PERSEUS are an Italian five piece power metal band and they came together as a band in 2011, after two separate bands namely; HASTINGS and DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH. The bassist ALEX ANELLI and guitarist CRISTIAN GUZZO were both former members of the band HASTINGS and THE HUNCHBACK, where as the singer ANTONIO ABATE was in two different bands; HEAVENDEER as well as SYMPHONITY. It is safe to say that the singer has one hell of a range when it comes to singing those high notes especially for a power metal band, the bassist sets the tone as they usually do and the guitarists distortion really stands out from the crowd.

These guys are joined by drummer ANDREA MARIANI, who was a member of EAGON, OVERKHAOS and KORMAK as well as guitarist GABRIELE PINTO who completes the band line up. The drums are quite something, they really pack a punch and set the balance of how power metal should sound like, a real crunch and hitting those kicks or snares hard enough with force. So we have the gist of the band and where they came from, as well as who they are and what they contribute, the band released two different demos, both came out in 2011. They were titled ASHES TO ASHES and ICARUS CREED, this was the starting point for the band as they are only just getting started, however only with time and patience, in 2014 was the arrival of their debut album.

Their debut album was titled THE MYSTIC HANDS OF FATE which contained thirteen tracks all of which are either new or may have been heard before from the two demos they released. So after the release of their debut album, they have now began their journey as they went on, they did not slow down in any way as they recorded and released their second studio album which was titled A TALE WHISPERED IN THE NIGHT in 2016 this set the foundations for more listeners to join their fan base. After this the band didn’t seem to have any more new music to show, however it is possible that the band’s progression was impeded somewhat by the global pandemic of 2019, as this certainly had the same effect on the music industry.

However after some years passed by, the band got back into the studio and the outcome was their third studio album, since their previous release eight years before. This album was titled INTO THE SILENCE as it was brought to the eyes and attention of their fans earlier this year in April, so without further delay, let’s take a good look into this album with much anticipation. The first track which opens is “The Clash Of The Titans” as we enter a magical and mysterious intro of synth parts, electronic drums and choral chants certainly captures the imagery suggested by the album cover itself, this intro is short and sweet as we dive straight into the next track which is “Into The Silence”.

As we hear arpeggiated synth parts with double kicks on drums as well as symphonic strikes like strings but processed, as we hear vocals and guitars joining in too, this brings the listener in with much excitement as I have. The drums really have no way of slowing down, the vocals have so much melody and character as well as guitars lashing out those glorious solo riffs, even a solo section for vocals to shine briefly. So we can settle into the next track which is “Strange House” as we hear those symphonic strikes of stunning sounds from the start of this track, as lead guitar ramps up the volume with a choral chant in the background. The vocals range is broad and has a lot of variety with what it can do, even lead guitar is very much the same, so skillful and drums really do bring out the tonality of the band’s style to the fore.

The pure majesty and symbolism of this track is just divine, as well as the instrumental aspects even the lead guitar really comes into the spotlight. So without delay let’s get onto the next track which is “The Kingdom” as we hear some samples of what to me sounds very much like Irish traditional music in the background as the rest of the band follow along. The real power metal guitars reappear as well as drums and give the track that glorious sound as the guitar sets the tone as they have done so before. Even guitar has another fascinating solo part and drums do well to support them as vocals sing high and reach those angelic notes. Into the next track we go which is “The Picture Of My Time” as we hear a woodwind instrument in the background lurking but coming through beautifully.

There is the inclusion of the female vocalist which is such a lovely and heart-warming addition to this track in particular as there is somewhat a heavenly theme to this track, lots of bright tones and melody as well. The male vocalist has the main narrative in the verse as well as the drums, guitars and there is a short buildup before the female vocalist returns for the chorus section. For a change the female vocalist has the lead in the next verse, so male vocals join in for the next chorus, lead guitar also has a nice solo part for the listeners to hear, more emphasis on the vocal duo of male and female vocals combined. The next track is “Defenders Of Light” with quick guitar screeches of vibrato and an additional male vocalist is certainly well noticeable, it adds so much bite to the track as the intro is blasting power metal bombs at us blistering the audio spectrum.

This track has all there is to a stunning and glorious tone as well as each instrument contributing their fair share, even guitar solo riffs included as vocal parts that reach a higher throne. So we can go onto the next track which is “Il Labirinto Delle Ombre” contains a lot of gorgeous sweet harmonies from vocals and melodic notation from synth effects in the background as well as percussive elements thrown into the mix. The vocalist seems to also be speaking in the band’s native language which is so lovely to hear, even the lead guitar is ascending from the ground up, as the percussive patterns continue on then a sweet melodic finish by vocals.

Leading us into “Twilight” which also features guest vocals, where they open the track, as drums and guitars join in harmony as they define this track is full of melody as there isn’t as much power or a punch but it doesn’t take anything away from this track. As guitar conjures up a solo part as well as vocals being encouraged by the other instruments to enjoy this track as lead guitar continues to produce some more epic solo riffs. A fantastic track and even the closing guitar part is so good as we go into the next track which is “I Believe In Love” has a symphonic background as lead guitar and vocals float in swiftly and wonderfully. This track also has guest vocals which work so well in terms of the more gothic atmosphere and theme to this part of the album.

Lead vocals and guitars are supported so brilliantly by the classical orchestrations and keyboards which are all arranged by the vocalist himself, female vocals come in as the rest of the band repeat what they have been doing so far. Keyboard melodies and female vocals are in perfect unison as the male vocals rejoin in the chorus section of the track, as there is an instrumental section producing the very best after an operatic or theatrical breakdown. Guitar then comes in fiddling around with richer tones, as the tempo is slow but so well suited to the arrangement of this track. “Warrior” comes in next, featuring guest vocals which also adds some nice textures into the vocal parts, as drums have more of a contribution here as we come towards the end of the album.

As we hear drumming that is fast but not too fast, we can still hear what is being played and the clarity of the drums is clear enough. The guitar solos really make the track stand out, so we now approach the final track which is “Cruel Game” as we hear pacy snare hits, as well as wonderful guitar licks, the drums do gallop in rhythm as vocals are glorious as they have been throughout the album. It really is a sensational closing track, full of awesome guitar riffs, drums and backing effects from keyboards too; vocals do return briefly as the curtain falls.

So a very interesting album from start to finish with the addition of guest appearances by other singers and instrumentalists, it makes it a very good quality album full of richness and heavenly glory too. Do have a look into this band, if you are very much into your power metal, then they may be just for you, don’t hesitate in giving them a follow also.