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Half-way into a new decade the Metalium story reaches chapter number four. This band have quickly become one of the most prominent heavy / power metal bands not only in Germany but in Europe altogether. "As One" starts off with a short redundant intro and then comes some light-speed guitar action that should make most people a tad bit jealous. The album continues in pretty much the same vein with high-pitched power metal vocals, soaring guitar solos and show-offs of the musicians' respective instrumental skills. Without many exceptions it is fast and intense all the way through and the whole album breathes metal. There are a couple of noteworthy guests on the album as well in legendary keyboarder Don Airey and female vocalist Jutta Weinhold from Lars Ratz' old band Velvet Viper. The production is clear, powerful and nearly flawless and they are an extremely tight band but there are no memorable songs on the album. I personally prefer vocalist Henne Basse's previous band Brainstorm in front of Metalium as they have found a much more personal style, something that I am waiting for these guys to find as well. They have not been around for as long yet though and I hope that they will get there soon. "As One" features some pretty impressive musicianship that will please fans of technical power metal but to reach the top that is unfortunately not all that is needed, at least from my point of view. A good solid album but nothing that really sticks out.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Astral Avatar |
| 2. Warrior |
| 3. Pain Crawls In The Night |
| 4. Find Out |
| 5. No One Will Save Yo |
| 6. Meaning Of Light |
| 7. Illuminated (Opus One) |
| 8. Meaning Of Light (Reprise) |
| 9. Athena |
| 10. Don't Tell No Lies |
| 11. Power Strikes The Earth |
| 12. Goddess Of Love And Pain |
| 13. As One (Finale) |
: 59.58
| Buy other Metalium albums |
