Lutharo – Chasing Euphoria
Reviewed By Jim Harrison
Review Score: 9.0
Hamilton Ontario’s very own Lutharo are set to release their second full length album Chasing Euphoria. Following up on their critically acclaimed first album Hiraeth from 2021, the band has created a massive melodic, aggressive sound that captures elements of most metal genres including death and thrash.
This is more of an experience immersing the listener with catchy melodies, killer grooves, fast and heavy vocals, guitars, bass and drums that make this such a relevant release and separates this band from the pack.
Krista Shipperbottom (vocalist), Victor Bucur (guitarist), Chris Pacey (bass) and Cory Hofing (drums) have formed a tight knit unit and you can hear it in their music. The pounding drums and bass create such a massive groove mixed with catchy guitar riffs and solos capped off with Shipperbottom’s superb vocal style come together in perfect metal unison. Also helping on the recording of this album was studio guitar player John Raposo.
The first track, ‘Gates Of Enchantment’ gives you some quick insight into how talented this group is musically. Being an instrumental it reminds me of a suspenseful scene in a movie where it ends and heads right into the second song ‘Reaper’s Call’ where the assault of the senses begins. This track has it all, wicked guitar riffs mixed with vocals that shift from heavy to clean vocals. The heavy drums and bass really promote the vocal change over making this a cool focal point.
‘Ruthless Bloodline’ continues with a massive drum beat which gives this song a symphonic metal groove. The machine gun guitar assault highlights Shipperbottoms vocal style. The vocals on this track are so powerful.
‘Time To Rise’ and ‘Born To Ride’ are the two tracks that are the early releases which give fans some insight into how fast and heavy this album is. These were great tracks to release as both are energetic and showcase how strong musically and vocally this band is.
‘Bonded To The Blade’ is one of my three favourite tracks on this album. This has a power metal intro that gives it a Helloween vibe. The massive drums and thumping bass really showcase the vocals and the guitar solo is amazing along with thrash elements as the song progresses.
The title track ‘Chasing Euphoria’ has a great melody and would be a fantastic live song as it speeds up so fast.
‘Creating A King’ has a cool drum intro blasting into heavy vocals. It has a thrashy vibe with a thick guitar sound. The drums and bass create a pounding of a run away train.
‘Strong Enough To Fall’ is another one of my favourite tracks. The heavy drums and bass create more of a symphonic metal sound and Shipperbottom’s vocals are unstoppable. The guitar solo is so awesome, I kept spinning this one over and over again hearing new elements with each listen.
‘Paradise Or Parasite’ holds you by the throat and doesn’t let you go. It has a traditional, power metal vibe that is a perfect mix.
Last track ‘Freedom Of The Night’ is the longest song on the album at six and a half minutes and is another personal favourite of mine. The track has it all, a cool drum groove, and I love how the bass and guitar play off each other. The slower classical like intro blasts off into a heavy song. Again Shipperbottom’s flawless vocal style gives this song an energy that will encompass listeners of any vocal style heavy and soft. Talk about ending the album on a high.
Vocally and musically this album is fantastic, incorporating so many metal genres and creating something not only original but relevant. It is so cool to get excited about a release early in the new year which sets the bar high. This album is a must for all metal fans and needs to be played at eleven!
Chasing Euphoria drops March 15, 2024 via Atomic Fire Records.