Stargate: Beyond Space And Time

Stargate is a symphonic power metal band hailing from Italy. They released an EP way back in 2003 so it took a while for their debut to see the light of day. Their first full length release Beyond Space And Time is a very good album with top notch musicianship and a professional sounding production. The packaging and artwork is also very good so overall a high quality effort.

The band includes Flavio Caricasole (vocals, keyboards), Fabio Varalta (guitars), Cristian Confente (live keyboards), Federico Sidero (bass) and Isacco Dalle Pezze (drums). The songs are mostly mid to fast paced with plenty of patented power metal riffs and atmospheric keys. There is an orchestral element that gives these songs a symphonic flavour including lots of keyboard embellishments creating different contrasts and moods. The band injects slower moments as well making this more than a one dimensional speed fest. The vocals of Caricasole are also pretty strong as he is able to hit those high notes when called upon with nary a hint of an accent.

The most ambitious songs are the mini epics "The Power Within" and "Ground Zero". In the latter the band really shows their chops with well-placed keys, Spanish style acoustic guitar, staccato rhythms and symphonic build ups before ending soothingly with delicate acoustic guitar. In "Ground Zero" the lyrics pack an emotional punch, reliving that fateful day already eleven years past.

While Stargate is not making the most original music I have heard, Space And Time is a very solid power metal offering that should please fans of the genre.

Track Listing:
1. The Wonders Of Nature (2:14)
2. Save The World (5:26)
3. Sands Of Time (6:42)
4. Nothing's Forever (7:41)
5. Nightspell (3:48)
6. The Power Within (8:06)
7. The Dark Rift (0:51)
8. Age Of Aquarius (6:25)
9. Ground Zero (8:10)
10. Hysteria (7:25)
11. Wounded Souls (2:44)

Added: September 24th 2012
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2315
Language: english

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