PELLEK – Ocean Of Opportunity
- Posted on 11-05-2013
The second album from Norwegian power/progressive metal act PelleK sees the quartet moving from a ‘solo’ project into a full-fledged recording and touring entity, thanks to the success of last year’s "Bag of Tricks". "Ocean of Opportunity" is a 9 song concept record, filled with dramatic arrangements, symphonic touches, and this confident air with vocalist Per Fredrik Asly running up and down his magnificent multi-octave range.
Songs like "Northern Wayfarer" and "Brigantine of Tranquility" have this tight, dark power metal foundation, but a willingness to explore outside folk-like or symphonic nuances to add this Rhapsody or Angra flair to a sound rich with classic Kamelot rhythms and dynamic tempo changes. "Gods Pocket" has more of a commercially bouncy spirit, the keyboards, guitars and rhythm all align with this shiny veneer as Per’s playful melody cascades along as if taking in this Broadway play. Spending a year researching the cultural differences across the world for the lyrical concepts, the growth of PelleK is evident with the twists and turns of guitar structures from Patrick Fallang, the technically sound time keeping skills of drummer Stian Warlow Braathen, as well as the low end skill set from bassist Ingemar Bru.
"Ocean of Opportunity" offers a wide breadth of arrangements- from the ballad "Sky Odyssey" with a softer melody and orchestration accenting the right emotional tension elements through the 9:34 epic closer "The Last Journey" where another magical tour takes place between the dark progressive volleys musically and the ascending/ descending vocal action that appears very comfortable for Per to tackle. Talent is prevalent, execution is outstanding- PelleK should fit in well in your collection if you enjoy darker power metal with symphonic/ progressive touches.
PelleK gives the metal community another reason to pay attention to Scandinavia- as this quartet balance the musical dexterity with accurate emotional portrayals, inviting the listener into their perspective and it’s an entertaining, exhilarating ride.
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