Many times in our lives, we must face new realities. In Metal, changes and evolution are constant features in the musical aspect of the whole scene. Some are born to follow, but others dare to try something different from what was already done. Even when things go wrong, someone will fix it in the future. So, I have to say: to face "Arctic Sunrise", the new album from the German quartet SPECTRAL is a trial for many.

It could seem to be impossible, but they are courageous, and fuse Black Metal with Power Metal with Viking Metal musical aspects and lyrics. Their songs have very good guitar riffs and solos, solid and technical work from bass guitar and drums, and vocals that uses shrieked tunes and guttural grunts as well. But some melodies can be heard as well, and the band is truly creative. The sound quality is good enough for us to understand what they play and what they want to do with their music. But it deserves a better work from the production, because the instrumental tunes are rawer than the needed for their songs. No, it's not bad, but it could be better.

Their finest moments: the very good mix between Pagan melodies and raw aspects of Black Metal showed on "Arctic Sunrise" (the guitars are excellent), the aggressive and fast "Evil Takes Control" (very good work from the rhythmic session of the band), the brutally melodic assault called "Invaders" (once more, the guitars are doing an excellent work, spitting very good melodic riffs), the heathen atmosphere of "In Battle with Fire & Steel" (very good keyboards parts, and excellent work from the vocals), the slow and bitter "Path of the Damned" (with some introspective melodies created by the guitars), and the hymn for a lifetime called "Fuck Off and Die" (besides the title is anthemic, the song is filled with excellent melodies once more, and a very good work on bass guitar and drums, and very good chorus).

"Arctic Sunrise" is a very good work, and the band is really showing that their future can be great!