A lot of fans were naturally disappointed when Kalidia, one of Italy’s best power metal groups, announced they were splitting up in 2023. But change can sometimes be a positive thing, and looking back on the news now, it is difficult not to view it as anything but a blessing in disguise. Seeing as the former members have now risen up from the ashes, brushed themselves off, and forged ahead with separate metal acts. One of these ventures is the recently revealed Xeneris, featuring ex-Kalidia members Frederico Paolini (co-founder, composer/guitarist) and Roberto Donati (co-founder, bassist). While the other is Nicoletta Rosellini’s (vocals) very own Alterium project, accompanied by former bandmate Dario Gozzi (drums), which just released its first full-length album “Of War and Flames” on March 8th, 2024 via AFM Records/Soulfood Music.
This ‘two for the price of one’ deal is not the only happy side-effect, since the breakup also seems to have given both parties a revitalised purpose and vigour. That’s certainly the case when judging Alterium‘s debut album, but one could also make the same early inference from Xerenis’ first single “Eternal Rising“. With regards to Alterium in particular, it seems as though the new setting has done a world of good for frontwoman Rosellini, who sings like she has been given a whole new lease on life. Rounding out the band roster is: Paolo Campitelli (guitars), Alessandro Mammola (guitars) and Luca Scalabrin (bass). Each of whom brings their past experience of working with other bands in the power metal genre (e.g. Draconicon, Kaledon, and Altair). And like the mathematical summation symbol (Σ) present in the band’s logo, Alterium benefits substantially from the accumulation of this combined wisdom. Because the end outcome is a highly cohesive and formidable new quintet, equipped with a near limitless amount of energy and creativity at its disposal.
A fact apparent from the beginning, with opening gambit “Drag Me To Hell” immediately breathing new life into the genre. The flying pace and boundless exuberance of the track will definitely get a few hearts racing, while it barrels through your speakers and stealthily earworms its way into your head. Those of a geekier persuasion may also pick up on the references to Warcraft lore in the lyrics, which describes the crowning of a new Lich King. It’s not the last time Rosellini exposes some of her gaming interests on the album. Another example later on is “Crossroads Inn“, which serves as a fun, light-hearted metal tribute to a management video game bearing the same name. Only in the power metal genre could a game simulating a medieval tavern be conveyed so earnestly, and the Italian group spare no effort or detail in recreating the atmosphere in an accompanying music video as well.
In earlier moments of the album, Rosellini lends her enchanting vocals to “Siren’s Call“, where she makes a truly compelling appeal: “Hear my cry // Flowing with the winds and storms // Once you’re mine, forever you will be“. The song is of course inspired by the scene in Homer’s “The Odyssey“, where Odysseus is forced to tie himself to the mast of his ship in order to resist the dangers of the siren’s call. Honestly if the sounds he heard were even remotely close to Rosellini’s enticing performance here, then I could fully understand the necessity of this measure. The following track “Of War And Flames” takes us from Greek mythology to Egyptian mythology. The song shares the same title as the album, and once you hear it you’ll understand why, as it’s definitely the main highlight. The tune focuses on the story of Sekhmet, a goddess of war who embodied the powers of the sun god Ra, and was said to be capable of vanquishing her enemies with her fiery breath. If you need help visualising her, the album artwork also depicts Sekhmet as she is entering her temple. You could argue that she bears a likeness to Rosellini herself, who is similarly renowned for the characteristic warmth of her singing voice, and whose vocal delivery is regularly a force to be reckoned with as well. The track is further enhanced with regal choirs and symphonic parts, and blessed with a multitude of hooks and catchy vocal lines, including in the pre-chorus bridge showcasing Rosellini’s range and impressive ability to sustain notes:
Her bloodlust never ends
Alterium – Of War and Flames
Not even after the revenge
Surrender to her rage
Alterium continues to impress elsewhere on the album, turning up the heat and intensity again with “Firebringer“. In typical power metal fashion, it is a fast, robust track – but with some added symphonic flourishes to give it that richer dynamic. Rosellini’s melodious and powerful tones also fluctuate between a tight, lower register to a more open and airy pitch. “Shadowsong” guides us into the latter half of the album, introducing a plethora of intricate instrumentation, and mighty face-punching drum beats, whereas “Crystalline” finally slows down the tempo a bit, and gifts us with beautifully drawn-out, soaring guitar solos amidst a touching piano-laden ballad; a sound that admittedly has more in common with Rosellini’s gothic metal band Walk in Darkness. Nevertheless, “Heroine of the Sea” quickly pushes it back to a more power metal focus, with a bobbing, mid-tempo number which takes you on a pirate voyage across the seas: “Sailing on, to a new adventure // Time to fight, time to die”.
Alterium rachet up the speed and technicality for one more power metal jaunt in “Chasing the Sun“, the last original composition on the album and one of the more interesting due to the meter changes and neo-classical arrangements throughout its duration. I also need to give particular credit to the mixing and production of this album, for everything sounds so crisp and neatly balanced. It really does have a completely fresh sound – even after over a month of listening to it before writing this review. Alterium close out their debut album with a final cover of Sabaton’s “Bismark“, and while this Swedish band are probably a little over-represented when it comes to covers of their songs at this point, it is still an admirable and enjoyable rendition. Plus it is very much consistent with the band’s affection for performing songs that contain a story or historical context. On the whole, Alterium have impressed on every conceivable level with “Of War and Flames“. I’d always had an inkling that they would create a great album, but I was wholly unprepared for them to go a step further and deliver such an epic masterpiece. I couldn’t have asked for a better continuation of their previous legacy, and I’m personally more excited than ever to see where they take us next.
Verdict: Alterium’s “Of War and Flames” is mandatory listening for every power metal fan. The decision by ex-Kalidia members to found this new entity has not only borne out to be a calculated and beneficial manoeuvre, but has surprisingly culminated in the best power metal album I’ve heard for a long time. A triumph of both perseverance and adaptation.
