Thalia: The River Of Books

Hailing from France, Thalia has been a working band since 1985 but with substantial time off in between disbanding and reforming at least a couple times. Aside from a few demos and an EP their debut album Forest Of Minds was released in 2020 and is followed by their sophomore effort The River Of Books, released in 2024.

The band plays melodic progressive metal and rock with the emphasis on catchy melodies and strong all around playing, including the stellar vocals of Fabrice Cassaro. His melodic voice soars through the entire disc, belting out catchy chorus after catchy chorus. The River Of Books is my introduction to the band.

The disc opens with the title track beginning with a brief and gentle guitar interlude leading straight into crunchy metallic riffs and soaring vocals, developing into a powerful midtempo rocker. The syncopated guitar and solid bottom end further enhance the band’s full sound. “Vision Empire� is a little mellower than the first track but no less catchy with another earworm chorus. Arpeggiated guitar and floaty keyboards begin the progressive “AtmoSign� where the band’s songwriting is on full display with smooth transitions and excellent rhythmic work. “Body & Soul� is full bore progressive metal and better yet the riffs and vocals lose none of their catchiness while “Traces� is another winner featuring tasty keyboards and a solid groove. With the catchy hard rock of “The Fear� the band injects moody atmospheres making the riffs that much more intense.

The River Of Books is an impressive second album and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in melodic metal and heavy rock.

Band members:
Thierry Bizet (electric and acoustic guitars, ebow, bouzouki, backing vocals)
Fabrice “Emmanuel� Cassaro (vocals)
Christophe Denk (drums, backing vocals)
Stéphane Béraud (bass)

Track Listing:
1. The River Of Books (4:15)
2. Vision Empire (3:59)
3. AtmoSign (5:08)
4. Body & Soul (4:00)
5. The Same, Always (1:24)
6. Traces (3:47)
7. The Fear (5:17)
8. Flesh Paradox (5:51)
9. Close To Me (4:39)
10. Cries Of Earth (4:52)
11. Sacred And Scared (5:27)
12. Exaltation (3:05)

Added: November 5th 2026
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist @ Facebook
Hits: 20
Language: english

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