There are certain bands that you know within seconds of
hearing them that they will be special. When it comes to power metal bands, I’ve
had very few of those experiences; most of my favourite power metal bands are
growers. Lost Horizon and Dragonforce are the only two main exceptions, which
is why it is no surprise that Pathfinder has become the third such band. Take 2
parts Dragonforce, 2 parts Rhapsody, and 1 part Lost Horizon and you have
created Pathfinder. This band successfully takes the best elements of all three
and combines them into a terrifyingly good power metal band.
The main reason this band is brilliant is because they have
no boundaries. Nearly everything to have ever occurred in power metal is on
this release: excessive symphonics, over-the-top clean vocals, harsh vocals,
female vocals, a ballad, ridiculous high-speed guitar solos, a profound love of
metal in their lyrics, and more. As you might imagine, it is the speed and shred of Dragonforce, the hugeness of Rhapsody, and the sheer grandiose force of metal from Lost Horizon that the band combines successfully. The choruses reach levels of catchiness previously
not discovered by metal bands, and they are truly a celebration of epic
bombasticness. This is best highlighted on the first two full tracks “Fifth
Element”, and “Ready To Die Between Stars”, where vocalist Szymon Kostro
delivers a truly cinematic performance. His voice apparently has no limits as
it shows both the classic soaring power metal ability, alongside some more
dramatic, vicious sounding vocals. Much like Lost Horizon, the music is
amazing, but it is the vocals that put this band in the next level of quality.
Sometimes when music becomes this intense there is a
tendency for bands to go off-tangent, but that is rarely an issue for
Pathfinder. The lone ballad is a duet between Kostro and a female singer that
provides a stark contrast to the rest of the album. Though somewhat unwelcome at first, when the guitar solo kicks
in Pathfinder delivers exactly what one would hope for with it:
metal. Likewise, whenever there is a slightly weaker song on the record, it is
followed immediately by one of the most impressive tracks. Overall, the quality
of this record cannot be understated. Much like the tragic figure of Lost
Horizon, Pathfinder’s vocalist left after this album, and while they appear to
be continuing on, it will be more than difficult to replace this singer. Nevertheless,
“Fifth Element” is something you need to hear.
Highlights
"Fifth Element"
"Ready To Die Between Stars"
"Elemental Power"
"When The Sunrise Breaks The Darkness"
Final Rating
4.6/5 or 92%.