Embrace of Souls – The Battle Of The Dead

Embrace of Souls
The Battle Of The Dead
Label: Rockshots Records
Out: 22^nd May 2026
Playing time: 43:09

Embrace of Souls are an Italian Power Metal band, founded in 2019 by drummer and composer Michele Olmi. He managed to recruit a number of talented musicians for the band. Their debut album, ‘The Number of Destiny’, was released in 2021. It attracted particular attention in Japan. After singer Giacomo Rossi joined the band, ‘Forever Part of Me’ followed three years later. Now, their third album, ‘The Battle of the Dead’, is complete. Soprano Martina Mazzeo has since joined the line-up, lending the sound a symphonic touch with her operatic voice.

The title track, ‘The Battle Of The Dead’, opens the album. Even the opening section is highly epic. Martina Mazzeo shines right from the start with her clear, flawlessly sung operatic soprano. Giacomo Rossi’s baritone would certainly hold its own in an opera. Drummer Michele Olmi provides powerful rhythms. Whilst the guitar playing is impressive, I find the typical Italian synth staccatos annoying. On “Eversun” too, the Italians maintain a fast tempo, driven by the drums. Time and again, the keyboard layers push their way to the fore. The highlights, however, are always the fast-played guitar solos. And that’s exactly how it continues, whether on “The Plague”, “The Gathering”, “Who Can Save Us”, “The Dark Lord” or “Sacrifice” – with driving drums featuring double bass, synth and string layers, fast riffs and guitar solos, as well as outstanding vocals and epic choruses.

‘The Battle of the Dead’ is a polished, high-octane Symphonic Power Metal album with an Italian flavour. Bands such as Rhapsody of Fire or Ancient Bards could be cited as references here. The musicians’ performance is beyond reproach. Above all, however, it is singer Martina Mazzeo who impresses with her operatic soprano. Her vocals are perfectly complemented by the band’s metal power. As Giacomo Rossi sings with a clear baritone, we aren’t listening to a remake of “Beauty and the Beast”. Over time, however, the constant musical gallop becomes somewhat tiring. I would have liked to see a bit more variety here.

Embrace of Souls – The Battle Of The Dead: https://youtu.be/4UivMmjBSIY?si=44qOi5wMinl-8FNP

Lineup:

Giacomo Rossi – Vocals
Martina Mazzeo – Vocals
Edward de Rosa – Guitar
Xavier Rota – Bass
Davide Baldelli – Keyboards
Michele Olmi – Drums

Track list:

• The Battle Of The Dead
• Eversun
• The Plague
• The Gathering
• Spine
• Who Can Save Us
• Betrayal
• The Dark Lord
• The War
• Sacrifice
• Desolate Lands