

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