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May 2025

• Beholder: In the Temple of the Tyrant
• Art Nation: The Ascendance
• Laurenne/Louhimo: Falling Through Stars
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March 2025

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February 2025

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January 2025

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December 2024

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Art Nation: The Ascendance

Melodic Metal Rock

4.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 13.05.2025 | Released: 25.04.2025

Formed over then years ago in Gothenburg, Sweden, by vocalist Alexander Strandell and guitarist Christoffer Borg, the band dropped their debut album, Revolution, in 2015. Some occasional revolving door of personnel changes would release two more before a short four year hiatus. Strandell got the band back together for 2023's Inception. Now, two years, Art Nation returns as a trio with their fifth studio album, The Ascendance, remaining with Frontiers Music.

Art Nation

Alexander Strandell commented: It feels amazing to finally share the new album - a true reflection of our journey as a band. Over the years, we've explored different sounds, challenged ourselves creatively, and pushed boundaries to find the essence of who we are. Through experimentation and growth, we've shaped our identity, and The Ascendance represents the culmi-
nation of that process.

The "culmination" that Art Nation refers to is actually a continuation of their current sound revealed earlier with their third album Transition: essentially, heavier melodic metal rock. Some press material has called their current iteration as more "modern" metal. If that were so, you would expect more harsh riffage and dirty vocals. But neither are here. Alternatively, the songs are wrapped in vocal harmony, song melody, rock rhythm and groove, and feature an abundance of roaring guitar solos. You could call Strandell's vocals more assertive, but still sings clean and melodic. The Ascendance is heavy, yes, but also enveloped by AOR sensibility. This is self-evident in the attached videos (maybe not so much with the ballad, Julia), but also Unstoppable, Fallout, and Set Me Free (which can near power metal pacing).

All said, with The Ascendance, Sweden's Art Nation continues to expand their heavier, high energy and fast paced, melodic metal rock. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

With The Ascendance, Sweden's Art Nation continues to expand their heavier, high energy and fast paced, melodic metal rock. Recommended.

Support the artist, click the link below to buy the album at Amazon (US site) in your favorite format.

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Here's a fun fact about Swiss legends, Gotthard: their last 16 releases, excepting their debut album, went to number one in their home country, making them one of Switzerland's most successful acts and ... [ Read More ]

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