Score: 9/10

Angel Nation? Exactly, this is the name of the band of Elina Siirala for some time. Founded in 2011, still under the name EnkElination. Sounds bulky. Enkeli is the Finnish word for Angel. In addition, the singer’s first name hides, a word play. But for the fans, especially in the English-speaking world that was probably too unfamiliar. Therefore the name change. The meaning of the word has, however, remained. In 2014 the debut album „Tears Of Lust“ was released. In the same year the musicians started a crowdfunding campaign for the production of the music video for the song „Last Time Together„. As a very special Perk for the fans, there was a live DVD, recorded in the Underworld in London. After the single „Do It Anyway“ released last year, the long awaited second album under the name „Aeon“ will be published.

The intro to „Burn The Witch“ is short before guitars and drums pop out of the speakers and the bass subwoofer roars. Elina sings powerful and clean in the high tone range – melodic power metal with soprano singing. So I know the band now for years. For this song Angel Nation have also produced a video. „Burn The Witch“ moves in mid-tempo, as well as the next song. Beautiful melodies can be heard in „Breathe Again“ topped by a filigree guitar solo. Another face-off tip is „Farewell“, with sing-along chorus and occasional double bass attacks.

In contrast, „Free“ is already almost a melodic speed metal hit. The growls of guest singer Jukka Pelkonen (Omnium Gatherum) fit in. And „Enough Is Enough“ will be awesome live. Catchy melodies driving rhythm and a singer in top form. In totally unmetal „Music Plays“ Elina Siirala is accompanied by her mother Merit Palas at the violin while she plays the piano. A wonderful ballad. The final song of the album, the epic „Destination“, is one of the highlights for me. In the first quietly starting song, the musicians once again show the full range of their musical talent – crystal-clear soprano vocals, driving drums, filigree, melodic guitar solos and a powerful bass.

With „Aeon“, Angel Nation has achieved a convincing second album. This is melodic Power Metal at its best. In the compositions and arrangements of the band leader and singer Elina Siirala a perfect symbiosis of operatic vocals and heavy metal instrumentation is succeeded. Compared to the debut album you can see that the songs are more varied and complex. This makes them even more melodic. In December, the Quartet comes to some concerts to Germany, but unfortunately only to the south. But those who live near Mannheim should not miss it!

Angel Nation – Burn The Witch (Official Music Video): https://youtu.be/XaVYbtofbr0

Line-up:

Elina Siirala – Vocals, Keyboards
Julia B. Cadau – Bass
Lucas Williamson – Drums
Sonny Antoniou – Guitar

Label: Inner Wound Recordings

Out: October 27th 2017

Duration: 45:08

Track list:

• Burn The Witch
• Blood Is On Your Hands
• Breathe Again
• Wonder Who You Are
• Farewell
• Free
• Enough Is Enough
• Music Plays
• Fireflies
• Destination