Year: 2022
Total Time: 49:45
Label: Frontiers
NEW HORIZON come from Sweden and they released their first album two months months ago. “Gate Of The Gods” caught my attention because of the fact that the group is made up of some nice acquaintances of the scene. In particular, the collaboration of Erik Grönwall and Jona Tee, known from their long-time presence in H.E.A.T., could only be described as a promising one. Specifically Robban Bäck (Mustasch), Sam Totman (Dragonforce), Love Magnusson (Dynazty), Dave Dalone (H.E.A.T), Niko Vuorela (Temple Balls) and Laucha Figueroa. All of them have put their effort for the final result, a beautiful mix of power, symphonic and speed metal that impresses from the very first listen.
The sound direction of the band is going far off H.E.A.T., who move in hard rock style. I have to admit that this helps a lot, since not only do we not listen to a copy of H.E.A.T., but we are talking about a different path. Clean and crystal clear European power metal (which “flirts” with the American sound in some parts), with the compositions exuding confidence, conviction, the material has an impressive flow and in general this “thirst” that reminded me of many debut albums back in the 1990s can be seen throughout the album: HAMMERFALL, LABYRINTH, DOMINE, RHAPSODY, EDGUY and the list is really never ending.
Let’s note that Erik Grönwall recorded the album’s vocals during his battle with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Please listen to his performance and take a bow to this tremendous singer. Erik is even the new lead singer of Skid Row, replacing ZP Theart from March onwards.
“Gate Of The Gods” kicks off with “We Unite”, the track that introduced NEW HORIZON back in November 2021. It’s a typical opening track of power metal blast that wins you over from the start with its frenetic pace. “Stronger Than Steel”, mid tempo ACCEPT-like groove, absolutely convincing, with the guitars leaving a lot of space for Grönwall to work his magic on the chorus. “Cry For Freedom” is the next one and here we have one of the album’s highlights, a dynamite, heavy track with a beautiful contrast created by the wonderful melodic vocals. “Call Of The Underground” is also predominantly mid tempo, and stands out for its chorus, which sticks in your mind at once.
Halfway through the album, “Stardust” comes in, which is my favourite track from “Gate Of The Gods”. It opens with a light keyboard melody, then evolves into a symphonic rhythm and culminates with some great sing along parts. As for the next one, we listen to one of the promotional tracks and video presented by NEW HORIZON. “Event Horizon” is a song with a catchy melody, beautiful rhythm changes (with a little bit of KAMELOT atmosphere) and a great solo. “The End Of All” is a slow-moving moment, with powerful and heavy mostly riffs, a track quite melodic in its choruses, but generally a click below the rest of the album. On “Fearless” the band wins me back over easily, simply because the gears pick up again. The teutonic element is here again, Erik “paints” interpretatively, his melodic lines are just so but so inspiring (listen to him on the couplets…). Great moment. For the end, the title track “Gate Of The Gods”, an epic track of about 7 minutes, which sums up what we heard throughout the album, combining the dynamic element of power metal music with the excellent technical skills and melodic base as a trademark of NEW HORIZON’s sound.
“Gate Of The Gods” gives us exactly what many “retirees” of the power metal scene are no longer able to produce. This is a great, well-constructed power metal album, with power, nerve, appealing melodies, catchy choruses, technical proficiency in rhythm and lead guitars, solid bass and drum section, and lots – but lots – of emotion throughout. Jona and Erik pleasantly surprise us and manage to earn a place in the power/heavy metal firmament. Pay attention to this great album, discover it and let it grow within you with every listen.
Rating: 8/10
Editor: Kostas Kafritsas
Related Link: NEW HORIZON – Official Page
