Horizons 2014

"Having released three very strong albums in a row, in the form of "Andromeda Unchained", "The Detached", and "Anubis Gate", the Danish progressive metal band's most recent, and eagerly awaited, album "Horizons" definitely has a lot to live up to. With no less than two line-up changes since "Anubis Gate", one might even be slightly worried that the new album may be sub par to its predecessors.

While I think that the previous three albums are slightly stronger than this one in some respects, there are some new elements on "Horizons" - probably adopted by the band as a consequence of the inspirations brought by the two new members - which I think enrich Anubis Gate's already interesting style of music. Firstly, I think that "Horizons" is musically the most varied album by the Danish band, as it explores both melodic pathways and heavier grooves. The rhythm guitar has become slightly more aggressive, which I appreciate, while the use of keyboards has become more prominent, which works very well here. Morten Gade Sørensen's drumming is both considerably technical and dynamic, yet also potent.

'Destined to Remember', which listeners might already be familiar with because an alternate version appeared in the "Sheep" EP, is a melodic and multi-layered progressive metal track, rich in layers of melody. The multi-layeredness (if such a word exists) also characterizes 'Never Like This (A Dream)' which also features some fierce neo-power metal riffage. 'Hear My Call' is heavier and builds on groovy riffs, and 'Revolution Come Undone' ventures into both power-thrash territory. 'Mindless' features some pretty cool guitar melodies and some slightly dissonant quirky guitar figures, which is something I've never heard from Anubis Gate before.

Needless to say, the level of musicianship on this album is impeccable, as is the songwriting, and Henrik Fevre's singing voice has a strange haunting quality, as it almost flows on top of the music. As mentioned, the use of keyboards is quite prominent on this album, and I don't know if Anubis Gate are Depeche Mode fans, but there are several aspects of the keyboards that remind me of the melancholic atmosphere that the British electro-pop act excel at generating. This is a complement, by the way, as I am a fan of Depeche Mode myself.

Fans of melodic metal and should definitely check out this fine album by one of Denmark's best progressive metal bands.

(review originally posted at metalmusicarchives.com)"