Canadian metal act Borealis raised some eyebrows a few years back with releases like World Of Silence (2008) and 2011's Fall From Grace, but their latest CD (and first for AFM Records), Purgatory sees the band truly firing on all cylinders with their brand of symphonic & melodic heavy metal. Sure, comparisons to Evergrey are bound to be mentioned yet again, mostly due to Matt Marinelli's haunting, emotional vocals and the darker vibe to the music, but Borealis' penchant for writing hook filled but powerful & heavy songs cannot be denied.
From the outset, Purgatory tickles the senses and kicks major ass, and it doesn't let up throughout the whole album. "From the Ashes" is a highly symphonic metal anthem, featuring soaring guest vocals courtesy of Sarah Dee, who provides a fine counterpart to Marinelli's commanding presence. "The Chosen One" is filled with chugging riffs and plenty of fiery guitar & keyboard trade-offs that will please any fan of Symphony X or Dream Theater. The crushingly heavy "Destiny" also contains some majestic keyboards and powerful vocals, while the complex riffery of "My Peace" drives the song into intricate progressive metal territory. Despite all the wonderful instrumentation here, Martinelli remains the star of the show, as he channels both Tom Englund and Russell Allen on tracks such as "Place of Darkness" and the terrific "Sacrifice", but then roars like a young Matt Barlow on the raging title track. It's simply a great performance all around for this talented frontman.
Progressive, power, and melodic metal fans will certainly be in for a treat with Purgatory, a very fine release from this up and coming band. Borealis have shown here that they are ready to play with the big boys, so make sure you don't miss out on this extremely powerful and enjoyable metal album.
Track Listing
1. Past The Veil
2. From The Ashes
3. The Chosen One
4. Destiny
5. Darkest Sin
6. My Peace
7. Place Of Darkness
8. Welcome To Eternity
9. Sacrifice
10. Rest My Child
11. Purgatory
12. Revelation
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