Finland’s GLADENFOLD have been trying (and weirdly enough also succeeding in their efforts) to reconcile the demands of both power metal and melodeath for much of their career. However, it seems that with their fourth album, “Soulbound,” they have decided to focus their attention and skill mainly in one direction – bombastic power metal. Their newest studio effort will be out on February 27th, 2026, via Reaper Entertainment, and it’s quite ambitious, big, and melodic.
Using a formula that has yet to disappoint, “Soulbound” is epic in scope thanks to its sturdy power metal backbone and intense melodic hooks, yet it still delivers atmosphere, cinematic soundscapes, bright melodies, and theatric flair because of its melodic death metal tinge and symphonic depth. Quite a combination, right? However, with inspiration taken from such legendary acts as KAMELOT, BLIND GUARDIAN, and CHILDREN OF BODOM, and more than two decades to perfect their sound, GLADENFOLD deliver a coherent and polished album, with everything mixed in just the right amount for maximum impact and emotional weight.
The serious power metal leanings were obvious from the first few singles released, especially with the anthemic upbeat banger “For My Queen” and the melodic and catchy mid-tempo “Wardens of Time.” The album itself also opens with a bang as “Fire Wind” is a fierce power metal track that boasts a big chorus section and some progressive metal complexities in the instrumentals. These are the type of songs (and titles) I would expect on a RHAPSODY OF FIRE album, yet here’s this Finnish band that delivers the fast-paced guitars, impressive drums, and exceptional vocals. And on a concept album about fate and consequences to boot! Speaking of the vocals, I like the fact that Esko Itälä doesn’t go for the high, soaring vocals but instead grounds the songs by singing mostly in his mid and lower registers and thus adding some vocal warmth to the fold.
However, the album does offer some surprises along the way, and by far one of the best is the featuring with WITHOUT WARNING vocalist Michaela “Micha” Tuomenoksa for the beautiful power ballad “Mercy.” Released as the second single, it shifts and moves through many soundscapes, from groovy and guitar-driven to moody and keyboard-heavy, while the two vocalists harmonize nicely together. I just wish we could have heard more from her in a proper duet. The second surprise is the incredibly heavy “Helix of Hate,” as the harsh nature of metalcore makes quite an appearance on this track as Esko Itälä switches between cleans in the catchy chorus and growls in the verses while Lauri Itälä keeps the momentum going with powerful double bass drumming.
The second half of the album offers much of the same, but I am not complaining as “Ghostlike” circles back to power metal and rides high on sharp riffs, thundering drums, some keyboard melodies, a great guitar solo, and a shimmering chorus that elevates everything up to eleven. Up next, both “Chaos Waltz” and “Anthem of the Broken” have great headbanging rhythms, boasted by melodic choruses and an all-around epic feel to them that comes from the backing arrangements and vocal delivery. Closing track, “Soulbound Parallax,” pulls out all the stops, being a massive and melodic number where the soaring, anthemic quality of power metal complements the gritty nature of melodeath while also offering some cool guitar and keys moments.
All-in-all, “Soulbound” is a very well-rounded, balanced, and epic album with a wonderful flow to the melodies and plenty of intense guitar parts. However, it gives me a nostalgic vibe as this type of pedal-to-the-metal power metal, complete with a bombastic soundscape, cinematic aura, and intense instrumentals, feels both timeless and something from a bygone era. It’s not an easy feat to create such an album, yet GLADENFOLD make it seem effortless and smooth. The Finns are entering this new chapter of their career with gusto and determination and have made their statement of intent with “Soulbound.”
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
- Fire Wind
- Wardens of Time
- For My Queen
- Helix of Hate
- Mercy
- Ghostlike
- Chaos Waltz
- Anthem of The Broken
- Soulbound Parallax
Lineup
- Esko Itälä – Vocals
- Matias Knuuttila – Guitars
- Toke Gerdts – Guitars
- Ville Vesa – Bass
- Lauri Itälä – Drums
- Paavali Pouttu – Keyboards
Label
Reaper Entertainment
