Customer Reviews

Astralism

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I've been a huge fan of Astral Doors since hearing their 2004 debut album Of The Son And The Father. Astral Doors' sound can be described accurately and succinctly; Dio-era Rainbow on steriods. It's old school metal with a modern sound. The riffage has a bit of that old Blackmore tone to it and the rhythm section is super-solid. The icing on the cake is the godly singing of Nils Patrik Johannson, whose Dio-esque vocals are more powerful and passionate than RJD himself (yes, he's that amazing).

The debut album was old-school metal for sure, but leaned more toward the hooky hard-rock side of metal. 2005's Evil Is Forever picked things up a notch, with slightly faster tempos and riffs, a little closer to power metal tempo. I liked EiF but I thought the added speed and aggression sacrificed their ablity to write really melodic and hooky riffs and melodies. Thankfully, Astralism goes back in the slower (a relative term), more calculated approach of the first album.

Whichever AD album you buy, you can't go wrong if you're a fan of old-school hard rock and metal. Because this is the way it should be played two or three decades years later. And with three excellent albums in three years, I'm looking forward to another Astral Door opening next year. I'll walk through it blindly!

Highly recommended for fans of: Dio, Rainbow, Accept, Tad Morose, Mob Rules, Cage, Jorn Lande, Icarus Witch, Wolf, and Overlorde.

"Astralism" is the third album by Swedish heavy metal band "Astral Doors" originally released in 2006. Those familiar with the works of the group would probably agree that "Astral Doors" play classic heavy metal often referencing acts like "Dio" and 70s "Scorpions" while placing equal emphasis on song-writing and performance. The line up features vocal titan Nils Patrik Johansson, guitarists Martin Haglund and Joachim Nordlund, bassist Mika Itaranta, key player Joakim Roberg and drummer Johan Lindstedt.

In terms of song-writing it seems that the band put the best of their ability in composing classic sounding riffs, infectious melodies and above all, unforgettable choruses. Parts of the compositions trace in the 80s while others in the 70s, all supported by robust production, making "Astralism" an intimidating heavy metal experience.

In terms of performance, "Astral doors" separate themselves form the majority of metal bands by adding as many improvisations, instrumental fills and melodies as possible. Essentially imagine a band that delivers the intensity of a live performance in their albums while being technically flawless as studio standards demand. "Astralism" is absolutely verifies the thesis above and songs like "Black Rain", "Raiders of the Ark", "In rock we trust" and "London caves" are guaranteed to captivate the listener upon first play (or more accurately upon first chorus).

I'm going to go out on a limb here with Astral Doors' fans. I'm detecting a little bit of another metal vocalist in the singing here. And that's Hansi Kürsch of Blind Guardian. I'm sure that if you're objective enough, (I was about to say open-minded, but that's usually translation for "see it my way, or else"), and you're familiar with Blind Guardian/Demons & Wizards, you'll hear the similarities between Nils Patrik Johansson and Hansi Kürsch.

That said, as a band as a whole, from the samples I've heard, they're a pretty good old school power metal band. The Dio/Kürsch style vocals just make it all that much more enjoyable. I'll probably be buying Astral's catalogue here shortly. Found another great band to add to my collection via YouTube, actually.

I bought this album because I heard the songs "Black Rain" and "Raiders of the Ark" on Pandora radio and really liked both songs. I was very pleased to find that "London Caves" and "Tears from a Titan" are also excellent songs. "In Rock We Trust" and "Apocalypse Revealed" are also strong tracks. Though none of the other songs stand out in particular, there really isn't a weak point on the album.

Astral Doors is often compared to Dio because of the singing style and quality of their lead singer, but Astral Doors is definately not just a new Dio clone.
This is what they do have in common with Dio:
-Catchy lead riffs
-A lead singer with a distinctive (and incredible) voice
-Regular use of an organ or synthesizer
-Occasionally cheesy fantasy-related lyrics (though many of their songs are built on more important and thought-provoking subject matter)

This definately exceeded my expectations. I think that any fan of Dio, Skid Row, Iron Maiden, or any other band that is built around strong lead riffs and a great lead singer will consider Astralism a worthy addition to their collection.

I was so enthused after buying this album that I ran off and got Evil is Forever right away. Unfortunately, the songs on that album feel more repetitive. The songwriting just isn't nearly as good and the songs are executed with much less enthusiasm and energy.

In conclusion: Astralism is awesome. Evil is Forever is just alright.

well having stumbled apon this album and group by sheer mistake, it really opened my eyes. I need to agree a definite dio sense, but with that said they sound and remind me alot like a very good band called "brainstorm". I like the sounds of rhythm guitars, with a blend of lead here and there. I will definitely be purchasing this cd in the very near future, as i recommend for everyone to do. With this album being as good as it is, it definitely teases my appitite to hear their prior albums. All in all this will be a good addition to my collection.

Astralism (n.) - The appreciation and utter devotion to the powerful metal stylings of Sweden's Astral doors. Devotees are often exposed to jarring and deafening riffs, with monstrous vocals that range in influence from Dio to Michael Sweet (Stryper). Their song titles can be a bit cliche, and the vocalist can over do it here and there, but overall fans will worship.