You better batten down the hatches. A storm is brewing on the horizon, and it’s gaining in size and intensity. The debut album of Italian power metal unit Elettra Storm is forecast to arrive on the 16th February 2024 and it bears the suitably self-aware title of “Powerlords“. Led by industry power metal veteran and SinHeresy co-founder Davide Sportiello, alongside the charismatically sensational frontwoman Crystal Emiliani (Re-X), it is obvious there is no shortage of talent or experience in this new musical ensemble. Their initial venture is further supported by the skilful mixing and mastering of mastermind producer Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio (Wind Rose, Elvenking, Twilight Force), plus cover artwork handled by Beatrice Demori/Oround Media (Moonlight Haze). With star-studded credits like these, you would be right in thinking this project is on a path bound for victory.
Elettra Storm hits the ground running with relentless enthusiasm on album opener “Higher Than The Stars“, and it’s not long before they build up sufficient speed to take off and soar into the clouds. It’s almost impossible not to get swooped up with them in the whirlwind of blisteringly quick guitar/keytar-fuelled notes left behind in their wake. But if that should fail, then the heavenly and empowering vocals of Emiliani are surely fated to lift you higher.
The ascendency felt in this track could turn out to be emblematic of their career trajectory, for even at this earliest of acquaintances, it is clear Elettra Storm have the potential to rise to the highest echelons of the metal scene. A first impression that is only reaffirmed again and again as the album continues to play out, and they consistently hit the major jackpot – with winning numbers like “Redemption” and latest single “Origin of Dreams” following in quick succession. Guitarist Francis D. Mary steps up his duets with Emiliani on both these songs, and the two pair up beautifully in the vocal department. The harmonies continue in “Powerlords“, which marks its arrival with the type of pomp and ceremony that one might expect from such a boastful title. But it’s hard to argue with this confident self-declaration when the band has the receipts to back it up.
We are the Powerlords
Elettra Storm – “Powerlords”
We bring magic to your eyes
We heed the freedom calls
Standing stronger by your side
“Alone” sees the band break out their acoustic instruments, if only momentarily. There is a distinct Blind Guardian-esque feel to this power ballad, and both the sweeping guitar solos and Emiliani’s vocals sound the most weighty and emotive we have heard them so far. The mid-tempo “Heirs of the Descent” is memorable for its repeated catchiness, while ensuing track “Sacrifice of Angels” reaches Dragonforce-levels of crazy speed metal. I hate to think how challenging this would be for the band to perform live, but there is little doubt it would be an energetic crowd pleaser if they could somehow pull it off. Emiliani does well to keep up with the chaotic pace of her bandmates, who seemingly push their abilities to the max. We draw closer to the album’s conclusion with “Spirit of the Moon“, and Emiliani hintingly reflects on this fact in her opening lyrics: “The end of my quest is near // The end of all“. It is not without a touch of sadness that we have reached this point, but the band provides us a worthy send-off, especially with the slightly lengthier “Voices in the Wind“, delivering some of the catchiest vocal lines yet. Each member of the band is an expert artisan of their craft, whether you care to mention the gallivanting drum work of Matteo Norbedo, or the nimble-fingered fret work of guitarist Matteo Antoni, and this last track serves as a final reminder. The real highlight throughout the entire production, however, is Crystal Emiliani, who has a natural affinity for this style of music (considering this is her first foray into the genre) and possesses the uncanny ability for blending emotion with raw potency.
We were right to list “Powerlords” as one of our most anticipated metal albums for 2024. Combining the splendour of early 00’s power metal, which was made famous by the likes of genre heavyweights such as Stratovarius and Rhapsody of Fire, with the more modern stylings of female-fronted power metal bands like Unleash the Archers and Frozen Crown, Elettra Storm have hit upon a magic balance between the two. It’s still power metal at the end of the day, and still features all the typical fantasy tropes and enchanted stories that are par for the course with this genre – and could perhaps even make Luca Turilli blush. But if that sounds like your cup of tea, then you simply can’t go wrong with “Powerlords“. It’s an escapist’s dream, and a pure joy from start to end.
Verdict: “Powerlords” is all but guaranteed to take the world by storm upon its release, especially when buoyed by the rising star power of relative newcomer Crystal Emiliani. A strong first outing for Elettra Storm, and a worthy addition to any power metal collection.
