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Tracklist
1. Temptation Wasteland
2. A Moment In The Spotlight
3. Reality Bends
4. Dire Waters
5. Stage Of Lies
6. Heart And Home
7. Megalomania
8. My Legacy
9. Obsession To Prosper
10. Luopio (European bonustrack)
11. Lady Moon(demo) (Japanese bonustrack)
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"Primal Exhale" steps forward as a breathtaking release from Finnish melodic metallers Excalion. The fact that this is a debut album may surprise some, as Excalion sound like a mature and seasoned band. Similarities and comparisions to other Finnish bands in the genre such as Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius will inevitably arise, but instead of directly following in the footsteps of their fellow countrymen, Excalion have set forth upon a path that is very distinctly their own.
On "Primal Exhale" the guitars are the driving force of the music. With that being said, Excalion aren't as heavy as most of the German and other European power metal bands, where heavy guitars usually dominate the music. Finnish bands more often than not use the keyboard to anchor their songs, resulting in a slightly softer sound. Excalion are able to retain this softness, just not in the typical fashion, and still retain an invariably "Finnish" sound. That's not to say they keys don't play a prominent role, but Jarmo Myllyvirta focuses mostly on providing additional atmosphere and energy to the songs, not leading them.
Highlights of "Primal Exhale" include "A Moment in the Spotlight," which starts out with a sharp cry from vocalist Jarmo Paakkonen. The listener will also be graced with several dazzling solos, from both the keyboard and the guitars, courtesey of axe men Kimmo Hanninen and Tero Vaaja. In addition, Jarmo's voice is overdubbed during the chorus, giving the song an almost epic quality. "Heart & Home" is the ballad of the album, and it's a damn good one. These days it's rare to find a power metal ballad containing both stirring lyrics and uplifting instrumentals - fortunately "Heart & Home" has more than enough of both.
With only one album under their belts Excalion have already proven to the world that they're a legitimate band. In years to come the name Jarmo Paakkonen will be up there with Tony Kakko's and Myllyvirta's with Jens Johansson's. "Primal Exhale" is an excellent start to a fledgling career that melodic metal fans should keep an eye out for.
Review by: Andrew Sudano
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