Arcane Tales (ITALY)

[Horex]

Arcane Tales - Power Of The Sky (2019)









Year : 2019
Style : Power Symphonic Metal
Country : Italy
Audio : 320 kbps + front
Size : 95 mb

Bio:

The band was born in 1995, in a little town of south Italy, known as Grassano, with the first name of “Black Ravens”.In the following 3 years the band, formed by 5 elements, played in variuos pubs, clubs and local manifestations trying to propose own songs togheter with many rock and metal covers.In 1998, thanks to the listening of a friend's tape, Luigi (founder and guitar-player of the band) discovered a new metal band with a fresh and charming sound... the name of that band was “Rhapsody” and the album was called “Symphony of Enchanted Lands”.That album forged a new way to conceive and compose music for Luigi and the kind of music of the band slowly changed and evolved, trying to follow the great and strong influences of Rhapsody's magic sound. Luigi, besides, become the new singer-guitarist.Then, also the monicker was changed and “Arcane Tales” were born.In 2001 the band entered the studio for the realizzation of the first demo cd, called “Triumphant Steel”. It contained 4 own songs Luigi wrote thinking about a own fantasy saga.The band played until 2002, but after 7 years it ceased to live, because of various reasons.In 2003, Luigi left his town to settle in Verona.Since then until 2007, he developed the the concept of the “Sapphire Stone Saga”, writing many other songs (and began to write a real fantasy book, too).After some wasted years searching for other musicians, Luigi took the decision to go on with his musical project, alone.In 2008 he recorded the second demo cd, called “Into the Firestorm” and also thanks to the social media Myspace he was able to share his music to the entire world, for the first time.In 2009 another demo (only digital format) called “The Hangman Angel” was online, reaching out more people with the help of Facebook. Meanwhile, in the same year the first book of the saga took life and was finally published.During the following years, Luigi dedicated himself to the saga and in 2013 another book (the second chapter) was published once again.In 2014 Luigi decided to record a new cd, so it was born “Battle For Earth”, in pure symphonic metal style.After two years, in 2016, Luigi published another album, called “New Hope Bringer”, opening a new chapter of the saga.The songs have become darkest and heaviest than ever, even keeping the epic stile that distinguished them.During this last year (2017) Luigi decides to record once again more songs wrote between 2008 and 2013, trying to do it in the best possible way.More of these songs were on “Into the Firestorm” demo, but he wants to make them shine with a new and powerful sound.So, “Sapphire Stone Saga” has born and thanks to the collaboration of Broken Bones Records with Silver Stream Records the album will see the light on 28 october, also on digital platform.

Album:

