Step forward in the right direction – review of “The Light That Burns The Sky” by Arion

While I have been expanding my range of subgenres lately, I stick to the one that got me into this beautifully complex world of heavy metal—the symphonic one! Mix it with anything else, and I’m on board. This is why I am so happy to be reviewing Arion‘s upcoming album, “The Light That Burns The Sky.” The album is coming four years after their third release in 2021.

Arion‘s symphonic metal is solid and has quite a few modern influences; this doesn’t subtract from the listening experience, instead, I think it’s enhancing, looking at the future of metal but without forgetting its origin. The duet with Melissa Bonny of Ad Infinitum in “Wings of Twilight” highlights the vocals of Lassi Vääränen in contrast yet complementing Bonny, resulting in a marvellous track.

The production, mixing and mastering are done very well; I have to note that the bass is slightly hidden in the mix, but that’s just me being a perfectionist here. Overall the album has some homogeneous melodies, but tracks like “Wildfire” reveal why Arion is going to go places. I am confident that on the band’s upcoming shows, everyone will be singing “From An Empire To A Fall“, the title track and “In The Heart Of The Sea” so loud. They will absolutely get stuck in your head!

But it’s in the final suite “Into The Hands Of Fate” that the whole talent of the band will burn the sky with an even brighter light (pun intended, obviously). Topias Kupiainen hammers like his life depends on it, Iivo Kaipainen shreds and captivates at the same time, and the embellishments of Arttu Vauhkonen give the track a more majestic appeal. Should you have any more doubts that this Finnish ensemble has what it takes, they’ll disappear after this song!

In conclusion, “The Light That Burns the Sky” is evidence of Arion‘s ongoing development within the metal scene. This record provides both new and seasoned metal listeners with an engaging exploration of the possibilities of contemporary metal through its dynamic songwriting and well-executed production. It’s going to be still a wait until February 28th, but every day is going to be worth it when you have the chance to play this album.

Tracklist:

1. The Darkest Day
2. The Light That Burns The Sky
3. Like The Phoenix I Will Rise
4. Wings Of Twilight (feat. Melissa Bonny)
5. Burning In The Skies
6. From An Empire To A Fall
7. Wildfire
8. Blasphemous Paradise
9. Black Swan
10. In The Heart Of The Sea
11. Into The Hands Of Fate