God Has A Plan For Us All

What kind of Metal do Angtoria play? Power? Orchestral? Symphonic? Progressive? Operatic? In truth, Angtoria are quite difficult to categorise, so I shall try my best to avoid falling into that trap. However, I'll say that at times I'm often reminded of shimmering iridescent -albeit buried and largely unsung- classics such as Solitude Aeturnus's mighty "Beyond the Crimson Horizon" - except with much more varied and interesting vocals, a "real-world" social conscience and added symphonic mastery - Anyway, onto the album proper; I won't go over every single track, I'll just give a few detailed thoughts on my favourites of the hour...

The Awakening- A powerfully crescendoing intro, ushering in the band with bonafide sountrack-esque splendour and ending with an almighty explosion! Perfect! I'm strongly reminded of some transitional pieces from the legendary Castlevania: Symphony of the Night soundtrack.

I'm Calling- A fantastic lead-off track, catchy, sweeping and ethereal. I adore the lyrics on this one, an avowed Hopeless Romantic and devoted knight such as myself can strongly relate to the wistful fairytale theme! Casual Cradle of Filth fans are likely to be surprised by the magnificent sound of Sarah Jezebel Deva when brought to the fore and utilised to her full ability. Her vocal power is astonishing to first-time listeners and those only acquainted with her past backing-vocal work in various big name Metal bands. She assumes the role of front woman extremely well, balancing consistency and variety for the full duration.

God Has a Plan For Us All- Lyrically this song deals with the sensitive issue of clerical child abuse. Sarah's soaring vocal is brimming with pathos and empathy for the abused, conveyed beautifully in every powerful, heartfelt strain. This is more than mere music, there is deep emotional sentiment and artistry here, something that I feel has been sorely missing from most "Modern Metal" -mentioning no names, of course!-

Deity of Disgust- A whirling, Eastern-tinged tour de force, and my current hands down favourite track on the album. There are some harder-edged 'rock' vocals on this track courtesy of Sarah and guest vocalist, Martin Häggström. There is also an astonishingly searing solo section reminiscent of Swedish neoclassical shred maestro, Yngwie J. Malmsteen. As an unabashed admirer of accomplished lead guitar and keyboard, I take my hat off to Chris and/or Tommy for that wicked, winding lead solo section, which I believe is played by Majestic/Time Requiem keyboardist, Richard Andersson. Bassist Dave Pybus -also of Cradle of Filth- was not kidding when he made a comment praising the overall technical aspect of Angtoria's music. There is indeed a high level of musicianship on display -from everyone involved!- yet it still manages to connect to an emotional centre within the listener every time due to the carefully considered, multi-layered aspect of each song.

Six Feet Under's not Deep enough- I remember this song from the demo, in fact I remember listening to this song over and over and over ad infinitum, it's still a firm Ipod favourite of mine! The Album version is clearer crisper but not much different arrangement-wise, which is a good thing. This song is exactly what I'd imagine of a Heavy Metal James Bond theme! sleek, sexy and genuinely epic.

Original Sin (The Devil's Waiting in the Wing)- Oh, sweet Diversity and it's many facets beneath the mighty Metal umbrella! I can't easily express how excited I was to learn that Aaron Strainthorpe had written and played alongside Sarah on this song! After another grand, unfurling intro courtesy of the Brothers Rehn, we are treated to an emotional trade off between Sarah and both of Aaron's voices -i.e. in both his clean and rasping "Death-growl" varieties- This is certainly a highlight track for me, not least because it is interesting to be able to hear Aaron working within a more "conventional" song structure than he'd typically encounter in a My Dying Bride song.

That's What The Wise Lady Said- Thoughtful, introspective lyrics about realising and fulfilling one's potential. The song builds and soothes like a swollen ocean. Beautiful, emotive guitar soloing here, tastefully done and perfect for the song -as all solos should be, but seldom truly are!- A strong ending to an equally strong album.

To sum up, I honestly feel that with `GHAPFUA' -as it'll likely become universally known before long!- Angtoria have utterly succeeded in constructing a mighty Metal citadel in the sky with their unique brand of that ethereal geometry, music! In a world so densely overpopulated by an abundance of what I can only really term as "Clone Metal" bands, it's extremely refreshing to hear something this thoughtful, accomplished, emotive and different; an achievement to be proud of and well worth a listen from any self-respecting fan of crisp and epic Metal.

Melodically powerful with amazing riffs and beautifully haunting vocals. Extremely talented artists with excitingly advanced musical knowledge which has been easily blended with hard, but driving rhythms to produce something that far outways the popular yet predictable similar mashings of various recent better established bands. Angtoria could easily hold thier own along side bands such as Soil Work, Inflames, Nightwish and the growing in popularity Children of Bodom. An essential purchase and no doubt instant hit amongst fans of the European hard metal scene, I can't rave enough about this album.

Amazing first album from the new band fronted by Sarah Jezebel Deva! (Known from Cradle of Filth, Therion, Mortiis etc).

Very strong epic music, but for a change, meaningful lyrics! Not your usual fairytale fantasies!

This is a must have album for fans of groups such as Epica, Nightwish, After Forever...