ARCANE TALES is a one man band from Verona, Italy that was created by the writer and musician Luigi Soranno. The songs are about his tales and stories that are on his fantasy saga books. The musician has recently released under the name of this project his newest album titled "Power Of The Sky" and that's what we are going to talk about."Lux Lucet In Tenebris" is the opening song from the album and it's an instrumental one that starts out with the orchestration sounds that grows into something epic as the vocal choirs joins in, creating the perfect ambiance for the fantasy that is about to come. "Power Of The Sky" is the song that gives its name to the album and it starts in the most Power Metal way as possible with fast guitar riffs, drums n' bass and the keyboards creating the right ambiance for the fantasy. The vocals are good and fits the instrumental parts in a good way, the chorus is really catchy and it's just what you can expect from a song from the genre."Fire And Shadow" starts with some dark orchestrations and heavier riffs, there's an organ sound that created a whole new ambiance for the song. The chorus is great and we can listen to different vocals. This song has a dynamic that I personally think that its pretty good. The guitar solo here is sick and is totally on the Yngwie Malmsteen kind of style. "Genesis" starts with a really fast orchestration sound and its really catchy. There are cool riffs here and this song has this traditional Power Metal lines on the stanzas and sounds heroic. The chorus is epic and just grab your sword and go out fighting for a better world. "Winds Of Doom" starts with a romantic and calm keyboard that is completed by the orchestrations on the background and the song grows slowly. This is a good and soulful ballad and there's a very inspired guitar solo."As A Phoenix" starts out with some cool guitar riffs that reminded me of SYMPHONY X and it's a really heavy song. I liked how both vocals were put together here, the lower and higher ones fit perfectly the song. Oh, this is Power Metal. "Seed Of Discord" will transport you to Dracula's castle as it has a really vampire sound created by the organs and the violins. It has even some guttural vocals as backing vocals and it's by far the most aggressive song on the whole album. It has cool guitar riffs and the chorus feels strong. "The Magic Dance Of The Snow" starts with some cool vocal choirs in the background and a piano sound that is a really good instrumental song. "Into The Cradle Of Sin" is the song that closes the album and it starts out with some kind of electronic sound that reminded me of a vinyl being mixed and some orchestrations as well. This song sounds different from the previous one and reminded me of those intergalactic movies. Then the guitars come in and a great drum work joins it as well. It's a powerful song and it has amazing and epic vocals on the chorus. It has a good dynamic and could easily fits a movie."Power Of The Sky" is a great Power Metal album with everything you could ask from this style. The songs are well written and the instrumental parts were well played. The production is good and I think that it has a lot of potential. It's great

Line-Up:

Luigi Soranno – Vocals, Guitars, Rhythmic and Orchestral Section Programming

Tracklist:

01. Lux Lucet in Tenebris
02. Power of the Sky
03. Fire and Shadow
04. Genesis
05. Wind of Doom
06. As A Phoenix
07. Seed of Discord
08. The Magic Dance of the Snow
09. Into the Cradle of Sin




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

[Horex]

Arcane Tales - Steel, Fire And Magic (2022)









Year : 2022
Style : Power Symphonic Metal
Country : Italy
Audio : 320 kbps + front
Size : 108 mb

Bio:

The band was born in 1995, in a little town of south Italy, known as Grassano, with the first name of “Black Ravens”.In the following 3 years the band, formed by 5 elements, played in variuos pubs, clubs and local manifestations trying to propose own songs togheter with many rock and metal covers.In 1998, thanks to the listening of a friend's tape, Luigi (founder and guitar-player of the band) discovered a new metal band with a fresh and charming sound... the name of that band was “Rhapsody” and the album was called “Symphony of Enchanted Lands”.That album forged a new way to conceive and compose music for Luigi and the kind of music of the band slowly changed and evolved, trying to follow the great and strong influences of Rhapsody's magic sound. Luigi, besides, become the new singer-guitarist.Then, also the monicker was changed and “Arcane Tales” were born.In 2001 the band entered the studio for the realizzation of the first demo cd, called “Triumphant Steel”. It contained 4 own songs Luigi wrote thinking about a own fantasy saga.The band played until 2002, but after 7 years it ceased to live, because of various reasons.In 2003, Luigi left his town to settle in Verona.Since then until 2007, he developed the the concept of the “Sapphire Stone Saga”, writing many other songs (and began to write a real fantasy book, too).After some wasted years searching for other musicians, Luigi took the decision to go on with his musical project, alone.In 2008 he recorded the second demo cd, called “Into the Firestorm” and also thanks to the social media Myspace he was able to share his music to the entire world, for the first time.In 2009 another demo (only digital format) called “The Hangman Angel” was online, reaching out more people with the help of Facebook. Meanwhile, in the same year the first book of the saga took life and was finally published.During the following years, Luigi dedicated himself to the saga and in 2013 another book (the second chapter) was published once again.In 2014 Luigi decided to record a new cd, so it was born “Battle For Earth”, in pure symphonic metal style.After two years, in 2016, Luigi published another album, called “New Hope Bringer”, opening a new chapter of the saga.The songs have become darkest and heaviest than ever, even keeping the epic stile that distinguished them.During this last year (2017) Luigi decides to record once again more songs wrote between 2008 and 2013, trying to do it in the best possible way.More of these songs were on “Into the Firestorm” demo, but he wants to make them shine with a new and powerful sound.So, “Sapphire Stone Saga” has born and thanks to the collaboration of Broken Bones Records with Silver Stream Records the album will see the light on 28 october, also on digital platform.

