CELESTY
"Legacy
of Hate" (Arise Records; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
There's good news and bad news about the new Celesty CD, "Legacy of Hate."
The good news is that the band sounds pretty much as they did on "Reign of Elements."
The bad news is that the band sounds pretty much as they did on "Reign of Elements."
Despite the presence of a new vocalist (Antti Railio replacing Kimmo Peramaki) "Legacy of Hate" is almost exactly what you'd expect from a power metal band. It's got epic songwriting, fast guitars, keyboards a plenty and songs about ancient battles and fantasy.
There are a couple of pleasant surprises here. Occasionally, a Dimmu Borgir-like vocal slips its way into the mix, shocking the listener (as it's meant to do) with its harsh intrusion, and the storyline is much more detailed and involving than most other albums of this type. Read along with the CD insert and you'll discover an entirely new, almost Tolkein-esque world here.
However, if you're looking for a new type of power metal, you'd best look elsewhere. It wouldn't be correct to say that Celesty sounds like all the other power metal bands but there's a reason the genre exists. Virtually all power metal bands share the same concepts and soundscapes and Celesty is no exception.
Celesty: Antti Railio - vocals; J.P. Alanen and Tapani Kangas on guitars, Ari Katajamaki on bass, Juha Maenpaa on keyboards, and Jere Luokkamaki on drums.
For more information visit http://www.celesty.net/.
"Reign
of Elements" (Arise Records; 2002)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Celesty's brand of melodic power metal most closely resembles the classic sound of early Helloween, an all-round sound reminiscent of Stratovarius, their fellow label-mates Axenstar, and the current sound of Sonata Artica. I can't think of too many Finnish power metal bands other than the previously mentioned Sonata Artica and Stratovarius that I've enjoyed listening to more than once or twice. Celesty are about to join that esteemed group in my own little selection process.
Celesty is a young band, but the youth of Celesty's members does not show on this recording. The energetic presentation and tight performances would indicate a much more experienced band. Celesty seem to be confident near-masters of their brand of crafty and speedy power metal and this allows them to tackle each song with spirited playing.
Even if originality is not valued in the power metal genre, Celesty' prominent use of keyboards makes the songs memorable and distinct from others in the genre. Celesty's keyboard style is more up-front and center than their compatriots Axenstar almost to the point of the keys performing as another 'lead' instrument. But not quite to the point of domination as you might hear in Children Of Bodom's more aggressive style.
Although the power metal genre is quite crowded there is a lot of potential for Celesty to rise above the pack to truly make a name for themselves. "Reign Of Elements" isn't very original, but does provide a lot of promise for Celesty to at least continue to have a successful career in the music business if not have some other major impact as they grow as musicians.
Fans of power metal will appreciate Celesty's "Reign Of Elements." I certainly did.
"Reign Of Elements" was recorded and mastered by Mika Jussila.
Celesty: Kimmo Peramaki on vocals, J.P. Alanen and Tapani Kangas on guitars, Ari Katajamaki on bass, Juha Maenpaa on keyboards, and Jere Luokkamaki on drums.
For more information visit http://www.celesty.net/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 15 Apr 2024 15:20:24 -0400.
