STARCHASER – Starchaser

Following a nicely atmospheric introduction, Starchaser’s brand of polished and epic heavy metal explodes right out of the gate, and this melodically strong opus sounds absolutely massive and overflowing with drive and determination. Conceived by guitarist Kenneth Jonsson (ex-Tad Morose) and with a musically gifted line-up in tow, this ensemble tear through these thirteen tracks of theirs with gusto and confidence.

There are pounding riffs, soaring vocals, blistering solos, and crashing drums here, yet it comes across as slightly more polished and slicker than most other heavy metal and power metal outfits that I usually review, which is not a bad thing at all as it makes Starchaser different to so much else out there. These gentlemen have a firm grasp of what it means to compose song material that packs a punch while staying dynamic and interesting at all times, and I am thoroughly impressed with this debut album of theirs. The production is monstrously big, and the guitars are fucking huge and in your face. The thunderous double bass drumming is sweet music to these ears too, and my only complaint is that the record loses a tiny dose of its steam and momentum toward the very end but not to the extent that it in any way changes the fact that this is a splendid collection of muscular compositions with weight and vigor to them. Potent heavy metal from Sweden that comes highly recommended, and the glorious “Bringer of Evil”, “I’ll Find a Way”, and “Dead Man Walking” ought to be deemed instant classics this very minute.