Following in the footsteps of such legendary bands as SONATA ARCTICA and STRATOVARIUS, symphonic power-metal upstarts INDUCTION have strived over the course of two full-lengths (and some line-up changes) to honor such legacy while forging their own identity in the process. Last Friday, August 4th, 2023, the band released via Atomic Fire Records the digital EP “The Power of Power” which contains both recent singles, as well as select tracks from their previous studio albums, in order to promote their tour with the aforementioned bands which – in true power metal fashion – is titled Nordic Power Metal Titans 2023.
Offering 30 minutes of soaring vocals, hefty guitar lines, pounding drums, melodic hooks, and some epic backing orchestrations, “The Power of Power” is about as cheesy as they come in this genre (just look at the artwork), regardless of the symphonic aspect of the music. But then again, this is what the band aimed for, so in this respect, this is a mission well accomplished. Taken from their 2019 eponymous debut album, both “At the Bottom” and “Pay the Price” offer a snapshot of how the band sounded at that point in time, and, thus, we can see the progress they have made over the years. As such, at 6 minutes of runtime “At the Bottom” is an ambitious and upbeat piece of music that merges fast-paced drumming, intricate guitar work, and the trademark high vocals of then vocalist Nick Holleman with orchestrations and a very melodic chorus that hooks you from the get-go. On the other hand, “Pay the Price” features a healthy layer of synth alongside the usual elements of their sound, and is as cheesy as it is energetic and fun, while the guitar solo tops everything off with style.
Released on their 2022 sophomore album, titled “Born from Fire,” the tracks “Queen of Light” and “Order & Chaos” feel more mature, tighter, and overall just better despite their straightforward nature. Whether this has to do with the total revamping of the band around guitarist Tim Hansen is a source of speculation. However, the leap in quality is undeniable. Consequently, “Queen of Light” is such a brilliant track that showcases the high level at which INDUCTION craft their songs – it has symphonic and power-metal elements perfectly balanced while Craig Cairns’s versatile vocals really draw the listeners into the story. This is power metal done right – this track hooks instantly, not only with the uber-melodic chorus and verses, but also with those sweet riffs, delicious bassline, pulsating keys, and delicate percussions. The darker, more ominous, and distinctly heavier, power-metal anthem, “Order & Chaos,” is a more grounded song with a slow beat but is still catchy and memorable, not only when it comes to the vocals, but also the synth and guitar melodies work in its favor. Also, Craig Cairns has the vocal chops to pull this style better than his predecessor (at least to my ears).
Rounding up the EP are two songs released this year – “A Call Beyond” and the recent single, “Set You Free.” Just like “Queen of Light,” “A Call Beyond” is more in the realm of melodic metal than it is of pure power metal but I am not complaining about either of them as both tracks are top-notch. From the delicate piano opening to the intense build-up and majestic chorus section, complete with some choirs, all the way to the intense guitar solo “A Call Beyond” is a symphonic power-metal epic that highlights the band’s individual talents. Fun and punchy “Set You Free” is a metal anthem that follows the tried-and-tested formula of speedy guitar lines, soaring vocals, and an earworm chorus that gives off infectious energy and good vibes, all the things power metal is notoriously known (and loved) for. Just in between these two songs INDUCTION prove that they can write both more complex and layered tracks as well as straight-up bangers and deliver them with the same passion and enthusiasm.
For those new to INDUCTION, this is a good place to start as “The Power of Power” showcases where they started from and how they evolved in time. The EP also offers glimpses of what they could end up achieving as the potential and musical skill are definitely there. Sure, it’s fun, cheesy, and energetic but it’s also infested with well-crafted and well-executed melodies. These are not just attributes of the genre but also apply to the band itself as INDUCTION is a young and eager band that really enjoys what they are doing which, at the end of the day, is more important than anything else.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
01. Set You Free
02. A Call Beyond
03. Queen Of Light
04. At The Bottom
05. Order & Chaos
06. Pay The Price
Lineup
- Tim Hansen – Guitars
- Dominik Gusch – Bass
- Dominik Zester – Drums
- Marcos Rodriguez – Guitars
- Craig Cairns – Vocals
Label
Atomic Fire Records
