Blasting out of the bowels of Helsinki, ARKADIA brings us their third full length album "Master Of Fears". This three-piece Melodic Metal outfit brings a heavy intensity with their music. These 16 year veterans have created their own path through the Melodic Metal scene of Northern Europe. Fully independent ARKADIA continues to produce music on their own terms.

"Master Of Fears" has a wide range of musical depth. "The Origin" starts the album off by showcasing ARKADIA's melodic side. The clean vocals in this track are the focus mixed with underlying growling vocals that give an interesting dichotomy of vocal techniques. The vocal work also provides us an interesting look at the depth that the band has focused on throughout this album. The piano melody at the beginning of the track is layered throughout giving it that melancholy melodic feel. "Behind The Backs" opens up with a powerful, heavy riff. Fast paced, chaotic, and heavy fully describe the feeling of this track when I first heard it. The deep growling vocals shine through for me in this track. They make me just want to throw my fist up and headbang! The guitar work regarding solos is strong and well crafted.

"Head In The Clouds" is just a flat out fun song. The opening vocal melody is brighter than most others on the album. It gives that bright, dance-like feel throughout the track. The instrumentals underneath really give it that driving force with their deep tones. That bright jubilant life is abruptly ended by "Accepting Death". The opening melody is dark, brooding, and almost sad. Then it opens up to a heavy, brutal sound rife with powerful growls and heavy riffs. The name of the track really defines what you hear through the song. The sound gives it a more defiant feel.

"The Equalizer" is the lengthiest track on the album coming in a 6:58. This track really shows off the bands depth of musical proficiency as well as their work of crafting melodies that interchange almost seamlessly. ARKADIA has done a great job with this track to show us all the tools they have developed throughout their 16-year career. To me, this is the shining star in the album just for the fact that they show us everything that they have in one track. That is no easy feat for any band.

On the whole, "Master Of Fears" is a solid album. Personally, I do enjoy the growling vocals throughout the album. Some of the clean vocals were a little misplaced when they were standing alone. Mixed with the growls, though, they fit in with the melodies that were created. Listening through their other albums, it seems like they focused more on the clean vocals for this album. I also really enjoy the fact that this band is fully independent and producing this level of music. Being fully independent can be very difficult, but they seem to be doing just fine. They have definitely peaked my interest and I'm sure they will for you if you're a fan of Melodic Death Metal.