This is the fourth album from Noveria, a progressive power metal band from Italy.
Containing 108 minutes of material, The Gates of the Underworld is a feast of music for fans of luscious and rich progressive power metal. As a rough guide, think of a mix of bands such as Threshold, Evergrey, and Pagan’s Mind.
Noveria play a hybrid form of progressive and power metal. The band’s songs are drenched in thick keyboards and replete with deep melody. The riffs are bountiful, and the band have a skilled singer with a good voice. The songwriting is strong, and focused on providing an immersive experience that balances atmosphere and hooks. There are frequent displays of technical wizardry, including rampant soloing from both guitars and keyboards. Noveria clearly know how to play, and are not afraid to showcase this, and nor should they be.
The combination to the impressive guitars, dazzling keyboards, and capable vocals drive the songs forward to ever greater heights, while the drums and bass lay down a sturdy foundation; without them, everything else would fall apart, but with them the rest of the band get their chance to build shining structures of progressive grandeur.
Well-crafted and delivered, this record is an impressive one. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I do. When it’s played well though, I’m a sucker for this sort of display of progressive power metal virtuosity. If this sort of style appeals to you, then don’t miss out on this.
The Gates of the Underworld is an album to explore over time. There’s a lot packed into its considerable running time, and rewards those willing to get to know its manifold charms.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 