Immortal Guardian - 2023 - Unite and Conquer [mini-review]

(48:21; M-Theory Audio)



















US band Immortal Guardian are out with the album "Unite and Conquer", and progressive metal is the style explored on this production. Or to be more precise, this is a band that have mastered the art of combining progressive metal and power metal in just about an equal measure. Energetic surges into power metal landscapes is a recurring element throughout here, explored in longer sections as well as used as energetic impact moments. The progressive metal aesthetics are most commonly used by way of quirky and challenging instrument movements of a challenging and virtuous nature, but the band also makes good use of the more atmospheric laden aspects of the progressive metal tradition alongside occasional dips into more majestic builds and a little bit of theatrical flair. If done right this is a combination that works really well, and that is very much the case for this latest studio album by Immortal Guardian. Energy and virtuosity flavored with atmospheric laden tendencies is what we get here, and if you tend to enjoy bands that mix power metal and progressive metal in a controlled and tasteful manner then you should be the perfect audience for this production.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, November 2023

Links:
https://www.immortalguardian.net/
https://www.m-theoryaudio.com/

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