BOREALIS – Illusions

Northern Lights

From the wilds of Canada, Borealis delivers top-notch melodic metal with progressive influences. In the veins of bands such as Kamelot or Evergrey, Illusions is the fifth studio album of the band and perhaps the most accomplished. They developed their symphonic side with the help of Vikram Shankar who composed the many orchestrations on the album.

Illusions And Delusions

Marinelli’s voice strongly resembles that of Tom S. Englund, at ease on complex melodic lines, yet still able to convey a certain aggressiveness through its raspiness. The orchestral parts a very present during the majestic introduction and first song “Ashes turn to rain.” With then a flawless transition to “My Fortress.” Borealis proves their strength lies in the composition of their melodic lines. “Pray for Water” has a heavier and more powerful riff but the orchestrations and choral effects dominate the rest of the song, while guitars and traditional Metal instruments take a step back on the ballad “Burning tears”: a solid beginning for this album.

Illusions is a very coherent release, where songs follow each other flawlessly, sometimes giving the impression of being a soundtrack for a video game (“Light Of The Sun” during which Marinelli’s voice has Jorn Lande’s rasp and inflection). Perhaps something to disappoint the guitar heroes is how the album’s production does not leave much room for the guitar soli. Despite their virtuosity and melodic qualities, they seem to be drowned under all the orchestrations. Some of these passages could gain from simplicity.

“Face Of Reality” and “Believer” are both enjoyable songs and they have the same flowing effect as the rest of the album, but they do not bring anything more to it. The second half of the album is not bad, it is just more of the same stuff. You would have to wait until “Abandon All Hope” to find again some originality. The length of the album here works against itself. “The Phantom Silence” with its eleven minutes, was designed to be the pièce de resistance of the Illusions. While it is crafted with skill, great attention to detail, and an innate sense of how to develop an atmosphere, it truly asks an effort from the listener to appreciate it.

Final Thoughts

Illusions is a melodic album with many qualities: strong melodies, skilled compositions, and a compelling atmosphere. However, sometimes, the best is the enemy of the good, and all the layers of orchestration become overwhelming and difficult to appreciate.

Illusions – Tracklist

1. Illusions feat. Christine Hals
2. Ashes Turn To Rain
3. My Fortress
4. Pray For Water
5. Burning Tears feat. Lynsey Ward
6. Believer
7. Light Of The Sun
8. Face Of Reality
9. Bury Me
10. Abandon All Hope
11. The Phantom Silence

Borealis – Lineup

Matt Marinelli – Vocals & Guitars
Ken Fobert – Guitars
Aiden Watkinson – Bass
Sean Dowell – Drums