Aldaria is a new project from guitarist Frode Hovd (Memorized Dreams) and is an attempt to bring together an album reminiscent of classic Helloween and Avantasia, and for the most part he manages to do just that. Of course, as it is a project then one of the tricks is to bring in as many different singers and musicians as possible, and here he has been joined by Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire, vocals), Todd Michael Hall (Riot V, vocals), Rick Altzi (Masterplan, vocals), Mathias Blad (Falconer, vocals), Jonas Heidgert (Dragonland, vocals), Jimmy Hedlund (Falconer, guitar), Roland Grapow (Masterplan, guitar), Mike LePond, (Symphony X, bass), Uli Kusch (ex Helloween, drums), Peter Danielsen (Darkest Sins, synths) and Mistheria (Vivaldi Metal Project, keyboards) among others. If I counted correctly, there are sixteen singers and eighteen musicians involved on this concept, but I could have missed some! Of course, Frode wrote and produced the album himself, while it was mixed by Roland Grapow (Masterplan) and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Primal Fear, Volbeat, Doro etc.).
When an album is as overblown as this, with this many people involved, then the concern is always that it is going to be a mess, with lots of excellent bits but no real continuity, but somehow Frode has managed to keep everything contained. True, at times there is a feeling that this is more of a various artist’s album as opposed to a band, but given that this isn’t a band maybe that isn’t something to be concerned about. The music is powerful, with an operatic cinematic feel that is more Avantasia than Helloween, but there are also times when the guitars really kick, and the whole album comes alive. True, it has been produced within an inch of its life, and there is no room for spontaneity and real energy, yet somehow there is still a spark of vitality, and is one I have found myself returning to. If you enjoy this style of music then this is an album worth hearing, at least.
