Italy's Frontiers Records built its reputation on quality melodic hard rock from both new and veteran artists. In recent years, the label has veered more toward progressive/symphonic metal and "project" albums, which have broadened Frontiers' musical scope. But seldom have the label's releases combined all three elements in one release, as Platens does.
Between Two Horizons, a crisp and clean sonic blast of borderline symphonic metal and AOR, marks the debut of this Italian outfit, which is really just Dario Grillo -- a guy who used to front metal band Thy Majestie and who has taken voice lessons from Elizabeth Sabine, whose previous clients include Axl Rose, Dave Mustaine and Ron Keel. Grillo handles all vocals, choirs, guitars, keyboards and bass here, but he did hire a drummer to avoid that cheap programming sound. Bombastic hooks, majestic keys and an obvious sense of purpose drive most of the 11 songs on Between Two Horizons. Sure, some of it is cheesy, but some of it is downright splendid. Gregorian chanting and church bells tolling open "Angel's Cry," which takes a cue from its title and sounds a lot like Angra, "The Last Kiss" is an epic ballad, and if "Check It Out" were a bit more metal, it would be an Edguy song. That said, there are a couple of other ballads that may sound too sweet for some listeners, and Grillo falls into the cliché trap every so often. But Between Two Horizons is still a solid listen and offers a feel-good symphonic-rock experience.
Track Listing:
1) Here I Am
2) Can Feel It
3) Your Heart Will Claim His Truth
4) Into the Fire
5) My Reason
6) Check It Out
7) Angel's Cry
8) The Last Kiss
9) Chasm of Madness
10) Waves of Sea
11) Between Two Horizons
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