ANGEL NATION
“Antares”
Album Review by Iron Mathew

9/10

Angel Nation are a UK based symphonic metal band founded by Finnish singer/song writer Elina Siirala. Originally formed in 2011 under the name EnkeliNation, the band released their debut album ‘Tears Of Lust’ in 2014, before becoming Angel Nation in 2016 – “Angel Nation” the literal translation of the Finnish “EnkeliNation” – and releasing their sophomore album ‘Aeon’ in 2017. Elina is also the current vocalist for the German symphonic metal band Leaves’ Eyes (since 2016). Angel Nation’s line-up is completed by drummer Lucas Williamson, guitarist George “GT” Stergiou, and bass player Julia B Cadau (Night Screamer). ‘Antares’ is Angel Nation’s third album, and was released in 2022.

Featuring ten songs of a powerful nature, ‘Antares’ is a catchy and highly infectious forty one minutes of melodic symphonic metal – all coming to life with (the first single off the album) ‘Seraph’. Hard hitting and immediately into its stride, ‘Seraph’ is one of those head turning album openers, making anyone who’s listening stop what they’re doing. Yes, it’s that infectious! The oomph of ‘Seraph’ is continued tenfold with ‘We Are Fire’, pummelling the senses with a high level of energy and moving forward at a pace akin to symphonic power metal. The opening double salvo has shared many nuances with straight up heavy metal, but of course the soaring vocals of Elina have stamped a massive symphonic feel on both songs. What a barnstorming start to the new album.

The pace drops for ‘End Of Innocence’ – a mellow and serene atmosphere descending upon the album, for the first forty seconds anyway! And then boom! The heavy foot stomping style of metal takes over and it feels like a huge wrecking ball has just crashed the party. And then another change – the pace quickens and we’re all treated to the traditional gallop of classic sounding heavy metal, with Elina’s soaring vocals the glue that holds it all together! What variety in just the one song, a compelling listen that is attractive to so many different genres of metal…and rock! Bustling into life, ‘Life Is A War’ is a majestic stroll of heavy hitting moments intertwined with the mellower wander of melodic metal. The band varying their style across the albums first few songs, hooking the listener in to a twisting, turning journey of not knowing what’s coming next. And that my friends, makes for a very interesting listen.

Maintaining the majestic feel of the previous song, ‘Crucify Me’ is a beautifully sung hymn-like march of serenity, with a few heavier moments thrown in to keep you alert to all the variants the band have to offer. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if Angel Nation threw a thrash metal or a pop song into the mix – they are seemingly masters of the twirling tuneage! And it’s actually a much rockier edge the band bring forth next, ‘Face To Face With The Merciless’ adding a slight touch of folk metal too. The bold and majestic nature of ‘Face To Face With The Merciless’ resonates with every song that has passed by so far, each and every one standing tall, and not relying on the impetus of the previous effort. And Elina’s voice soars so high, way above the clouds and out into space. And that’s where her voice remains for the mellow intro to ‘Where’s The Time’, before we get boomed once again, and ‘Where’s The Time’ resumes the foot stomping wrecking ball heaviness of earlier. What a fantastic crescendo.

And oh my God – scorching pace lights up the album in the mighty shape of ‘Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind’, and we’re treated to a gloriously fast paced power metaller with a much more “metal” vocal performance from Elina. I’m not saying she’s shelved all her symphonic leanings, just pushed them into the background for a moment of sheer heavy metal heaven. Exquisite keyboards lead the way for ‘Way Back Home’, heralding the albums solitary ballad. And an epic atmosphere of tension and anticipation, of awe and wonder, and a seemingly endless sea of lighted candles with flames burning oh so brightly. What a moment. The albums final song, ‘Where The Future Lies’, is the punchiest on offer, thundering forth at a very heavy tempo. Matching punch with crunch, ‘Where The Future Lies’ is a head bang-able fury, coupled with an infectious melodic streak that paves the way for a barnstorming finish to a very good album.

Overall, a journey through heavy, power and (mostly) symphonic metal nuances, ‘Antares’ is an infectious and addictive listen.

TRACKLIST

Seraph
We Are Free
End Of Innocence
Life Is A War
Crucify Me
Face To Face With The Merciless
Where’s The Time
Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
Way Back Home
Where The Future Lies

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