Alchemists
Review Score: 7.5
Reviewed by: Billy Klare
Degrees of Truth return with their third album “Alchemists” on June 23, 2023 via Scarlett Records. I should begin this review by noting I’m not normally a super fan of the symphonic metal sub-genre but I was very attracted to the musical description provided by the album promotional material – “An eclectic album that combines innovative arrangements and influences from pop and electronic music, while leaning towards a modern and very elegant progressive metal side”. I couldn’t say it any better, this description is 100% accurate. One key band member change to highlight is the very talented Claudia Beltrame takes over vocal duties from the previous vocalist Claudia Nora Pezzotta.
“Alchemists” showcases some innovative songwriting successfully blending many musical styles including symphonic metal, progressive rock / metal, opera, rock, pop, new age and electronic. The songs constantly shift tempos transitioning between beautiful delicate melodic passages, emotional symphonic orchestration and faster paced hard rock & metal. Melodic hooks and catchy rock / pop influenced choruses are relied on heavily. The music is accessible on first listen but the underlying musical complexities tied to the blending of multiple styles are only fully appreciated after multiple listens. The lyrical focus reflects multiple themes including the meaning of life, freedom and artistic creation.
New vocalist Claudia Beltrame is at the forefront of most songs, equally comfortable with operatic high notes and rock & pop vocals. Her versatile vocal abilities are fully incorporated into the underlying song writing. Guitarist Daniele Brianza delivers some beautiful emotive guitar work while keyboard player Gianluca Parnisari stands out with his orchestration contribution and quality solo runs. Drummer Luca Ravezzani and bassist Lorenzo Corsalini provides the rhythmic foundation to the music which is no small task as the the songwriting incorporates such a broad range of musical styles.
The album features two guest guitarists with Richard Henshall from the brilliant prog rock band Haken playing on “Bound to Rise” and guitar virtuoso Khaled Abbas featured on “Over the Tide”. Interestingly, these are probably the two best guitar solos on the entire album.
The album begins with the beautiful haunting instrumental “Imperfect Concoction” that builds to an intense symphonic crescendo. Songs like “Godless Symphony” and “Misconnection” are clearly written to showcase Claudia’s vocal abilities with little opportunity for other band members to shine. “Over the Tide” utilizes a catchy melodic pop vocal approach with some excellent guitar and keyboard playing. The first single “Flightmare” is one of the heavier tracks on the record with Claudia hitting all the operatic high notes and also features an addictive pre-chorus / chorus combo you won’t forget.
The multi-paced “Wreckage of a Lifetime” and “Tiny Box of Horrors” takes the listener on an emotional musical journey highlighting the bands ability to successfully meld so many different musical styles. “Thread of Life” incorporates some excellent keyboard & guitar soloing with song writing that successfully straddles the line between pop rock, instrumental new age and power metal (and another super melodic chorus). “Bound to Rise” is best described as a faster paced symphonic hard rock track incorporating some non-guest driven guitar soloing. Finally, the album closes with the title track “Alchemists” following more of a traditional symphonic metal song writing approach.
As a big progressive metal fan, I wish there was more focus on instrumental soloing. Guitar and keyboard solos are used sparingly throughout the album but incredibly effective when utilized on tracks like “Over the Tide”,”Thread of Life” and “Bound to Rise”. Also, given Claudia’s outstanding vocal versatility and the talented group of musicians in the band, I really wanted to hear Degrees Of Truth attempt a more aggressive metal song to further mix things up, but perhaps that’s just one style too many on this record! Obviously these views reflect my personal musical tastes and may not be relevant to other listeners with different musical preferences.
Degrees of Truth are clearly not afraid to fully step out of traditional symphonic metal boundaries and challenge the listener with a modern and innovative musical approach. I needed an open mind and multiple listens to fully appreciate all the musical intricacies “Alchemists” has to offer. The album will certainly appeal to fans of Epica, Nightwish, Leaves’ Eyes, Delain, Within Temptation and even Evanescence. Progressive metal fans should also check this out (but note my comments on instrumental soloing). Overall, I’m glad I discovered “Alchemists” and it’s an enjoyable unique musical journey. Recommended for open minded metal fans – 7.5/10 rating.
My preferred tracks include – “Over the Tide”, “Flightmare”, “Wreckage of a Lifetime”, “Tiny Box of Horrors”, “Thread of Life” and “Bound to rise”
Track Listing
01. Imperfect Concoction
02. Godless Symphony
03. Over The Tide
04. Flightmare
05. Wreckage Of A Lifetime
06. Misconnection
07. Tiny Box Of Horrors
08. Thread Of Life
09. Bound To Rise
10. Alchemists
Line-up
Claudia Beltrame – vocals
Daniele Brianza – guitar and ukulele
Lorenzo Corsalini – bass
Luca Ravezzani – drums
Gianluca Parnisari – keyboards and piano