Anubis Gate
Andromeda Unchained

November 2007
Released: 2007, Locomotive Records/Intromental
Rating: 5.0/5
Reviewer: Anders Sandvall

Anubis Gate is a Danish act that’s been together since 2001. The debut PURIFICATION dropped in 2003 and two years later, A PERFECT FOREVER was released, which is the album they’re now about to follow up. The latest line-up change saw singer Torben step down when he passed over the mic to bass player Henrik Fevre as a temporary solution. When the band started their search for a new singer they didn’t have to look very far. Their new singer stood right in front of them in producer Jacob Hansen. My bio states this as being sci-fi metal, whatever that means. I, on the other hand, describe it as a mix of classic 80’s heavy metal with a little modern melodic progressive metal.

There are a lot of prominent guitar riffs, heavy pounding drums, strong bass lines and amazing lead vocals. It’s very technical and the band has added what sounds like a church choir to add depth and character to the music. The band has a lot in common with acts such as Crimson Glory, Savatage, Fates Warning, Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden in terms of musicality. They have taken the best of the afore mentioned band’s elements and updated them for the 21st century in an amazing way.

This is an album that grows on you. The first few times I listened to it, I didn’t get it at all but I’ve grown to love it more over time. It’s progressive and dark and maybe not my cup of tea but after several plays I’m a fan of Anubis Gate and ANDROMEDA UNCHAINED. I can’t find any bad songs; this is pure perfection. Jacob Hansen produced it and now, as a singer in the band, he knows exactly what the band wants their production to be. The musical landscape is grand, epic and majestic.

This is the perfect album for every fan of progressive heavy metal out there and when you push play, I promise you that you won’t be able to put the album aside. I’m happy to give Anubis Gate the highest ranking and it is about time.