Album:

There’s only so many times I can call symphonic power metal bands ‘Rhapsody clones’ before I’m forced to admit that nearly every fantasy-based European act of this style is going to have at least some resemblance to Staropoli & co. It’s just unavoidable, and that’s ok. Thank Elgard’s Green Valleys that we have Luigi Soranno and his one-man-wonder project Arcane Tales to show us that being a ‘Rhapsody clone’ can absolutely be your identity, and you can utterly thrive. Last year’s splendid effort, Tales From Sharanworld, was a successful culmination of what the 4 previous albums were trying to build towards, and this year’s Steel, Fire & Magic (what a title!) sees the start of a new chapter. Perhaps not literally – as I can’t speak in terms of the actual story being told here, and not even musically – as it pretty much is business as usual, but it just feels like the start of an era!This record follows the M.O. of all previous releases with the obligatory orchestral intro. Even though “Ethereal Skies” is the shortest in the Arcane Tales catalogue, it’s full of tension and shows eagerness to get to the next track…which is pretty much how the first half of this LP feels in general. Steel, Fire & Magic is all about speed. Lead single “Essence Of Divine” takes off like a rocket, then it’s pretty much high-velocity double-kick attacks right through the first five numbers. The martial opening riff to track 6, “The Ambush”, definitely heralds a change of pace, but even this song makes use of some lightning speed segments with plenty of lyrical tension as the title might suggest. It would be doing the album’s first half a disservice to pass it off as merely ‘fast’. These songs all follow the patterns laid down by Luca Turilli and his cohorts to a tee. Masterful symphonic layers (including an almost comical use of orchestral clash cymbals!) soar high above rapidly strummed riffs and surprisingly heavy riffs.Tales From Sharanworld delved into heftier territory with cuts like “The Shadows Rise” and “Mirror Of The Dark Side”, and it’s nice to see Soranno not shunning the grit that gives his music an extra dimension. Album highlight, and third single, “Wings Of The Storm” grinds away in the lower end with some super cool riffage underneath the verses, and a wickedly menacing pre-chorus, before the refrain breaks through the clouds like a freakin’ rainbow…of FIRE! Y’know when a song looks just like the album art? Yeah. Alongside these bangers is the deliciously malicious “Fires Of Hàrgathàn” with its splendidly cheesy opening narration, and second single “Forest Of Ice”, with its lush harmonized riffing, majestic chorus, and grandiose outro which ups the drama tenfold. Once tempos and feels shift, the likes of “The Spell’s Broken” show off Soranno’s songwriting ability at more restrained speeds with a hook that’s pure gold. “Realm Of The Nordic Stars” plays the part of the token ballad, and does a wonderful job, seeing Soranno’s vocal ability drift away from his usual spot-on Fabio Lione impression right down the lowest depths of his range.In general, the vocals shine; being the one thing – other than the excellently programmed drums – that really drive the momentum of the album. Choruses are definitely more memorable this time around and, while there might not be a gem quite as good as “Battle For Earth”, the whole affair has more replay value and doesn’t take as much attention span to sit through. My only real gripe is the flow of the finale. The lengthier title-track covers plenty of moods and rhythms (I’m especially fond of the chuggy recurring theme with that sweet pinch) – it would have made the perfect closer. Unfortunately, the real ending, “Gazard Calls Its Braves” comes off as a bit of a damp squib in comparison and would’ve benefited from a small track rearrangement. Nevertheless, Steel, Fire & Magic is one damn fine symphonic power metal record that only impresses me and stays with me more than any other Arcane Tales LP so far. It’s a pleasure to watch this incredibly talented musician bloom and blossom as the months fly by.

