VOLTURIAN were formed in 2019 and they come from Milan, Italy. The melodic, symphonic Metal band call themselves "Vampire Metal". "Red Dragon" is their second full-length album and it was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Andrea Fusini at Fusix Studio. The album has a length of about 38 minutes and it was released via Italian label Scarlet Records which is specialized in Thrash, Power, and Heavy Metal. VOLTURIAN did what many bands did during the pandemic: writing music and releasing albums. Although founded in 2019 only, their members are no strangers in the business, in particular founding members Federico Mondelli (FROZEN CROWN, NOCTURNA) and Federica Lanna (ex-SLEEPING ROMANCE, MALEFISTUM). With their debut full-length album "Crimson" (2020) they caught immediately a lot of attention and there is some excitement whether the story would continue.

After the keyboard driven intro "Rebirth", which slowly builds up tension, the album explodes with "Stay" and powerful guitar riffing at up-tempo. The melodies are catchy in particular during the chorus section and the vocals follow the melodies. The vocals are rock-oriented and versatile, ranging from medium to higher pitched notes. There are a few changes in rhythm towards mid-tempo and the lead guitar solo contributes well to the track. "Harley" starts with darker melodies and riffs at mid-tempo and strong bass lines that carry the verse sections of the track forward. There are a few symphonic elements present, but most often in the background. Some of the melodies have classical features and the lead guitar solo is the highlight of the track. "Harley" is the official video release and the YouTube link is given below.

"Empty World" is a quiet song with beautiful melodies and the beautiful voice of Federica Lanna is leading the track. Those type of songs perfectly fit her singing style. There are a few keyboard elements added to the track which I think are unnecessary, especially at the start of the song. The guitar riffing, bass, and lead guitar contributions are very well directed towards the vocals. "Empty World" is one highlight of the album. "Torn Asunder" has also a slow and Pop inspired start with the keyboards the leading instrument of the track, while the guitars are most of the time in the background. The track has some slow parts, but the central part is at mid-tempo. However, altogether there are too many Pop elements throughout. A lot heavier starts "Burn It Up" with powerful guitar riffing, crunching bass lines, and almost melancholic melodies. Again, highlight of the song are the vocals and Federica Lanna versatile voice dominates the track. Another highlight of "Burn It Up" is the lead guitar solo and the track is surely one of the best on the album.

"Distant Caress" is all about the interplay between the keyboards and the vocals and when I mentioned Federica Lanna a few times already, I have to do it again, since she is at the heart of everything in this track. "Bury Me" is more driven by the guitars and the bass at a measured mid-tempo. The guitar riffing is heavy, the melodies are catchy and the vocals follow the melodies. "Bury Me" has all the potential to become a fan favorite. "Freeze" has a very powerful and heavy guitar driven start. While the verse sections are dominated by the keyboards, the chorus part is more guitar oriented and there is another excellent lead guitar solo contributing to the track. The keyboard instrumental "Descent" closes the album and while the track may be a fitting end to the album, I would have hoped that VOLTURIAN finishes it with a bang.

"Red Dragon" is a good melodic Metal album. VOLTURIAN continue where they have left with their debut album. They establish their own sound, which is largely based on melodic elements, but also includes symphonic as well as Pop and Electronic elements. The VOLTURIAN sound is all about finding the right balance between the elements and here some improvement is possible. The album is easy to listen to, it has catchiness in the melodies, and the outstanding vocalist Federica Lanna is the highlight of the album, in particular her capability to cope with the different sound elements. The album is very well produced. With "Red Dragon", VOLTURIAN establish themselves further as a melodic Metal force and fans of melodic Metal have something to look forward to.