Parhelyon – From Dark To Light

Parhelyon
From Dark To Light
Label: Metalapolis Records
Out: October 24^th, 2025
Playing time: 44:49

The press release describes the Baden-Württemberg band Parhelyon as a ‘magical formation’. The Greek name ‘Parhelyon’means ‘Sun dog’ in English. The band was founded in 2023 and has since landed a record deal with the German label Metalapolis Records. After four singles, the debut album ‘From Dark To Light’ will be released in October.

Keys and synths briefly introduce ‘Silence In Darkness’. The song title describes (at least in part) what can be heard here. Tanja Hansen’s ethereal vocals are often very calm. However, the tranquillity is disturbed a little by the heaviness of the sound and the growls (who?). ‘Secret’ is hardly any faster and no less bombastic. Of course, Tanja’s vocals once again soar into mystically beguiling realms. A strong guitar solo is the icing on the cake. Short key and synth intros are among the stylistic elements of the songs, as in ‘Stygma’. Epic choruses follow and Tanja soars into the high tonal ranges. Of course, bombastic orchestrations and a few guitar solos are also included. All of this can also be heard on ‘Emphasis’. Although, this song breaks out of the quiet areas a little, at least at times. The vocals are also not quite as high. And now and again they sound a little harsher and a little less melodic. A guitar melody can be heard early on in ‘Luminus’. Later, the enchanting vocals are accompanied by riffs and countered by evil growls (Michelle Darkness from End of Green). Some of the vocals are polyphonic. The (almost) band-titled song ‘Parhelion’ is a contemplative ballad with beautiful guitar melodies. Tanja breathes some of the lyrics. She is accompanied by synth strings. The highlight is a guitar solo. In contrast, ‘Firelight’ is comparatively fast. They really rock out here, without of course forgetting the beautiful melodies. However, the vocals are calmer again at times. ‘Mantragon’ is also introduced by piano and strings. And this orchestration remains present later on. The last two songs ‘White & Holy’ and ‘Heart Of Gold’ do nothing to change this. Even if heavier passages are included again and again.

‘From Dark To Light’ lives and breathes mainly through the enchanting vocals of Tanja Hansen. Her bandmates and the guest musicians create an extremely epic sound. This is mostly calm and solemn. However, there are also one or two heavier Metal parts. The music celebrated by Parhelyon is certainly not new. But it is well done. The magic that was emphasised in the press release can be felt very well over the entire playing time of three quarters of an hour. A good debut, but one that lacks a little variety.

Parhelyon – Silence In Darkness: https://youtu.be/QcgroiktX_Q?si=8IkJcWSQNRgOrsZ7

Lineup:

Tanja Hansen – Vocals of Light
Michael Vetter – Guitars, Synths
Frank „Mampfi“ Herold – Bass
Bernd Heining – Drums, Percussion

Guests:

Daniel Galmarini – Keys, Orchestration
Steve Dittrich – Keys, Orchestrationn

Track list:

• Silence In Darkness
• Secret
• Stygma
• Emphasis
• Luminus
• Parhelion
• Firelight
• Mantragon
• White & Holy
• Heart Of Gold