Some five years after releasing “Worship Or Die” ASTRAL DOORS return with a surprise. A new album! Not exactly expected anymore, so a big and positive surprise, and totally welcome. “The End Of It All” is the title, and the first question that pops up is; is this true? Is this the last we will hear from this Swedish band? The info with the music doesn't give us a definitive answer. There's neither a yes nor no to be found in the wording. This only adds to the tension that the title is giving off. Now I need to tell you whether ASTRAL DOORS is finishing on a high? Or at least making “The End Of It All” a good point to follow up on.

Let me start by mentioning that the core three members have been a part of ASTRAL DOORS since theie beginning in 2002. During the years they have added a separate bass player and a second guitarist. To be frank, I don't think it makes much difference in the studio, but it sure will live. I needed to put this up, so people understand that it is still the essence of the same band, just over 22 years after birth. And you can hear that in the songs on “The End Of It All”, as they all have a solid foundation, a strong body and some good musicianship.

But what is even more important; how are the songs? I must admit I haven't heard the last two albums, but before that I always saw ASTRAL DOORS as one of those bands that was keeping the mid to slow paced Heavy Metal at a high standard. I loved the emotion in their music, and the feelings they were able to bring. “The End Of It All” is not like that at all, it is much more contemporary, but still steeped in history. Plus the tempo has increased. But most of all, ASTRAL DOORS have found it necessary to have Nils Patrik Johansson sing at the top of his voice.

Was that a wise decision? If you ask me, no, it isn't. The reason being that now you can hear that is pronunciatoion of the English language isn't what I'd expect after singing in that tongue for 22 years. Plus, he now sounds like Udo Dirkschneider with a cold. His voice isn't doing the music any justice. I feel that the quality of the music is more than adequate, but being brought down by, at least for me, distracting kind of voice. “The End Of It All” deserved something better, if you ask me. So, if ASTRAL DOORS decide to carry on, they seriously need to consider this. If this is the end, they didn't end on a high in my book. If you are interested, the release date is 18 October 2024.