 Year: 2009
Rel. Date: 2010-03-20
Genre: Heavy Metal
Label: Violent Journey Records
Finland (Helsinki)Exactly one year after the debut, Finnish heavy
metal act ADASTA continues the path laid out on
The Last Sunset (2007) with Death or
Domination. Everything is as it should be and
mistaking this for anything but an ADASTRA album
is impossible. Theres the typical heavy and
distinct riffs making head banging irresistible,
the sound of British vintage metal, the soaring
vocals of Ville Siikamaki and the outstanding lead
work performed by the two duelling guitarists.
Ville possesses a melodic voice but knows equally
to render it more aggressive or oven more
passionate. The vocal performances on Death or
Domination are a big step up from the debut, as
Ville practically dominates many of the chorus by
his inventive vocal arrangements and dominate
mid-range singing. The song writing shows signs of
clear development both in depth and breadth,
reflecting obviously the fruits of a couple of
years hard work. While The Last Sunset is an
immensely enjoyable album, Death or Domination
features improvements on all accounts. To the
difference of good number of heavy bands of the
80s, ADASTRA does not sink in the parody, the
cliche or the already made. Compositions are
original, perfectly executed. The monstrous epic
Helsinki 1939 is the only song where the Maiden
influence really shines through. Clocking in at 9
minutes and 9 seconds, and entirely devoid of
chorus, this song stands out from the rest by
having sincere melancholic lyrics about the World
War II. It starts off slowly, before it picks up
speed little by little. About midway through the
song explodes and the galloping guitars are going
everywhere, churning out beautiful guitar
harmonies and extremely well played and fitting
guitar solos. Helsinki 1939 is complex and
progressive, blending heavy and intense metal
parts, with airy and melancholic mellow sections.
Heavy metal doesnt get much better than this.
The main differences between Death or Domination
and the debut album are the great amount of
diversity and the more powerful production. While
The Last Sunset is an all full speed metal
marathon from start till finish, ADASTRA this time
around take the time to slow down in between and
create powerful mid-tempo rockers such as the
title track Death or Domination, "Who Threw the
First Stone" and Man MK.II. There is almost sort
of a power metal ballad feel to said tracks, and
the amount of passion and feeling in Villes voice
in these songs are just incredible. The two
guitarists Olli Anttila and Jari Hartman alternate
rhythm and lead through the songs. About 23 solos
have been recorded for the Death or Domination
album and they are equally shared between main
songwriter Anttila and Hartman. Unlike many of
ADASTRAs fellow Finnish countrymen, ADASTRA
sounds closer to British vintage heavy metal in
vein of JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN, but also
heavy/power/thrash USA metal in vein of ICED EARTH
and MEGADETH. As the latter aspect is concerned,
this is especially due to said wicked lead guitar
work. Granted Anttila/Hartman unleash tons of
great solos, but their enchanting lead work also
function just as much in melodies as to nail the
different sections with breath-taking solos. The
two guitarists complement each other perfectly
well and work as the backbone for the band.
Although having two guitarists in a metal band is
a very common feature, it certainly isnt common
to have two top class shredders. Within the next
few years Anttila/Hartman could very well become
Finlands reply to UKs Downing/Tipton (JUDAS
PRIEST).
The Helsinki boys possess the talents and
professionalism that many signed bands never find
and most unsigned band can never hope to have.
This is one of the best true heavy metal albums
released this year, and any fan of this style
should get their hands on Death or Domination.
It's all here razor-sharp riffs, blistering
solos, tight, cohesive playing, tempo variations,
and the awesome voice of Ville Siikamaki, who can
sing with venom and belt out soaring screams as
good as Bruce Dickinson. The production is easily
better than the last album and sort of hits one in
the face these songs deserve to be re-released on
a major label.
1. Locked on to You 3:50
2. One Chance 3:55
3. Death or Domination 6:22
4. Man Mk.II 4:36
5. Helsinki 1939 6:01
6. Who Threw the First Stone 5:23
7. Devil Knows You're Dead 9:09
8. Lost 4:50
9. Wasted Life 5:37
10. The Longing 10:46
60:29тема на форумеMYSPACE
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