I have always liked to see unknown bands come up with a surprisingly strong debut album and this “Primal Exhale” from Excalion is the most recent example. This Finnish band was founded by keyboard player Jarmo (Jappe for the friends) Myllyvirta in December of 2000. They played their first gig in the spring of 2001 and shortly after the line-up was rounded off with the addition of (second) guitar player Kimmo Hänninen. In the autumn of that same year, they recorded three songs in two days for their first demo, which was called “Forlorn”. It could have been the start, but army service and other problems prevented them to play enough gigs to force a breakthrough then. 2002 and 2003 were filled with rehearsing and some scattered gigs. In the meantime Jappe kept writing new songs and the more he wrote, the more varying his material became. The band also grew and in the autumn of 2003 they were ready to record a second demo in their home studio. “Obsession To Prosper” convinced Sound Riot Records and a deal was inked at the end of that year. Halfway 2004 a promo was recorded with some new songs and it showed how the band had improved once again. Excalion was finally ready to record their debut album, which happened under the guidance of Arttu Sarvanne at Watercastle Studios in Finland last September. The result is – like I wrote at the beginning of this piece – a nice surprise. Excalion sound quite fresh and their brand of progressive power metal belongs to the best I’ve heard lately. As a matter of fact it’s difficult to believe that this is only their first album. Sounding so mature on your debut album is quite an achievement, especially in this genre. But then again, Jappe’s material is impressive throughout and with Jarmo Pääkkönen, they have a vocalist in the house who disposes of a strong and high-pitched voice. I’m sure this is only the start of something big for these six guys. With the right amount of support, I’m sure they can develop into another great band from Scandinavia. Don’t miss out on a great release (one of the best I’ve heard from Sound Riot so far). (CL)
 

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Twilightner (on 23/07/06) It's nothing new but they have a lot of potential. It could be categorized as symphonic power but every song has its mood and is different from others. A Moment In The Spotlight is pretty much hair metal. Reality Bends is pure power. Dire Waters is 100% symphony. Dire Waters is the killer one, it sounds like Twilightning. Heart & Home has an amazing guitar work that reminds me of Metallica... and well, the rest is also good. Next album soon.

 

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