Derdian – Evolution Era (2016)

Hailing from Italy, Derdian is one of the most underrated Power Metal bands in the world. With a very explosive and dynamic sound, the band has delivered five excellent releases before the “Evolution Era”. In this release the band has re-recorded tracks from their first three albums making them more epic and amazing by adding a plethora of vocal guest appearances. If you are looking for explosive Power Metal that will keep you at the edge of your seat, this is the album you have been waiting for.

Not wasting any time, the band opens with the epic “Overture” with Apollo Papathanasio on guest vocals. Wasting no time, Henning Basse helps out on the epic “Burn”. In this track we hear the band’s Power Metal chops with brilliant guitar leads and very melodic passages that capture the listener’s attention. Our first favorite tracks are the bombastic “Beyond the Gate” and the playful epic “Battleplan”, both tracks have intense guitar sections, lush keyboards and a very hefty pace that keeps the listener engaged and fully invested in the music.

D.C. Cooper’s vocal give “I Don’t Want to Die” a different edge, showcasing a different and more ‘mellow’ side of Derdian. With so many great songs, it is quite hard to pick out our favorites, but “Lord of War” and its Therion-esque touches, “Eternal Light” with its Stratovarius influences, and the more dramatic “Black Rose” and its superbly mellow vocals. As the full package, the band’s mastery of their instruments allows them to craft some killer songs filled with solos and melodic passages that can easily rival any of the ‘big name’ bands of the genre.

The album winds down with Elisa Martin in “New Era” and the very highly atmospheric closer “Cage of Light”. As a whole, “Evolution Era” really shows how far as Derdian has come since their earlier days while delivering one of the most complete and diverse Power Metal releases of 2016. Hopefully getting the recognition they deserve soon, this band is ready to take you by surprise into a brilliant musical journey.

Label: Self-Released

Release: June 3rd, 2016

Genre: Power Metal

Country: Italy