Heaven's Gate - Perris Records Since when did Perris Records start signing bands that are closer to Progressive Metal than Sleaze Metal? And what other band on the Perris label can boast such an overall epic Metal sound? The answers are "since now" and "none," respectively. Enter Keldian, a Norwegian band that seemingly nonchalantly have built a sound that you just don't hear that often, almost like if Toto and Dream Theater covered each other, and enter their stellar new CD, Heaven's Gate . The CD opens with "Crusader," a triumphant and almost Power Metal track. The guitar tones are crisp and clear, and then vocalist Christer Andresen starts singing. Andresen sounds like he's never yelled at anyone in his life with his effortless delivery; the only other band you can even remotely compare them to musically and vocally is the criminally underrated Ascension Theory, and both bands share that type uplifting tenor to their message as well. The band is steered by two members, Andresen and keyboardist Arlid Aardalen, and they make a heck of a songwriting duo. Next is "Heart of the Sun," a bass-driven composition that relies more heavily on Aardalen's keys as well. Drummer Jorn Holen tears it up with some impressive passages, and the haunting vocals from Andresen make this one echo in your head for days after hearing it. Any song titled "Requiem for the Light" is going to have a funereal intro, as this one does. But the stomping Progressive track doesn't stay morose and dark, but again turns to what Keldian does best, and that's lift you up. With lyrics like, "Can you feel her burning love? Mother of all life, blazing glory from above … a requiem for the light," and an almost Kansas-like melody and harmony line, this impresses. The title track, "Heaven's Gate," is probably what the band deems most important here, since they named the CD after it. Instead of falling closer to AOR land, this is a full on Metal chugger, with lancing guitar riffs, double bass drum fills, and spacey keys draped over everything. Andresen's vocals are low and somewhat foreboding at times, and with all of the different elements working, parts of this one are both Power Metal and quasi-Industrial, only in frames, though. And yes, it's about being at Heaven's gate and hearing silver trumpets welcoming you home. You would think that Keldian would have numerous ballads on this one, but they are not a ballad-type band. They focus on musicianship, melody, lyrics, and instrumentation - but they aren't here to lull you to sleep. They end the journey with an intricate composition nearing 9 minutes in length called "Plains of Forever." Aardalen's keyboards are otherworldly, and you have to listen to this track over and over to catch everything that is happening, much like the band Time Requiem. Keldian may be a surprising addition to the Perris Records label, but they are a high quality addition as well. Heaven's Gate is an extremely accessible and easy to dive into CD, but one that is complex enough that you'll keep discovering new elements with each listen. Rating: 7.6 / 10 Derric Miller |