Power/Progressive Metal band NOVERIA hail from Italy, and present their newest album here titled "The Gates of the Underworld." The album has ten songs, and "Heritage" is the first. It's a short album introduction that has both power and ominous tones, and is heavy with symphonics. What a grand intro, indeed. "Origins" is heavy handed and rousing, and thick with backing elements. They remind me a bit of country-mates DGM, and their musicianship is very strong. The song has great hooks, meaty harmonies, and listen to those lead breaks from guitar and keyboards...they are astounding.

"Descent" is another energetic song with pounding drums and bass at the bottom end, and soaring vocals over top. That thick tone that they get from the guitars is quite amazing. This is a polished song with plenty of the band's personality. "Revenant" is a fine display of musicianship and prowess. Yet the band doesn't overly push this in their music, and they prefer to let the hooks and melodies shine. "The Gates of the Underworld" is a 12-minute beast. It has dark and ominous tones to go along with the wonderful melodies. It seems to gain steam the longer it moves, and it moves over black rivers and mountains of fire in the lowest plane of Hell.

"Ascent" is as smooth and dark as a good bite of gourmet dark chocolate, and vocalist Francesco belts out glass-shattering notes with a deep passion. The "other" Francesco lays down a great guitar solo, followed by a smashing keyboard solo from Julien. "Overlord" has a more hasty sound, and the instruments are in perfect alignment. I can't say enough about the guitar work on the album. It is as moving as it is special. "Anima" is a more tender song but still has quite a hefty bite to it. Is there anything that this band can't do, and do right? That is a rhetorical question. The hooks in this song are so sharp and memorable.

"Eternal" closes the album. It has a fast-moving pace that is still very high in melody, and the band plays so tightly together that the fortress they build is impenetrable. Again, the lead guitar work burns hot and leaves a trail of thick smoke behind. This album has everything, and I mean everything. Impressive, stellar musicianship? Check. Big hooks that last for days? Check. Excellent production? Check. A band with a clear passion for playing music? Check. The album also has a really nice balance between a heavy, weighted sound, and well-crafted and well-timed melodies. You can check every box that you are hungry for on "The Gates of the Underworld."