Firing straight out of the blocks with an explosive Leave Everything Behind Amaranthe’s eponymous debut is nothing short of fucking phenomenal from the very moment it starts, right through to the thrilling climax of closer Serendipity.
In what is one of the finest albums of the year thus far (if not THE finest) Amaranthe set their stall out from the outset with a massive, bombastic sound, which surely must see them go toe to toe with the genres finest in the upcoming months. One of the best records I have heard in ages, it is chock full of imagination, power metal symphonics, and one of the most beautiful soaring voices around in the stunning Elize Ryd.
Her beautiful voice, coupled with the band’s male counterpart is a stunning double act, often merging some of the most sublime melodies with big roars, along with thrilling drum fills, powerful synthesisers and immense guitar work (including some awesome solos). It is a big record, and one that blows you away on first listen. Behind the excellent vocal interplay though is a HUGE sound which possesses some of the best musicianship and hooks of the entire year. Each track is instant, memorable, and simply unforgettable.
Big choruses, big moments, and more, there is nothing that can stop the band on tracks such as Hunger, 1,000,000 Lightyears, Automatic, Call Out My Name, and Enter The Maze. However, just mentioning a handful of tracks does nothing to describe how great the record is in its entirety, and those not mentioned are just as good as those that come before and after it.
Amaranthine is a grandiose number of epic proportions, changing the pace up somewhat from the fast and furious opening numbers, but it is still just as heart stoppingly essential. It yet again shows Elize Ryd’s perfect vocal tones off to the best effect, and has one of the most dramatic hooks in it, often reminiscing Nightwish at their finest.
It is an outstanding modern metal album, and that has some intricate guitar play, pummelling synths and solos.
Unbelievable.
Perfection at its finest.
10/10
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