During the Power Metal subgenres outbreak in the second half of the 90's, the Finnish Metal School gave birth to many different bands, and some earned success throughout the world. Names as STRATOVARIUS, SONATA ARCTICA, NIGHTWISH and others showed the potential of breeding names with personal works in any subgenre of this specific genre. And things seem to never turn cold there, because GLADENFOLD is here to show their excellent musical works with "Nemesis", their latest release.

They're in a tendency that mixes the melodies of Symphonic Power Metal with some Prog Metal elements, but their music shows many moments with extreme elements (as the harsh vocals) giving a different temper to what they play. It's really different, grandiose and full of melodies that seduce the ones that listen to this album. Yes, it's not a sin to describe their music as a personal blend between influences inherited of CHILDREN OF BODOM, RHAPSODY OF FIRE and FATES WARNING. It's the kind of album to hear and love at the first bit. "Nemesis" was mixed by Juhis Kauppinen, and Joona Lukala is the one who did the mastering. All their efforts were done to give the album the right sonority, the one that allows the band to sound clean and defined, but with the needed dose of distortion. And it fits 100%. It's really wonderful.

This album is a masterpiece with 11 songs with energy and weight, and with an elegant outfit. But for the ones who needs references for a first time on a band's work (having in mind that the reader never listened to the work previously), "Carnival of the Hunter" (a song filled with a dramatic Symphonic/Prog Metal ambience created by the keyboards, but with an excellent work of the vocals on clean moments and in the harsh parts as well), "Chiara's Blessing" (that seems a bit more aggressive, with Melodic Death Metal moments entwined by great melodies, and what excellent work on bass guitar and drums), "Stone of Storms" (the oppressive outfit of the guitar riffs allows their melodies to rise and conquer the fans, and what lovely chorus), "Nemesis" (there are amazing contrasts between melodic and extreme moments, and the vocals are so good to hear, with an amazing ability of being expressive), "Saraste" (a deeper and melancholic song, which brings their work diversity), "Solitude's Bane" (a set of catchy Prog Metal melodies that contrasts with some brutal moments is presented by the solid guitar and keyboards parts), "Revelations", and... Oh, come on, listen to the entire album, for the sake of your own happiness! It's impossible to find a weak point on it, these guys are really inspiring!

Yes, one can say that in an eroded genre as Power Metal still can give birth to an excellent band as GLADENFOLD. And "Nemesis" is on my personal list of the best albums of the year!