Swedish traditional heavy metal outfit Flight returns with their thunderous new album, “Echoes of Journeys Past,” a record that lovingly echoes the sounds of the genre’s formative years. Released in July 2023, the album is a potent blend of nostalgia and fresh energy, offering a satisfying experience for fans of classic metal and newcomers alike.
A Trip Down Memory Lane:
From the opening riff of the title track, “Echoes of Journeys Past” throws you headfirst into a time machine. Influences like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Scorpions are readily apparent, with soaring guitar solos, powerful vocals delivered by Christoffer Bråthen, and galloping rhythms that wouldn’t be out of place on a vintage record. Tracks like “Hypatia” and “Valley of the Moon” revel in this classic sound, offering fist-pumping anthems that harken back to a simpler time in metal.
Beyond Nostalgia:
While firmly rooted in the past, Flight avoids being a mere copycat. The production is crisp and modern, allowing the tight musicianship of the trio – Bråthen (vocals, guitar, synth), Jonas Bye (bass), and Herman Holen (drums) – to shine through. Catchy hooks and memorable choruses abound, with tracks like “Path to Nowhere (Elysian Fields)” showcasing their knack for crafting timeless songwriting. The album doesn’t shy away from experimentation either. “Moondance” provides a brief instrumental interlude with a psychedelic tinge, leading into the epic closer, “Mystic Mountain.” This sprawling ten-minute track takes the listener on a journey through various musical landscapes, showcasing Flight’s ability to expand their sonic palette without abandoning their core sound.
A Must-Listen for Traditional Metal Fans:
“Echoes of Journeys Past” is a triumph for Flight. It’s a record that will surely resonate with fans of traditional heavy metal, offering a potent dose of nostalgia delivered with a modern edge. The album’s strength lies in its ability to capture the essence of the genre while injecting fresh energy and enthusiasm. With its strong songwriting, tight musicianship, and infectious energy, “Echoes of Journeys Past” is a must-listen for traditional metal enthusiasts and a promising sign of things to come from Flight.
Highlights:
- Soaring guitar solos and powerful vocals that harken back to classic heavy metal
- Catchy hooks and memorable choruses that make the songs stick in your head
- Strong songwriting that avoids simple nostalgia and injects fresh energy into the classic sound
- “Mystic Mountain” – a sprawling epic that showcases Flight’s ability to experiment within the traditional metal framework
Minor Gripes:
- Some listeners might find the overall sound derivative of the genre’s established giants
- The album might lack the innovation that some seek in modern metal
Overall:
“Echoes of Journeys Past” is a strong album that delivers exactly what it promises – a potent and enjoyable dose of classic heavy metal. With its infectious energy, tight musicianship, and timeless songwriting, Flight has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the traditional metal scene.
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