Review Summary: Sci-fi power metal with some surprises.
This symphonic power metal album features the original singers from Amaranthe before they released an album. It also features the original screamer from Dead By April, and the guitarist from Nightrage in a solo. I’m surprised they didn’t get their mom to sing too. The guest vocals might seem a bit random, especially the harsh vocalist, but they all fit seamlessly into the big picture. Jimmie gives better screams than he ever did in Dead By April, giving the performance of his life. It also goes without saying that Elize Ryd’s singing is a highlight.
In terms of musical style, Dragonland are a mix of Visions of Atlantis and Dragonforce. The focus on the album seems to be heaviness, even the guitarist said its, “packed with crunching guitars; both furiously fast and bone-grindingly heavy”. He isn’t wrong. The album straps you in for a rollercoaster of heavy riffs (try Supernova) and intricate guitar work (Contact is nuts). The drummer brings the pummelling assault too, and of course, what’s power metal without a keyboard solo? It’s all par for the course in this type of music, but that doesn’t make it less impressive. Holding the album together, the lead vocalist provides soaring notes that barely miss. It’s the obnoxiously cheesy style you would expect, but still some fantastic singing. The vocals are easily the best part of the album.
Aside from guest performances, there isn’t much that separates this from other power metal acts. There’s certainly an escalated level of cheese, including lyrics about aliens and Beethoven. There’s also a track that’s intentionally styled after Top Gun and Beverly Hills Cop (a lovely ode to classic rock, and a standout moment in the album). There’s just enough cool stuff in the album to keep you coming back. Astronomy may not be particularly remembered in the history of power metal albums, but it’s not to be forgotten.
