Judicator – Let There Be Nothing

Judicator

Let There Be Nothing

Prosthetic Records

July 24 2020

57:45

Judicator have had a soaring rise to power metal glory with magnificent albums such as ‘Sleepy Plessow’ and ‘At the Expense of Humanity’ that have helped the band achieve the status of one of power metals newest starlets. This year has the Salt Lake City militia returning for their fifth album ‘Let There Be Nothing’.

                There are no surprises here; Judicator re-ignite that blue touch paper underneath ‘Let There…’ simply continues the formula that Judicator have been working to since their formation and because of this, what the listener gets here is a well-produced album that allows every instrument to heard and digested clearly. Furthermore, what ‘Let There…’ has beneath this layer of stereotypical heavy metal instruments are beautiful arrangements that provoke extra thought by dragging the listener in more with enjoyable passages that have all the appeal of Blind Guardian, Persuader and Theocracy. Yet, where this album excels are the vocals of John Yelland, whose soaring voice and powerful mannerisms invoke Hansi Kürsch, particularly during the tracks ‘Gloria’, ‘Autumn of Souls’ and the title track. In fact, everything about this album screams epic and although it may only be a Tanelorn away from being a Blind Guardian album, that is nothing for it to be ashamed of, the shorter songs here pack quite a punch, whilst the albums closing longer tracks push ‘Let There…’ into the realm beyond and into the upper echelons of releases.

                There won’t be anything here for people who aren’t fans of power metal, but ‘Let There…’ is a breath of fresh air away from the generic European power metal that can become a little tedious. This is an interesting release that begs to be played over and over again whilst a little long, it’s worth every minute. Do not be surprised to see this surfing the crest of the wave alongside the best albums of the year.

Adam McCann