Review Summary: Formed in 2006, the Polish entourage releases a debut in 2010 that comes close to the edge of being a ground breaking release within the Symphonic Power Metal community.
Essentially, the summary summed up what you can expect of
Beyond the Space, Beyond the Time. Even without listening to a single song, and judge Pathfinder based on their appearances alone, then you know there’s an extreme cheese factor being brought before you. However, that shouldn’t be an off-putting factor, considering once you jump into the album only a few things should be jumping through your mind. First and foremost, Pathfinder’s influence can be mainly complimented by Rhapsody (of Fire). Some may think that they’re a complete rip off when actually listening to the first song, “The Whisper of Ancient Rocks”. But I have to interject, and say that they’re far from Rhapsody’s sound when you dig a bit deeper. Secondly, if you can get past the first few songs, you’ll realize that Pathfinder’s sound is actually a mix of different power metal bands, respectively being Lost Horizon and Rhapsody (of Fire). In addition, Pathfinder may include those two band’s styles, but they somehow or other incorporate their own twists to their music.
Those twists can be seen in different areas with probably some of the most bizarre characteristics I’ve heard in a long time. One of them is the haunting orchestrated instrumental “Vita Reducta Through the Portal”. Other aspects include the use of harsh vocals from their ever-so talented vocalist, Szymon Kostro, whom uses different octave ranges, tone, and tempos which makes Pathfinder’s overall sound even more outgoing. The first song that comes to mind with such vocal variety is “The Demon Awakens”, which seems to be a “beauty-and-the beast” style of vocal arrangements that has a concept of inner struggle. Another interesting song entitled, “All the Mornings of the World”, has stellar drumming patterns, complimented by a melodic piano and guitar that gives a nostalgic feeling of Castlevania soundtracks – which also carries that idea of twists and turns in their music that runs in the same vein as Rhapsody (of Fire).
Nevertheless, Pathfinder may be heavily influenced by Rhapsody of Fire with vocal similarities to Lost Horizon. They do somehow manage to be original with their tone, atmosphere, concept, and even that cliché of calling something
refreshing, at least for power metal fans. Overall, the album has many promising features from virtually everyone in the band, and yes, that includes an audible bass, and mindless shredding from the keyboardist and guitar players.
Beyond the Space, Beyond the Time may not be a spectacular debut in the sense of
Bazinga!, but it does show promise for future releases and shows that Pathfinder will be a force to be reckoned with later on in the future.
