Metalium - Nothing to Undo-Chapter Six
Crash Music - CMU61193 - Feb. 20, 2007
by Amanda J. Carlson
Few bands focus their entire discography on one lyrical concept, but that is exactly what
Metalium has done. Each one of their six albums is a chapter in a story about a "Metalian" warrior in a fantastical world, with metal gods and goddesses, evil creatures, Greek mythology – all the things that make up a cheesy power metal tale.
Metalium's style, though, isn't the super-fast, highly melodic stuff that usually goes hand in hand with said subject matter. Instead they stay on the straightforward path, showing more of their classic metal influences than anything.
Simplicity in riffs and song arrangements don’t make for many notable moments. Though the vocals and musicianship are tight, and the songs crushing, it's not much different from stuff you'd hear from
Judas Priest and the like. The chorus of 'Mental Blindness' has a feel similar to
Iced Earth’s
The Glorious Burden, complete with Ripper Owens style singing. The beginning of 'Way Home' is very reminiscent of the classic
Rhapsody ballads, very cheesy and depressing. They even pay tribute to one of their favorite bands, Queen, with 'Show Must Go On,' keeping the authentic
Queen sound in their own version.
Nothing to Undo is a well done record, but it's nothing special.
Metalium is not a band that is going to stand out as their predecessors did; they're just another band that writes good standard heavy metal. Though not quite good enough to make me want to listen to the first five chapters of their saga, I wouldn’t mind seeing them open for some bands on their planned North American tour this year.
Metalium Official Website
Crash Music Official Website
