Happy Halloween, everyone! While
not exactly Halloween-centric, I’ve got some musings on a phenomenal album for
you today. Montreal-based traditional heavy metal quartet Metalian have struck
again with their fifth album, Beyond the
Wall. Comprised of Ian Wilson on vocals/guitar, Simon Costa on lead guitar,
Andres Arango on bass, and Tony Cantara on drums, Metalian’s latest opus was
released a few days ago through Quebec’s Temple of Mystery Records. Being a
Montreal native, I’m always stoked when a local band I love releases a new record.
It’s already been three years since their last studio offering, Vortex, but “The Canadian Judas Priest”
are back better than ever.
Beyond
the Wall is a concept album of sorts, kind of a heavy metal cross
between Pink Floyd’s The Wall, John
Carpenter’s Escape from New York, and
Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. The story told
through 10 songs deals with the apocalypse and a corrupted system where humans
try to reach the paradise that lies beyond the wall. The tale begins with “March
to the Death”, a gorgeous opener hearkening back to ‘70s rock, featuring
terrific banshee screams from frontman Ian Wilson. “Motorhorse”, the 2nd
single, is an absolutely infectious track showcasing dueling guitars and is one
of the highlights of the album. “Fire on the Road” is a speedy, riff-heavy, earth-scorching
metal tune. Solid from start to finish. “Last Chance to Ride” is a cool Maidenesque
galloping metal anthem while “Solar Winds” slows the frenetic pace and shows
the band’s musical versatility. “Rise of the AI” is one of my faves; the tide is
turning in the story. The title track, “Beyond the Wall”, is fantastic and has echoes
of early ‘80s Judas Priest. Another highlight of this record. “Behind the Lies”
was the first single and it’s easy to see why: an instant heavy metal classic
with a catchy chorus and riffs galore, deeply rooted in ‘80s metal. Possibly my
favourite song on an album of favourites. The aptly titled “Cold Thunder”
strikes like a clap of thunder with its relentless onslaught of guitars, falsetto
vocals, pounding bass, and rumbling drums. The story comes to an end with “Dark
City”, which in my humble opinion should be the next single. It’s an awesome song,
maybe the catchiest and most accessible of the LP. It’s radio-ready and has got
a ton of vintage ‘80s arena rock vibes.
October has been a very strong
month for new releases, including one of my most anticipated albums of the year
with Skid Row’s excellent The Gang’s All Here.
But I’m here to tell you that Metalian’s Beyond
the Wall takes the crown as best LP of October for me, and a sure-fire
candidate in my Top 10 Albums of 2022. It might be recency bias talking but I
think this could very well be Metalian’s best record yet! If you’re already a
fan of the band, you’re gonna love Beyond
the Wall. If you’re new to this uber-talented heavy metal quartet, then
this is the perfect starting point. It’s traditional metal done to perfection
and this is an album that I’ll have on heavy rotation for the foreseeable
future.
Metalian on Bandcamp: https://metalian1.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-wall
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