Ethereal Flames – Myths And Legends Of Our Land

Ethereal Flames
Myths And Legends Of Our Land
Label: Sliptrick Records
Out: April 23^rd, 2024
Playing time: 39:25

Ethereal Flames join the list of Italian Symphonic Metal bands. But with the addition of Power Metal. As the album title “Myths And Legends Of Our Land” suggests, the musicians deal with myths and legends of their home country. One of the mythological figures is the knight Guerin Meschino. And other characters from the world of Italian legends.

“Desperate Girl” is Melodic Heavy Metal with lots of riffs and beautiful guitar melodies. And a great guitar solo. Alessandro Binotti’s vocals are quite harsh in places. In another review, he is compared to Peavy Wagner (Rage). However, the comparison is not accurate. But fortunately, the clear vocals dominate here. “The Holy House” once again offers a mixture of heavy guitar sounds and bombastic orchestration. “Metauro’s Battle” offers a rollercoaster of emotions in terms of tempo. At times, the drums push forward. I find the keyboards in the foreground a little annoying. The vocals alternate between clear, harsh and growls. “Restless Knight” is characterized by very catchy keyboard sounds. And of course, the guitar solo is not missing, but it seems very hectic. In “The Witch Of Farneta”, the drums and guitar riffs start hectically and almost simultaneously. Later, however, it becomes calmer. There are growls again in places. “Two Sad Lovers” is a calm power ballad. The band puts a lot of emotion into it. Somehow, I am reminded of the great ballads of the Scorpions. On the other hand, “The Queen Sibilla” is once again powerful but Melodic Heavy Metal. The final song “Pilato’s Lake” starts with a bass line. Later, the guitars and drums kick in. And heavy riffs provide a lot of Heavy Metal feeling.

Somehow, “Myths And Legends Of Our Land” is a concept album. But the songwriting never has to be subordinate to this concept. On the contrary, it is extremely varied. Fortunately, the album is not overloaded with gimmicks. There is no over-hit, but that was probably not the intention. The symphonic element is always present but is not overused for the most part. Ethereal Flames have succeeded in creating a convincing debut album that leaves you wanting more.

Ethereal Flames – The Holy House: https://youtu.be/d2t0lG66wJ4?si=LvTgz0o2wpxTj8x1

Lineup:

Alessandro Binotti – Vocals, Lead Guitar
Andrea Palmieri – Rythm, Lead Guitar
Matteo Brillarelli – Bass Guitar
Thomas Mencarelli – Drums

Track list:

• Desperate Girl
• The Holy House
• Metauro’s Battle
• Restless Knight 
• The Witch Of Farneta
• Two Sad Lovers
• The Queen Sibilla
• Pilato’s Lake