ALTERIUM risen from the ashes of Italian symphonic/Power Metal band KALIDIA were formed in 2022. The Italian Power Metal outfit released their highly anticipated debut album "Of War And Flames" in 2024 and follow up with their EP "Stormrage". The EP was produced and mixed by Lars Rettkowitz (FREEDOM CALL; TURBOKILL) and mastered by guitarist Paolo Campitelli. It has a length of about 20 minutes, and it was released via German Heavy, Power, and Gothic Metal specialists AFM Records. Depending on the format, the EP contains two new songs, a cover song, and the orchestral version of the debut album title track. Here, I look at the CD version, which comes with the additional two bonus tracks. Starting with the title track "Stormrage", it is a mid-tempo track with powerful and tight guitar riffs, supported by plenty of double-bass drumming and orchestral arrangements led by the strings. It is a traditional symphonic Power Metal song with focus on catchy melodies and anthemic choruses. The female vocals vary around the medium end of the vocal range with distinct tonal shifts towards higher pitched notes. There is backing vocal support throughout the track, however, they do not add a lot to the track. The break includes a short but contributing lead guitar solo. "Stormrage" is a powerful opening track, and it was released as video with the YouTube link provided below.

"Sui" has a quiet start with the acoustic guitars and the strings, but it does not take long to transition into a mixture of mid-tempo and fast parts, where the Power Metal elements are at full swing: tight guitar riffs, relentless double-bass drumming, melodic lead guitar contributions, and sing-along, epic choruses. The orchestral arrangements remain mostly in the background during the verses and choruses, but the strings become more prominent, when they introduce the break. The break slows down to mid-tempo for another cool lead guitar solo. "Sui" is my favourite track of the release. I am not the biggest fan of covers, and this version of SYMPHONY X "Paradise Lost" will not change my view. It is a technically faultless performance, especially with Nicoletta Rosellini's vocal range and her versatility, however, listening to it did not ignite any spark compared to the original. The EP finishes with the orchestral version of "Of War And Flames", which gives the track a new dimension with very well arranged orchestral contributions.

ALTERIUM offer two new songs to their catalogue, and both fit very well into the symphonic Power Metal sound of their debut album. "Stormrage" delivers traditional Power Metal elements combined with modern orchestral arrangements. The guitar riffing, the drumming, and the epic melodies are key to the ALTERIUM sound. All is kept well together by the vocals. The EP is well produced. If the two new songs of "Stormrage" are a teaser for a new album, then symphonic Power Metal fans have something to look forward to.