Aurora Borealis 2011

"This is pure instrumental guitar hero rock with lots of focus on the guitar, of course. With Mattson's heavy use of violins, cellos, other string instruments, keyboards and a general symphonic approach and very little rhythm guitar and some bass and drums which are, perhaps not minimalistic, then at least not very inspirational, "Aurora Borealis" is probably on the boundary, and for some perhaps beyond, what some people can accept as metal.

Not surprisingly, Mattson has a very neoclassical approach on this album, which means that shredding is inevitable. And there is some pretty impressive and mind-bogling shredding. But, thankfully, Mattson does not only restrict himself to shredding. He also delivers some very melodic solos, and there really is a lot of beautiful, inspiring, and - dare I say - fappable guitar work hear for the guitar fanboy geeks out there.

Although this is a guitar hero thing, and the focus is expected to be on the guitar, I think that the bass and the drums could have been given more attention. That would really have taken this album up to an even higher and more enjoyable level.

Recommended to those who are very passionate about guitar playing - be prepared to be impressed.

(originally posted on metalmusicarchives.com)"