Is there a more diverse metal scene than the Swedish one? It seems every metal genre finds fertile ground to flourish and bloom there, from the extremes of melodeath and black metal to the high energy of power metal, or the richness of progressive metal and everything else in between, including melodic/modern metal. This is where bands like AMARANTHE and METALITE come into play, as they constantly push the boundaries of what metal music is supposed to sound like. On January 19th, 2024, METALITE released their fourth album, “Expedition One,” via AFM Records.
By deftly combining punchy guitars with electronic elements and Erica Ohlsson’s potent vocals, the Swedish unit has developed an energetic and dynamic soundscape where infectious melodies and heaviness reign supreme. This modus operandi has served the band well over the years, and judging by how smooth and catchy this batch of songs is, I’m sure it will continue to serve them well in the years to come. This brings us to the behemoth of an album that is “Expedition One,” which has a total of sixteen tracks (including the two bonus tracks) and a runtime of 68 minutes. That is a lot of music to digest, though the upside is that this is a quality serving of modern (power) metal and a sci-fi concept album to boot.
With a futuristic theme and refined pop sensibilities that elevate the tracks, the album is brimming to the edge with anthemic moments, textured soundscapes, layered vocals, and enough meaty riffs and pacey drums to keep it grounded. Among the highlights are the fast-paced power metal banger “Aurora,” mid-tempo stomper “New Generation,” and melodic cut “Blazing Skies,” all of which happen to have been selected as singles to promote this album. The subtle use of sparkling keys and synth in tracks such as “Cyberdome,” “Disciples of the Stars,” “Free,” and “Sanctum of Light” gives them a nice symphonic metal edge, though still not enough to overpower the slick and modern feel that permeates the album’s production. That being said, the synths play a crucial role in the sound design of this record, being there not just for melody or lush textures but to actually enhance the sci-fi aspect of the album.
Elsewhere, the title track opens up the album with ominous guitar riffs, intense drumming, and electronic elements that only augment its futuristic atmosphere. An interesting moment on the album is “CtrlAltDel” as it merges a pop vibe with an electro-infused melody, a catchy chorus, and some heavy drums in the background. “Outer Worlds” seems like a more direct piece, with well-placed grooves and riffs that carry it along to the simple yet effective chorus, while “In My Dreams” is the ballad of the album, boasting a slower tempo and passionate vocals that float on top of delicate percussions and some crunchy guitars. It’s the build-up to the final chorus section that makes this number stand out.
The final stretch of the album feels a bit tedious because of the sheer volume of music, but it does not really disappoint either. As such, “Legendary” is an upbeat, synth-laden number with a strong power metal vibe and a killer guitar solo that wonderfully juxtaposes “Paradise,” a groovy and dance-friendly track that sounds like a hard-style remix of a pop song. Do not take this as criticism of METALITE’s music but rather as a great example of their versatility and creativity. The last surprise of the album is “Utopia,” a guitar-driven instrumental track that again spotlights the band’s penchant for strong melodies.
All in all, “Expedition One” is a nuanced and varied offering with a strong melodic backbone to the music that shines not just in the catchy choruses that abound on this record but also in the instrumental interplay between the guitars and drums, or in how the vocals come across. However, it is the way they calibrate the heaviness (especially when it comes to the guitars) and the free-flowing melodies that is the ultimate selling point of their music and the reason for this album’s playability (despite its length). It’s a fun and engaging listen, and I’m sure fans of AMARANTHE, TEMPERANCE, or DELAIN will find plenty to enjoy on this record.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
01. Expedition One
02. Aurora
03. CtrlAltDel
04. Cyberdome
05. Blazing Skies
06. Outer Worlds
07. New Generation
08. In My Dreams
09. Disciples Of The Stars
10. Free
11. Legendary
12. Paradise
13. Sanctum Of Light
14. Utopia
15. Take My Hand (bonus track)
16. Hurricane (bonus track)
Lineup
- Erica Ohlsson – Vocals
- Edwin Premberg – Guitars
- Robert Örnesved – Guitars
- Robert Majd – Bass
- Lea Larsson – Drums
Label
AFM Records
Links
Website | Facebook | Instagram | X / Twitter | Spotify | Bandcamp
