Damnation Angels - Bringer Of Light (2012) (Japanese RADC-070)

An unknown British band that beats at it’s own game the entire Scandinavian Symphonic Metal Scene? Impossible, I will probably hear you say. This is the debut full length album by this skilled bunch from England. After a 6 tracks EP self-released in 2009 handled by another vocalist, who left quickly, there was a turning point. If you compare most of the tracks that were already a part of the good old “Shadow Symphony” EP with their new renditions on “Bringer of Light”, the difference is mind blowing. Why you ask? Because of the smart move that was the addition of Per Fredrik Asly aka "Pellek" to the line-up (you can also try finding his first recommended solo album “Bag of Tricks” also reviewed somewhere here on Metal Temple) Per Fredrik.. Who? I hear you ask. You are very verbose and prolix today, aren't you?

Mr. Asly is a young Norwegian born Power Metal Singer that was “discovered” in 2009, when he starred on the "The X Factor" competition in Norway on National TV. This show was utterly popular and was broadcasted for millions in Scandinavia. He ended up in the final top 12 and was accepted to perform live on prime-time singing cover songs for RHAPSODY / STARTOVARIUS / MASTERPLAN and KAMELOT with a great success. After that when the TV show was over, taking advantage of his new status and surffing on the great web-buzz-celebrity wave, he was involved with the US Prog project called THE ANABASIS (2011's album “Back From Being Gone”) then he also started to work for his solo album with Tommy ReinXeed who produced & played on the album “Bag Of Tricks” released by Doolittle Records (GOLDEN RESURRECTION / REINXEED / DIVINE FIRE)

In the same time Pellek began working with the mighty Will “Maestro” Graney for this album, and this is, so far his best release in his career and he could be very proud of it, he turned out to be the winning asset and the figure head for DAMNATION ANGELS, a British band that beats the glory of the Scandinavian Symphonic Metal Scene. So, QED. yes, it’s possible but only with a well integrated Scandi-Transfuges-renegade working side by side with one of the most talented songwriters in this style of all countries combined.

The Symphonic elements are very up front here but the guitars are equally strong and quite sharp, being Norwegian, I suppose that Per is one of Roy Khan's disciples as the KAMELOT influence is very obvious in the whole album. However, on the track “Reborn”, I recognized the inputs of the “Flow” era of the late CONCEPTION. Hats off for another exceptional vocal performance in the track “Shadow Symphony”, once again the mix between Power Metal's aggressiveness & majestic symphonic parts are perfectly balanced like early NIGHTWISH mixed with BALANCE OF POWER in a more grandiose and solemn territory, like an epic journey that reminded me of the immense album by SONS OF SEASONS, "Magnisphyricon".

The splendid sonic execution is more than perfect and truly smashing, like an immaculate ideal matching and even improved, as it was already trying by ROYAL HUNT / RHAPSODY and DRAGONLAND. One of the best track and most original song is “Pride (The Warrior's Way)”, with some Japanese's shamisen motif mixed with staccato riff in a full orchestral envelope until it runs into, a real catchy and unexpected chorus. What an achievement. Another way to keep the surprise and excitement, and also to break theroutine bringing a certain tension which is missing in most of Symphonic Power Metal, they choose to cover 2 impressive cut from METALLICA & X-JAPAN, Amazing !!!