CONCORDEA is a Progressive Power Metal band from Ekaterinburg, Russia, formed in 2012. The band released and EP entitled "Before The Sunrise" in 2014, and present their debut full-length album here "Over Wide Spaces," which contains ten tracks. Lyrically they deal with themes of nature, emotions, modern world, and love. "Breathe New Life" opens softly, with harp notes, beautiful strings and hushed ambiance. There is a positive dreamy quality to the melody, which hangs in the air around you, filling you with joy. It segues to "Wings' Motion," which bursts in with lead guitar and a quickened pace. The vocal harmonies are wonderful and the keyboard presence is strong, really rounding out the sound nicely. The chorus is full on and the thick with layers and texture. "Confessions of my Pride" is weighted from chunky guitar riffs and nimble bass work, which lock together with the keys and vocals like a well-oiled musical machine. The chord progressions are sophisticated but accessible at the same time.

"When They Want You...To Die" has a great opening sequence, with a wonderful combination of instruments and vocals. The meter shifts show great musicianship and strong Progressive elements. The band is very adept at this dynamic shifting and it creates a truly magnanimous song. "Between Two Worlds" has a bit of a darker sound at times, from keying on minor chords. The lead guitar and keyboard breaks are really wonderful, showing an obvious chemistry between Daria and Alexey, and reflective of their labor of love for their music. Oh, "Mermaid's Song," how lovely art thee? Sweet vocal passages and a full repertoire of instruments connected like siblings make for a glorious song that has a plethora of melodies to go along with the memorable chorus that give you chills of joy. Then there is the flute and acoustic guitar led "Portrait." A portrait of someone captures a specific moment in time and all the nuances in your face that can vary with just the slightest difference in angle. So when you look at is as a still, you can stare deeply into all of these nuances and discover something different each time. This song is a reflection of that longing.

"Listen to the Snow" roars back with a heavy riff and ethereal piano and keys that in staccato notes work in unison with the percussion, creating a fantastic rhythm that sticks to your ribs. Once again the melodies shine brightly and cover everything in a layer of luscious beauty. "Rejected and Avowed" sounds as the title suggests, a galloping Power Metal sound fueled by double bass drum thuds, swirling, zoetic keyboards and bossy guitar riffs. "The Unknown" is a great closing little number. Jovial piano notes join with acoustic guitar and vocals at first, leading to electric guitars and keys in a natural progression that tug at your heart. That chorus is just outstanding and the guitar work impeccable.

CONCORDEA have really laid out and excellent debut full-length album here. They have a commanding grasp of songwriting and a deep talent for composition and melody. But what really makes them stand out is the chemistry between Daria and Alexey, and the realism and honesty of the production. You're not getting overproduced, slick or formulated melodies, but rather the composers' inner most feelings in each track. You can also feel the unabashed joy they have for their music, because it shines through brightly.

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