ASTRALBORNE is a Melodic Death Metal band from Ohio, USA. Formed in 2018, this is the band's sophomore album, and it has a dozen songs. "Exordium" is the first; a short acoustical introduction. "War Vessel" is the first proper song. The song is chaotic, but there is a structure to it as well. The rhythm guitars build layers of sound together with the bass and drums while the guttural vocals pound overtop. It is hard to imagine that this amount of sound could come from a trio, and the guitar work is very complicated and intricate.

"Skybreaker" is a bit slower, but no less calculated. Although there are no cleans so far, the band does the rhythm section quite tirelessly, and the sonic blast of sound comes through like a bomb. "Gemini" is off and running like a fox in a forest fire. His natural abilities allow his dexterous build to move through the danger and come out unscathed on the other side. That is how this song hits. Every note is carefully crafted and placed. "December Flower" is as the title suggests...a flower that defies the cold and snow by refusing to die. It has a sturdy structure and a defiant attitude.

"Promethean Fire" breathes just a bit more, allowing the guitar melodies to come through. The song is still both rich and thick but listen to those leads. They are done with precision and the skill of a surgeon. "Paradigm Shift" seems to address the direction of the album within the genre. This is a new breed of Melodic Death Metal, showcasing the band's skills in writing and performing. "The Pillars of Creation" has some very nice melodies intertwined with the guitar work, and a Classical flair in the music. The title track is a nine-minute opus. It begins with a steady roar, but the real strength comes in the interlude before the half-way mark...those leads soar into the heavens. Like a good INSOMNIUM song, it grows in power through the gorgeous ending.

The instrumental "Cadence of Sorrow" closes the album. As the title suggests, it brings a note of sadness to the album, but for me, it also brings a note of peace and calm. Among everything that the album does well, it's the rhythms that are most impressive to me...the synergy between the guitar, bass and drums. Again, this is a trio...let that sink in for a few minutes. They play more like a sextet, with confidence and faith in their ability. As I mentioned above, this is a new breed of Melodic Death Metal, and they breathe new life into the genre.