Metalite – Discovery

Metalite
Discovery
Label: Perception / Reigning Phoenix Music
Out: 25^th September 2026
Playing time: 46:38

The Swedish band Metalite have been releasing new albums regularly since 2017. Formed in 2015, the band have consistently played Modern Power Metal ever since. I’ve been familiar with Metalite since their second album, ‘Biomechanicals’ (2019), though it didn’t really grab me (yet). This was also their first album featuring singer Erica Ohlsson. It wasn’t until their fourth release, ‘Expedition One’ (2024), that the musicians really won me over. Or have I simply got used to their sound in the meantime? ‘Discovery’ is due for release in September. Can the Swedish band continue what I see as a positive development on their fifth album?

The first track on the album, ‘Our Time Has Come’, is a really powerful Metal anthem in which Metalite set a fast pace. The drums, in particular, thump away and drive the other musicians on, especially singer Erica Ohlsson. The highlight is a cracking guitar solo. Synths then introduce ‘In Case Of Emergency’. The tempo remains high – until the vocals kick in. Then it’s a little calmer at times. This continues on ‘Into The Maze’. First synths, then explosive Melodic Metal with a Pop attitude. Erica keeps up with the tempo effortlessly on vocals. A distinct Pop influence can be heard on ‘Cyberspace’. I think the Swedes are showing a sense of self-deprecating humour with the title ‘The Metal Elite’.You can recognise the band’s name in this wordplay. After a few spoken words, technically distorted and underpinned by synths, the power kicks in once more. The synths accompany the listener throughout the entire song. ‘Neon Rain’ offers a brief breather. This catchy anthem is a bit calmer, no doubt to encourage fans to sing along at gigs. Yes, the Swedes have a real knack for power ballads too, as they impressively demonstrate with ‘Echoes Of You’. Grab your lighters or switch on the flashlights on your smartphones. That’s sure to create a huge live atmosphere! ‘Starchild’ is the next anthem to follow. Whilst ‘Wings Of Fire’ and ‘Captive In The Past’ feature a slight melodic prog influence.Right at the start of ‘Supremacy Of One’, there are once again some technical flourishes to delight the ears, which can be heard throughout the song. The highlight is the blast-beat-style double bass attack in the second half. The closing track, ‘Triforce’, provides an atmospheric finale. Catchy melodies, driving drums and double bass passages, and rhythmic guitar riffs characterise this song. One last time, the two guitarists get to demonstrate their skills with solos.

In my view, ‘Discovery’ is by far Metalite’s best album to date. A varied selection of tracks, plenty of metallic intensity, yet also loads of catchy melodies and an outstanding vocal performance. And Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Evergrey, Amaranthe) ensures a rich, crystal-clear sound with his mixing and mastering. So, are Metalite now part of the ‘Metal Elite’? I think so, at least within the Melodic Power Metal sub-genre.

Metalite – Starchild: https://youtu.be/wW08438ZPzA?si=CqBivmXjltPFAoCZ

Lineup:

Erica Ohlsson – Vocals
Edwin Premberg – Guitar, Additional Vocals, Programming
Robert Örnesved – Guitar
Erik Junttila Johansson – Drums
Robert Majd – Bass

Track list:

• Our Time Has Come
• In Case Of Emergency
• Into The Maze
• Cyberspace
• The Metal Elite
• Neon Rain
• Echoes Of You
• Starchild
• Wings Of Fire
• Captive In The Past
• Supremacy Of One
• Triforce