Line-Up:

Luigi Soranno – Vocals, Guitars, Rhythmic and Orchestral Section Programming

Tracklist:

01. Ethereal Skies 01:46
02. Essence of Divine 04:03
03. Forest of Ice 04:44
04. The Fires of Hargathan 04:45
05. Wings of the Storm 04:20
06. The Ambush 05:11
07. Realm of the Nordic Stars 04:18
08. The Spell's Broken 04:57
09. Steel, Fire and Magic 07:21
10. Garzard Calls its Braves 04:47




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

[Horex]

Arcane Tales - Until Where The Northern Lights Reign (2024)









Year : 2024
Style : Power Symphonic Metal
Country : Italy
Audio : 320 kbps + front
Size : 99 mb

Bio:

The band was born in 1995, in a little town of south Italy, known as Grassano, with the first name of “Black Ravens”.In the following 3 years the band, formed by 5 elements, played in variuos pubs, clubs and local manifestations trying to propose own songs togheter with many rock and metal covers.In 1998, thanks to the listening of a friend's tape, Luigi (founder and guitar-player of the band) discovered a new metal band with a fresh and charming sound... the name of that band was “Rhapsody” and the album was called “Symphony of Enchanted Lands”.That album forged a new way to conceive and compose music for Luigi and the kind of music of the band slowly changed and evolved, trying to follow the great and strong influences of Rhapsody's magic sound. Luigi, besides, become the new singer-guitarist.Then, also the monicker was changed and “Arcane Tales” were born.In 2001 the band entered the studio for the realizzation of the first demo cd, called “Triumphant Steel”. It contained 4 own songs Luigi wrote thinking about a own fantasy saga.The band played until 2002, but after 7 years it ceased to live, because of various reasons.In 2003, Luigi left his town to settle in Verona.Since then until 2007, he developed the the concept of the “Sapphire Stone Saga”, writing many other songs (and began to write a real fantasy book, too).After some wasted years searching for other musicians, Luigi took the decision to go on with his musical project, alone.In 2008 he recorded the second demo cd, called “Into the Firestorm” and also thanks to the social media Myspace he was able to share his music to the entire world, for the first time.In 2009 another demo (only digital format) called “The Hangman Angel” was online, reaching out more people with the help of Facebook. Meanwhile, in the same year the first book of the saga took life and was finally published.During the following years, Luigi dedicated himself to the saga and in 2013 another book (the second chapter) was published once again.In 2014 Luigi decided to record a new cd, so it was born “Battle For Earth”, in pure symphonic metal style.After two years, in 2016, Luigi published another album, called “New Hope Bringer”, opening a new chapter of the saga.The songs have become darkest and heaviest than ever, even keeping the epic stile that distinguished them.During this last year (2017) Luigi decides to record once again more songs wrote between 2008 and 2013, trying to do it in the best possible way.More of these songs were on “Into the Firestorm” demo, but he wants to make them shine with a new and powerful sound.So, “Sapphire Stone Saga” has born and thanks to the collaboration of Broken Bones Records with Silver Stream Records the album will see the light on 28 october, also on digital platform.

Album:

