Insatia
Phoenix Aflame

US/Canadian band Insatia return with their second album, an album with superb aesthetics, great vocals and that sort of things – at least if we are to believe the sales pitch that accompanies the album. As usual we are dealing with an exceptionally gifted band that has shared stages with several well-known bands and so on, but what about the real impressions? What do I as the reviewer think? and how do they compare with their competition?

Symphonic melodic power metal with female vocals is what they are offering, and that is spiced up with some folkish elements and excellent production. And they make it short and to the point with a playing time of under 40 minutes, it is always great with bands who realise that less is often more. And I think most people will agree with me that this is a very strong production. But you could argue that it isn’t exactly the most ground breaking release ever released and that would be a very valid argument and as a critic this is of course a thing to take into consideration when rating the album. Though this is usually not that much of a problem for the fans so it is sometimes a double edged sword like in this case.

It may not be very astute from the creative point of view but in this case the originality aspect is a bit less important as the album is very strong with good songs. Ten good songs, great melodies and impressive vocals, I like this album and fans of symphonic power metal will most certainly think the same, and if you are one of those there is no excuse for not looking closer at this album. I like it and I would say that it is an album without any other weakness than the lack of originality; they should really have dared to move a little bit outside the safe and well-travelled paths. But when the music is this good it matters less if a band are original or not.

I like all the songs on this album but I think the most memorable tracks on this album is the third track Memory of a Sapphire and the ninth track, the calmer one called Velvet Road. This Phoenix really comes aflame in this great album that should appeal to anyone into great music. So in the end I think that Insatia has some great music to offer, and if I were you I would check it out.

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