EDENBRIDGE – Shangri-La

Heavy Metal Paradise

Austrian Symphonic Metal heavy-weights Edenbridge have done it again with their 11th studio offering Shangri-La, creating a unique and haunting atmosphere layered with beautiful melodies and killer riffs. Founding members multi-instrumentalist/writer Lanvall and vocalist Sabine Edelsbacher lead the stable lineup since 2017, with Johannes Jungreithmeier on the drums, Steve Hall on bass and Dominik Sebastian on lead guitar.

Magical Journey

Shangri-La has 9 tracks running just under and hour in a concept album format that delivers with great melodies, sophisticated arrangements and thought provoking lyrics. Lanvall talks about how the album started: “Instead of going on a European tour in spring 2020, it was a matter of flipping on our creative switch and channeling those intense energies into a transformative song writing process for the new album.”

For this reviewer, the 16-minute, five-part, epic track “The Bonding (Part 2)” in which Erik Martensson (Eclipse, W.E.T.) can be heard as Sabine’s duet partner is the crowning moment on this release. Sabine Edelsbacher talks about Erik’s contribution:

“Erik was already a part of the first “The Bonding” (2013). But what he has done vocally this time around is unbelievable to me. Lyrically, Erik plays the role of the continually questioning and struggling intellect within while I embody the voice of the bigger picture. Our dialogue culminates in a breathtaking finale that even exceeded all of our expectations. I get goosebumps when I hear the song now, and that doesn’t happen so easily.”

Final Notes

Edenbridge has created a great album with lots of different songs that go from heavy duty riff based songs like “Hall of Shame” and “Savage Land”, to beautiful ballad with “Arcadia (The Great Escape)”. The guitar work is phenomenal, the rhythm section is razor tight and perfectly grooving, all expertly produced. Edenbridge is definitely at the top of their game with Shangri-La. The album comes in several formats, some including a bonus instrumental version depending on the package. Add this one to your Symphonic Metal collection today!

Lineup

Sabine Edelsbacher – vocals
Lanvall – guitar & keyboards
Johannes Jungreithmeier – drums
Steve Hall – bass
Dominik Sebastian – lead guitar

Demons of Rock’n’Roll – Tracklist

01. At First Light
02. The Call of Eden
03. Hall of Shame
04. Savage Land
05. Somewhere Else but Here
06. Freedom Is a Roof Made of Stars
07. Arcadia (The Great Escape)
08. The Road to Shangri-La
09. The Bonding (Part 2) [The Bonding Overture; Alpha and Omega; The Eleventh Hour; Round and Round; The Timeless Now – Finale]