Arcane Tales is an Italian Symphonic Power Metal one man band. I never heard of it up to day, to be honest and there was almost nothing about the band in press release from the label. However, I like to research and I will share all what I found with pleasure.So, Arcane Tales was formed in 1998 as a full band but four years later they split-up, leaving only one recorded demo. In 2008 Luigi Sorrano reanimates Arcane Tales, making it his own project, where he plays all instruments, provides vocals and programs the drums. In 2016, after four released demos, the first long play from Arcane Tales, named New Hope Bringer, saw the light of the day. Since then every year new album was released until 2022. Now, in the beginning of 2024 here comes the seventh album Until Where The Northern Lights Reign.By the way, in 2009 Luigi released his first book, “La pietra di zaffiro – Lo scettro di Kaàly” (The Sapphire Stone – Kaáli’s Scepter) and in 2013 came the sequel: “La pietra di zaffiro Parte II – Le Armate del Cielo” (The Sapphire Stone part II – The Armies Of Heaven). Arcane Tales‘ lyrics based on these books.One man band/project is not that rare phenomenon, especially with the development of technology but still unique. It becomes more unique if we are talking not about Black Metal or Djent, for example, but specifically about Symphonic Power. Here I must admit that Luigi handed it very well, especially for one person. There are choir samples in Until Where The Northern Lights Reign, epic synths and fast paced guitar riffs, of course.The album opens with epic “One Last Ride”, fast paced and melodic song with catchy chorus and shredding solo, inherent for the genre. Then “King Of Kings” takes epic and pathos on a higher level, while “Dwarven Storm” reminds some battle tapestry from Manowar. “Dead Hordes Ride From Hell” is Luigi’s golden hour as for multi-instrumentalist: fast pace, smooth guitar riff in verses, melodic chorus and above it there are a couple of guitar and keyboard solos. There is also an instrumental composition, “Last Shàranworld’s Hope” with plenty of keys and synths, staccato riffs and some more shredding. Ballad can be also found in the album, of course: “We Will Meet Again” is made as a classic Power Metal ballad, where Luigi’s voice was trembling a bit (at least, that what I’ve heard), whilst he done great on seven previous tracks. And the album ends with epic nine minutes eponymous saga, which most likely is a quintessence of the album, musically and conceptually.Everything would be brilliant, if not the Achilles heel of Until Where The Northern Lights Reign: “plastic” drums. Don’t get me wrong, the patterns themselves are good and made thoroughly, there is nothing that some good drummer can play, which happens pretty much at some, let’s say, Djent one man projects. But the sound itself not just letting you to immerse into the music completely (at least I couldn’t); sometimes it turns the music into something similar to Summoning – I’m talking here about first two minutes of the last track.I should also say a word or two about genre borders, which certainly have a huge impact on the album. There are strong define patterns in Symphonic Power Metal, which developed a long time ago and taking a step back from them means taking a step back from the genre. What can we do, if Rhapsody (Of Fire) set the bar a long time ago, while other bands are aiming to reach it, willingly or not. Although, Luigi does not hesitate to add some elements like extreme vocals and blast beats (“The Dark Portals Of Agony”), which makes music better and more interesting, as for me. But some patterns and musical treatments still stay in the narrow borders of genre and maybe that’s the reason that you can find some guitar riffs, which remind Nightwish from Oceanborn era or vocals with choirs that close to early Hammerfall, for example. Talking about them, the chorus in “Against the Legion of Darkness” gently reminds of a song “Glory To The Brave.”Nevertheless, this band and this album particularly worth much wider attention. Symphonic Power fans will be pleased, I’m sure, but those who are not so deep into this genre will find something interesting too. The most important thing is that despite all its lacks, I really think that Until Where The Northern Lights Reign greatly shows that one talented person can do things, which once demanded a lot of people to be done. Maybe it will sound better with live musicians and instruments but what we have now commands respect as well.Until Where The Northern Lights Reign will be released on January, 29th via Broken Bones Promotion.

Line-Up:

Luigi Soranno – Vocals, Guitars, Rhythmic and Orchestral Section Programming

Tracklist:

01. One Last Ride 04:08
02. King of Kings 04:13
03. The Dark Portals of Agony 04:03
04. Dwarven Storm 05:58
05. Dead Hordes Ride from Hell 04:32
06. Last Shàranworld's Hope 03:15
07. Against the Legions of Darkness 04:46
08. We Will Meet Again 03:25
09. Until Where the Northern Lights Reign 09:04




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/