Search - Astral Doors :: Astralism

Another Astral Door is Open

Ryan Seek | Maricopa, AZ United States | 09/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a huge fan of Astral Doors since hearing their 2004 debut album Of The Son And The Father. Astral Doors' sound can be described accurately and succinctly; Dio-era Rainbow on steriods. It's old school metal with a modern sound. The riffage has a bit of that old Blackmore tone to it and the rhythm section is super-solid. The icing on the cake is the godly singing of Nils Patrik Johannson, whose Dio-esque vocals are more powerful and passionate than RJD himself (yes, he's that amazing).



The debut album was old-school metal for sure, but leaned more toward the hooky hard-rock side of metal. 2005's Evil Is Forever picked things up a notch, with slightly faster tempos and riffs, a little closer to power metal tempo. I liked EiF but I thought the added speed and aggression sacrificed their ablity to write really melodic and hooky riffs and melodies. Thankfully, Astralism goes back in the slower (a relative term), more calculated approach of the first album.



Whichever AD album you buy, you can't go wrong if you're a fan of old-school hard rock and metal. Because this is the way it should be played two or three decades years later. And with three excellent albums in three years, I'm looking forward to another Astral Door opening next year. I'll walk through it blindly!



Highly recommended for fans of: Dio, Rainbow, Accept, Tad Morose, Mob Rules, Cage, Jorn Lande, Icarus Witch, Wolf, and Overlorde."

Opened my eyes

K. Hillibush | MAHANOY CITY, PA. | 05/29/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"well having stumbled apon this album and group by sheer mistake, it really opened my eyes. I need to agree a definite dio sense, but with that said they sound and remind me alot like a very good band called "brainstorm". I like the sounds of rhythm guitars, with a blend of lead here and there. I will definitely be purchasing this cd in the very near future, as i recommend for everyone to do. With this album being as good as it is, it definitely teases my appitite to hear their prior albums. All in all this will be a good addition to my collection."