Allos: Strong Delusion | Power Metal Nostalgia….
(2024 – Soundmass)
How not to remember those years, late 90’s or early 2000’s, when the Metal scene was all about bombastic or epic Power Metal. Beyond the referents of the genre, there was an infinite amount of bands that emerged in the light of that genre. At some point there was a saturation. Nice past times, well, Allos allows us to take a trip back in time and return musically to those old times.
It took several years for the Brazilians Allos to release new stuff. For the case, they have titled it as “Strong Delusion”. Strictly speaking, this is their second full-length album after a long twelve years since their debut album back in 2012, which shows how difficult it is (more and more) for a band to release an album. During the year 2024, several previews of this work were released on social networks, implying a kind of singles of this album. After the wait, finally, we have in our hands this record, let’s see what it is about.
To begin with, at first listen the conclusion is that both Rhapsody and Angra have passed through here, resulting in principle that the influence that Allos manages is represented by both bands. That is to say, Power Metal, melodic in its maximum expression, so those who follow this style will be delighted. For those who are not used to navigate these waters, the attempt may be frustrating or even boring. It is worthwhile to introduce us to this work.
The first cut of the album is “The Pilgrim’s Progress”, a kind of intro that opens the way to “Follow Me”, both enrolled in that kind of Bombastic Epic Power Metal, with keyboards well in front, guitars making classic tone winks and chorus accords, plus the participation of Christian Liljegren, vocalist of Narnia, on vocals. Impressive but not entirely original. “All Your Days”, one of the diffusion cuts of this work, follows in that line of epic ballad mid-tempo, and is perhaps one of the best pieces of the album. The other already known singles “Tele Visione Of Reality” and “Letter From Heaven” are also present, the first one with a tighter beat and a more progressive idea, and the second one an epic ballad. The rest of the album is still not surprising, although it is worth paying attention to “Millenium Kingdom”, where Rob Rock, Impelliteri’s vocalist, performs as a guest. It is worth noting that the voice of the old and beloved Rob does not shine as much in Power Metal as it does when it comes to Heavy Metal. Another song to follow is “Inferno”, a cut that has much more brilliance and strength, along with “Inhuman Mind”, which reminds, in part, of the old and beloved Angra of their early days.
“Strong Delusion” seems an album out of time. Maybe if it had been released back in 2000, it would have generated more interest. Nowadays, I doubt that there is anything in Epic Power Metal that surprises beyond what we already know and can expect. Anyway, the album is a great work with a correct and high level production. Besides the usual appearances of Liljegren and Rob Rock, there is a long list of guest musicians, which elevate the potential of the album. Of course, Allos is a quartet only (vocals, guitar, bass and drums). Now it remains to be seen how all the arsenal deployed on the album sounds live. The lyrics are Christian, straightforward and direct. In that aspect, Allos does not move at any time.
The album was recorded at Sonasterio Studios, in Brazil, and was mixed by Viktor Stenquist, who has already worked with Narnia, Amorphis and other bands. The mastering was done by Thomas “Plec” Johansson at the well-known “Panic Room Studios”. Signal that the work is pretentious both in production and sound, which is very noticeable. As for the graphic aspect, it is noticed that also a work was made, with a cover according and original, with a very good graphic quality in all the inner envelope. On that side, we think Allos got a big thumbs up.
Power Metal doesn’t have a lot of rope left, at least not enough to show an evolution. Allos has evidently been trapped in this dilemma, with a work that refers to other past eras. Nothing new, of course. Then, it’s a matter of taste, and that’s too subjective to discuss. The important thing is that the band released a great album, there is no doubt about that. If you are a diehard follower and fan of the genre, you will surely give it a listen. Otherwise, the recommendation is to keep going.
It is available through the Soundmass label at https://www.soundmass.com.
