REVIEW: ARRAYAN PATH - Ira Imperium

 

ARRAYAN PATH - Ira Imperium 

Pitch Black Records

This release marks the third studio album by the Cypriot metal band ARRAYAN PATH. The band was originally formed in 1997 and initially gained attention through two early demos released in 1999 and 2000. Their debut full-length album was issued in 2005 via Steel Gallery Records, followed by their second album, released in 2010 through Pitch Black Records. Notably, following their second album, the band made a slight rebranding adjustment, adopting the slightly modified name ARRAYAN PATH.

At the core of the band are the Leptos brothers, with Nicolas Leptos serving as the primary vocalist and a central creative force. His vocal performance is notably strong and distinctive. The bass guitar duties are now handled by Vagelis Maranis, who is known for his work with SANVOISEN. Maranis also took on the role of producer for this album, contributing to its polished and professional sound quality. The album’s cover art is visually engaging and complements the thematic content of the record.

Musically, "Ira Imperium" aligns with the band's established style, which can be broadly categorized as power metal with epic and mythological influences. The album’s lyrical themes predominantly explore historical and mythological subjects, adding a layer of depth to the music. Overall, the album demonstrates a solid level of musicianship and songwriting. Standout tracks such as "Dies Irae," "Gnosis of Prometheus," "Kiss of Kali," and "77 Days till Doomsday" exemplify the band’s ability to craft engaging and dynamic compositions.

While the album maintains a consistent quality throughout, these tracks particularly highlight the band's strengths in combining melodic power with epic storytelling. The production quality, handled by Vagelis Maranis, is noteworthy and enhances the overall listening experience.

In summary, "Ira Imperium" represents a strong and commendable addition to ARRAYAN PATH’s discography, serving as a notable comeback for the band. It is highly recommended for fans of power metal, especially those interested in bands that incorporate epic and mythological themes into their music. The previous album’s recognition, being nominated for IMPALA’s European Independent Album of the Year, underscores the band’s ongoing relevance and artistic credibility within the genre.

Overall, "Ira Imperium" is a professionally crafted album that offers a compelling blend of melody, epic storytelling, and powerful metal, making it a valuable listen for enthusiasts of the genre.

Ioannis Kaskamanidis