Germanic sailors reaches their creative peak creative peak so far
By Luiz Athayde
When the German band Terra Atlantica appeared with their debut album A City Once Divine in 2017, it was already a pleasant novelty in power metal. The theme revolved around steampunk, and the songs brought the typical footprint of the style, but with good doses of bubblegum in the choruses.
The second album, Age of Steam was released in 2020 and consolidated the concept of the group formed in Hamburg in the class of 2014. Once again they brought a solid record with some taste of “I want more”.
Still, comparisons could be inevitable; Helloween, Edguy and coreligionists. But, between you and me, what’s wrong with that? Nothing, if it is done in order to seek an identity of its own. And that is exactly what happens in their new and very inspired work, Beyond the Borders.
The translated title means “Além das Fronteiras” in Portuguese. And it couldn’t be more assertive (or in a matter of fact, symbolic). His 11 tracks go beyond any limit of what can or cannot be included in his music. The result is a range of subtle nuances, and others more explicit.
The vessel is stamped by Pride & Joy Music, and presents the talented sailors Tristan Harders (vocals, guitar), Nico Hauschildt (drums), Julian Prüfer (bass), and David Wieczorek (guitar) in an album set in the year 1848. In other words: fantasy with historical elements; with navigations, battles, and piracy.
The soundtrack is befitting a beautifully symphonic atmosphere, fast riffs, and double-pedals as the saga progresses. The first one is “Overture”, a preparing for “The Scarlet Banners”. Or ‘Rhapsody of the Seas’, in view of its approach reminiscent of Luca Turilli’s band.
But “Far From Alive” that really shows the new group’s face. In other words, power metal indeed, melodic for sure, but exploring new sonic territories. Its introduction is already one of the most beautiful moments of the work, but it simply grows at the end, with really exciting choruses, as if we were in a theater show. The title track comes right after without even giving time to breathe. A treat for melodic metal at its most classic.
Next, the group arrives in Spain to give us a great moment. I’m referring to “Sun Of Pontevedra” (or Ponte Vedra, capital of the homonymous province in Galicia, in the northwest of the country) and its striking refrain after a flamenco introduction. “Guns And Drums” is a folk-interlude, and heavy as f… you know.
“Just One Look” is a beautiful ballad, and features the brilliance of Katharina Stahl, who had previously appeared on Terra Atlantica records. “Hellfire” heats up the guns again in a symphonic power/speed metal blast owing nothing to the old school.
The Germans follow the Mediterranean coast in “Pirate Bay”, even risking a Spanish as they play the pirates led by Captain Sanchez: “Cuanto te gusta la fiesta del mar? Afronta la eternidad”. Here, the prism followed is the sound of cabaret. And of course, heavy metal.
If in the previous track, the pirates said there would be no way out of the bay, it was time to try it in “The Great Escape”. The composition reveals the most classic side of the Germans, including the virtuoso part. “Take Us Home” marks the return home, Atlantis. And also the apotheotic end of this chapter.
Can be true the band is in its first steps, after all there are only three albums in a career that promises many coasts to explored. But, at least so far, Beyond The Borders is the creative apex of this awesome band with many possibilities ahead.
Another point to mention is the excellent production work. The mastering was done at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark. Finally, all possible honors to the fantastic cover art, an immediate lure for listening. Could be a classic.
Listen the full album below: