My fixation on anything Italian, namely Metal Bands, does not stem from a void. After a decent number of fairly successful records consisting of four studio albums, along with several demos and EPs, Roman Metallers STORMLORD return with an awe-inspiring masterpiece. Set to be released this fall in September, "Hesperia" is probably the band's finest release to date with an excellent production, outstanding songwriting and topnotch musicianship of the Italians. The title hints at a concept album, which is actually the case.

It's nearly impossible to classify a band like STORMLORD within a specific subgenre. They are known for blending together elements from melodic Death Metal, Black Metal, and even the epicenes of Power Metal, hence the self-label "Extreme Epic Metal". Running over forty four minutes, the album has a great flow, consisting solely of eight solid tracks. "Hesperia" features a heavy use of orchestral elements and keyboards as usual, along with impeccable death growls and high pitched shrieks by Cristiano Borchi giving the impression of having two utterly different vocalists, as well as some soaring female vocals by Elisabetta Marchetti on "Aeneas" for instance. It's easy to get carried away by the enchanting oriental relish in "Motherland" and the startling epic feeling of "Bearer Of Fate" and the title-track. You can also expect a brief yet beautiful piano interlude named "Sic Volvere Parcas" and breathtaking soundscapes on the closing track "Those Upon The Pyre". There's practically nothing to complain about when it comes to the band's playing or the production. Everything is in place and sounds perfect, and the mastering is flawless, obviously thanks to the great Mika Jussila.

This album has easily gained a great ranking among my favorite releases for this year. So, if you haven't checked this band out yet, please do.