CELESTY – Reign Of Elements

Celesty, formerly known as Celestial, has two demos under their wing but have finally released their debut album, Reign of Elements. Apparently, the members that left the band when they were known as Celestial took the “ial,” but luckily, the new members brought a “y” with them.

The CD begins with a triumphant song called “The Charge,” and is an apropos introduction to what you will hear the rest of the album. This type of power metal often gets thrown into the heap with Helloween, with the “happy metal” label. You don’t really hear that on the whole CD, and that’s a good thing. Lead singer Kimmo Peramaki does site Michael Kiske as one of his influences, but he also lists Geoff Tate and Bruce Dickinson. Luckily, he must draw on Dickinson for most of the attitude and “happy” doesn’t apply.

Also, many bands self-described as “power metal” seem to sing with a vibrator pressed up against their vocal cords. Except for a few minor occasions, Peramaki holds the notes with unwavering strength, and it’s a testament to whoever taught him to nix the vibrato. He is a talent.

The song “Reign of Elements” is a perfect example of their strengths. They are skilled musicians, who know exactly what they want to play, and how they want to sound. The classically inspired keyboards complement the frenzied pace of the rhythm section, and the guitars can be subdued or blaze frenetically on top of everything else. Peramaki never struggles to hit the notes, and everything flows smoothly, together.

“Lost in Deliverance” does start annoyingly, almost like they are practicing their scales, but turns into a good song once the intro dies. And this is a common theme throughout the album. You need to listen to it a few times before you really appreciate it, and for some, it may never happen.

The one stand out tune is the last one, called “Kingdom.” When they prove that they can change pacing, and not just play as fast as they are physically capable, their songwriting starts to show. It’s worth picking up the CD for this song alone.

Overall, the CD offers nothing worthy of complaint, but the opposite is also somewhat true. What they do show is that they have all of the elements necessary to release some of the best power metal heard in recent years, and makes you look forward to their next studio album.