Averlanche – Arctic Atlas

Averlanche
Arctic Atlas
Label: JVR Music Group
Out: May 12^th, 2023
Playing time: 36:33

Averlanche are a Melodic Metal band hailing from Helsinki. The fact that they have a German singer in their ranks, Rebecca Spörl, doesn’t change anything. But Rebecca already moved to Finland in 2014 to start a Metal band there. Obviously, that didn’t really work out, so in 2017 she answered to announcement from the band looking for a singer. And she got the job. Averlanche initially started as a quintet. In the founding year, the demo “The Machinery of Life” was released. After several singles, the album debut “Life’s Phenomenon” was released in 2020. Now, three years and various single releases later, the second album “Arctic Atlas” is in the starting blocks.

The Finns probably overdo it a bit with the opening song “-273.16 °C”. It’s not quite that cold in the Arctic either. Although song is probably too much to say, it’s an intro. A melodic introduction to what follows. But with “In The Theater Of Fire” it really bangs out of the speakers. Rebecca Spörl’s soprano sounds powerful and cleanly sung. And stands in the foreground. “Killing Floor” sounds similarly upbeat and very melodic. This continues with “Heartache Parade”. “Island Across” is a beautiful ballad. But “Polaris” really gets down to business again. The keyboards come to the fore. Powerful riffs can be heard on “She & The Dark Winter”, again and again underpinned by keyboard sounds. “Little Lotus” is a bit quieter again, but not a ballad. This was followed by “Black Butterflies’ Night”. Rebecca is mainly accompanied by e-piano sounds here. Even “Arctica” starts as a ballad, only here acoustic guitars form the instrumental accompaniment. Later, the song turns into a midtempo anthem. Only with the final song “Atlas Of Hearts” does the tempo pick up again.

“Arctic Atlas” is not a bad album. But I would have liked some variety and a bit more heaviness. And maybe a little less keyboards. The album lives to a large extent from the enchanting voice of singer Rebecca Spörl. In addition, there are good riffs. The songs sound pleasing, but somehow the hit potential is missing, which one actually expects from Melodic Metal. I think there is more in it.

Averlanche – Little Lotus: https://youtu.be/Hbmdpn6Boec

Lineup:

Rebecca Spörl – Vocals
Otto Haalahti – Guitar
Henri Tenhunen – Drums
Antti Kopra – Keyboards

Track list:

• -273.16 °C
• In The Theater Of Fire
• Killing Floor
• Heartache Parade
• Island Across
• Polaris
• She & The Dark Winter
• Little Lotus
• Black Butterflies´ Night 
• Arctica
• Atlas Of Hearts