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Metalite: Expedition One
Click to Purchase Metalite: Expedition One on Amazon

Metalite: Expedition One

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal
4.0/5.0

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AFM Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 10.01.2024 | Released: 19.01.2024
Purchase Metalite - Expedition One on Amazon

My first experience with Sweden's Metalite was their second album, 2019's Biomechanicals, essentially a melodic power metal romp in the over saturated European tradition. It began the band's tradition of including their lead singer, Erica Ohlsson, on their album art. Working with a stable lineup, Metalite returned with their third long player A Virtual World in 2021. This was followed by a live EP from their appearance at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2022. Now the quintet returns with their fourth studio album, Expedition One, again mixed and master by engineering guru Jacob Hansen.

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Metalite

Two things you should know about the release. First, it's a futuristic sci-fi concept album explored with 16 songs over 67 minutes. Yeah. It's long. You can read about the story here. Second, musically, and mentioned above, Metalite continues to play melodic power metal with a female lead vocalist, some synth novelties, and epic guitar solos. At times, they can remind me of a female-fronted Edguy.


Regarding the album content, I basically gave everything away in those last two sentences. Generally, most songs are power metal fast and heavy with some accessible rock groove, then embellished by quirky or symphonic synths. (Who does the keyboard work is not given.) Examples include Aurora, Cyberdome, Disciples Of The Stars, or Free. Alternatively, some arrangements are more heavy and steady, with less speed, such as Outer Worlds or New Generation. In My Dreams may be the closest song to an anthemic ballad. With Utopia, you have Metalite's first metal instrumental. Perhaps meant to be a segue to Take My Hand? Or a mere add-in?

While the metal music can be both derivative and entertaining, the length of the album and lack of lyrics (at least for my review copy) are the downside. It's hard to follow the story when you cannot understand the vocals without the lyrics. Nevertheless, Metalite achieves one simple valuable goal: consistency in their metal style. There's no reinventing the wheel here.

All words written, Expedition One, finds Metalite solidifying their European melodic power metal style, in the context of a futuristic sci-fi concept story. If you enjoyed their previous works, dig the band, or simply love the genre, you will enjoy this album as well. Recommended.


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The Take Away

All words written, Expedition One, finds Metalite solidifying their European melodic power metal style, in the context of a futuristic sci-fi concept story. If you enjoyed their previous works, dig the band, or simply love the genre, you will enjoy this album as well.

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