Astral Doors
Of The Son And The Father

Fortunately, there are still those who know how to play heavy metal without too many frills, unconcerned with the music market and success as the sole goal. There are still musical expressions capable of evoking, in a naturally more modern key, the expression of NWOBHM. The Swedish band Astral Doors is one of these, born in 2002 in Borlänge, and debuting in 2003 with "Of the Son and the Father". The peculiarity of the Swedish group is the remarkable voice of Nils Patrik Johansson, often compared to that of a supreme metal monster like Ronnie James Dio. Finally, someone who doesn't skin your balls with formidable high notes and stuff like that, but brings passion and is remembered for a different voice, wonderfully embedded in the music produced by the other five members. At the time of this first album, besides Patrik Johansson on vocals, we find the duo Joachim Nordlund and Martin Haglund on guitars. The bass was under the control of Mika Itäranta, with Joakim Roberg on keyboards and Johan Lindstedt directing everything from behind his drum kit.

Of the Son and the Father is an album without particular musical pretensions, absolutely devoid of innovation and various experiments. Inside, we do not find the complex sound architectures of progressive metal, but the direct simplicity typical of '80s heavy metal. A kind of modern revival (we're in 2003) of the genre that in the eighties raged far and wide under the push of bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. And it is precisely with the latter that the musical discourse of Astral Doors reconnects, particularly with the very first Maiden (those of Killers, to be clear). A bit all of these characteristics are found strongly in the opener "Cloudbreaker", with a simple and direct riff on which engaging vocal lines are triggered, leading us to an excellent chorus and showcasing all the singer's vocal talents. This will be somewhat the guideline of the album; aware of the not extraordinary technical skills (everything will improve in the future), Astral Doors focused on simplicity, stripping down the concept of heavy metal: aggressive riffs, well-placed solos executed with diligence, then the singer takes care of the rest. Of the Son and the Father contains eleven tracks of pure metal, and it would be pointless to analyze them all in their entirety: it's enough to mention songs like "Ocean of Sand", "The Trojan Horse", "Burn Down the Wheel", "Night of the Witch", "Slay the Dragon". All excellent examples of who and what Astral Doors are.

As already mentioned, we are not dealing with anything exceptional in terms of originality nor innovation, but they are worth listening to for their absolute attitude in an increasingly difficult period for this genre of music. The Swedish band knows how to approach heavy metal and also knows what the "first hour" fans want. They deserve to be taken into consideration. A listen is a must.

1. "Cloudbreaker" (3:30)
2. "Of The Son And The Father" (4:55)
3. "Hungry People" (3:40)
4. "Slay The Dragon" (3:38)
5. "Ocean Of Sand" (3:53)
6. "In Prison For Life" (4:12)
7. "The Trojan Horse" (4:36)
8. "Burn Down The Wheel" (3:32)
9. "Night Of The Witch" (3:44)
10. "Rainbow In Your Mind" (3:50)
11. "Man On The Rock" (3:02)