The ‘’Gates Of Eternal Mist’’ is a split release by two bands that are hailing from the region of Campania in southern Italy. These bands are SAVIOR FROM ANGER and POWER BEYOND. Both bands have been around for more than 20 years, they are both playing Power Metal in a distinct way and I am going to explain what I insinuate by saying that.
SAVIOR FROM ANGER have 1 EP (‘’No Way out’’ – 2006) and 3 full – length albums (‘’Lost in the Darkness’’ – 2008, ‘’Age of Decadence’’ – 2013 and ‘’Temple of Judgment’’ – 2016 featuring the ex- ATTACKER great vocalist Bob Mitchell) while POWER BEYOND have 2 EPs (‘’Two Forces Opposed’’– 2011 and ‘’Timeless Time’’) in their back catalogue.
Although we are dealing with two European bands, their sound is definitely like they have originated from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. I’m telling that because they deliver a sound that is pure and genuine US Power Metal (USPM) to the bone.
The guitarist and founder of SAVIOR FROM ANGER Marco Ruggiero has formed a strong team with a very good and fitting to their music style vocalist, named Francesco Lino, whose voice, accent and timbre is indeed special. The robust rhythm section is fulfilled with Piersabato Gambino on bass and Carlo Chiappella on drums.
‘’Out of Control’’ is a song with sharp riffing, beautiful solo, fine US vocals, wonderful chorus in the vein of VICIOUS RUMORS music. ‘’Queen of the Night’’ has a faster tempo and the melodic chorus is super catchy, with a solo that again is dazzling. ‘’Save Me’’ is more mid-tempo, but has a chorus that is really stunning, bringing in mind all the adorable US power ballads of the ‘80s. If someone hadn’t told me beforehand, I honestly wouldn’t be able to distinguish that this was an Italian and not a US band release.
The same goes for POWER BEYOND. ‘’Temporal Cognition’’ has intricate riffing, thrashy approach, with prog elements and the vocalist / guitarist Bruno Masulli whose accent is again really ‘’american’’. I would say this song reminded MYSTIC FORCE. ‘’Magnetar’’ is a fine old school instrumental with sharp guitars, that evolve wonderfully, with slow and fast parts and hooking rhythm changes. The rhythm section of POWER BEYOND is completed by Carmine Cuomo on bass and Claudio del Monaco on drums. ‘’Conceived’’ is a re-recorded song, which is more aggressive but really hooking and reminded another US band of late ‘80s / early ’90s named ATTIKA (from Florida).
Well done for SAVIOR FROM ANGER and POWER BEYOND. It’s good that they are active because they are skilled in songwriting, thus able to compose good songs and have amazing vocalists.
This release is definitely highly recommended for all US Metal aficionados but every heavy metal fan should check it out.
‘’The Gates Of Eternal Mist’’ has been released on the 30th of September 2024 by Metal Zone Italia and is available on CD and Digital Format.
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Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
