Push to the extreme was the motto in the Japanese band’s new work
By Luiz Athayde
If the adjective “superlative” originated in the power metal scene, Illusion Force would certainly be among those responsible, especially for their second and album Illusion Paradise, released by Kings Records.
Illusion Force (Photo: Disclosure)
The band, formed in 2018, belongs to the avalanche crop of new names in the genre, and features former members of the already well-known Thunderfall, but mostly led by talented vocalist Jinn (also from Zero Fighter).
The record is composed of 13 tracks and, among them, three really special participations, as the musicians in question helped to add an extra sauce with their vocals to the already ultra modern, fast and complete sound of the guys.
It is basically an updated and improved version of bands such as Majestica, Rhapsody and Dragonforce, but with some peculiarities due to the geography, so much so that in some tracks at least one more audition is needed to understand them.
And this is only one of the graces of the album. From the opera rock “Illusion Paradise” to the four parts of “Sazareishi” (or “Romanticization” in Portuguese), with acoustic nuances, progressive flirtations, ethnic parts, ballads and even blastbeats! Yes, there is a lot of breath.
Not that it is worthy of rest, but the typical “Cosmos” comes right after with the possibility to at least sing along. This was, of course, one of the tracks to receive a video production. Highlights include the solos. The brothers Yuya and George Shiroumaru are not messing around.
Of the more melodic and exciting ones, we have Ivan Giannini of the Italian Derdian brigade being the first visitor on “Beast of the Earth”; powerful as the style calls for, as well as the chorus up there and with stickability in the ten.
“Awakening Your Universe” features subtle traces of traditional Japanese music with passages of thrash metal amidst classic double bass. It is here that Swedish singer Christian Eriksson makes his point with already expected competence.
Last (including the track), but far from being less important, none less than Edu Falaschi (ex-Angra, Almah) – reveling in the great success of the fantastic album Vera Cruz – totally at home on the ballad “Precious Grain”, closing in a sublime way a work turned to the extreme of melodies, orchestrations and virtuosity. Very good.
Talking about the fame of the Asians for their virtuosity is a lot of hype, and sometimes it is difficult to select a work that draws attention, or even excites. But somehow, the new Illusion Force play comes as a force of nature to push, weight, speed, high notes and melodies (and other nuances) to the extreme. Great album!
Listen to Illusion Paradise on Youtube: