Finnish rockers return with their 4th studio offering “Up from the ashes” very much
moulded in a in a 80s attitude with a traditional approach to heavy rock with more
than a dusting of power metal.
Before you even get to listen to the 10 tracks you have to peel your eyes away from
the jaw dropping album cover depicting a skull in a top hat with glowing red eyes
with rays of light shooting off from the main character, certainly a contender for
another tattoo I think.
“Up from the ashes” is album opener with solid vocals reminiscent of Blaze Bayley
any fans of the Iron Maiden will be more than impressed with this title track
launching out the traps like the 3.40 at Crayford.
“Through the fire and ice” with pounding bass pushed up high in the mix and a
sublime dual guitar solo with a solid driving rhythm, what clicks about this song in
particular is the chorus just sucking you in until a seed is planted in your brain.
Personal highlight is the wonderfully crafted “Sins of my father” 7 minutes of metal
heaven opening with a haunting guitar plucking with eerie distortion flowing into
harmonised guitars, the instrumental break is so extended with the layout of this track
and the deliver this could easily be “Soulhealers” Phantom of the opera or Keeper of
the 7 keys.
First single “The final judgement” with its opening crushing riff and double kick bass drums is a great introduction to the album for listeners who are curios as to what the
bands all about, again chock full of guitars and a hook in the chorus it just weaves a
spell on the listener.
If you like galloping riffs and songs that can snap you neck in 4 minutes then look no
further than “ Am I in hell” this alone should press all the right buttons charging along
with nothing fancy going on in the background its just so upfront and hits you right
between the eyes this again is another highlight from a fine collection of material.
“Land of the free” rounds things off with somewhat of a epic feel with mid to fast
tempo arrangements a chanting chorus with war drums resulting in a slow fade out
which honestly left me wanting more.
“Up from the ashes” surely has earnt the group a promotion to the next league.
Reviewing an album of this quality is a complete pleasure any success “Soulhealer”
receive is richly deserved
Review by Steve Bruty
