PARALYDIUM, the Progressive metal powerhouse hailing from Sweden, proudly announce the release of their upcoming studio album “Universe Calls.” It promises a diverse palette of hard-hitting riffs, atmospheric textures, seamless transitions, and the complexity of distinct songs interwoven, therefore offering an extraordinarily immersive listening experience for listeners. Describing the themes of the album, the band had to say: “Lyrically, the album focuses on characters navigating their destinies through conquests, restoration, and exploration. They face the challenges of time, striving to shape a hopeful future. Themes of time, destiny, and the pursuit of truth and hope highlight the resilience and determination of these characters.”

“Prelude” is a short introduction of the album, with piano, guitar, and symphonic elements leading to the first proper track titled “Sands of Time,” which picks up the melody again and runs with it. For me, the sound is a combination of Progressive Metal, Power Metal, and Melodic Metal. Their musicianship is fantastic, but the song lacks a little. Everything that you would want to hear is there, it just sounds a bit sterile to me. It could be the mid-tempo pacing. “Forging the Past” opens with keyboards, orchestral elements, and some leads. The melodies are gentler and formed better in this song, and I love the complimentary bass notes and supporting keyboards. If you need convincing of the band’s high level of musicianship, just take a listen to the instrumental interlude.

“The Arcane Exploration Pt 1,” in two parts, is close to 25 minutes in total length. This is part one. There is an extended opening section with glorious melodies in spades. As in any long Progressive song, the band takes their time developing the sound, and it begins to slowly come together, but never reaches a crescendo. Again, the musicianship is impeccable, but I just don’t hear the energy, and the passion. “Caught in Dream,” however, has a little more energy as well as some hooks. It might be the best song on the album, as well as the one with the most accessible melody line. “Interlude” is a brief instrumental pause leading to a final lengthy track., and the melody is presented with a big smile, as well as a helping hand.

“The Arcane Exploration Pt 2” closes the album. At first, the band noodles around a bit, exploring a few different melodies, and really letting loose with their prowess. From there, following them through a bevy of chord changes is a daunting task at times, but take the trip with an open mind, and the destination is worth it. Overall, this was an excellent album but not without some consternation. Their level of technical ability is outstanding, but at times, they lost me in the journey of their construction of melodies. Sometimes they sound just a bit too sterile. Still, if you are a fan of Progressive music, there is a lot to like here.