I always thought an Altaria was a pokemon (Young kids!) but I was wrong  as in fact they are, to quote their website, a melodic metal band and you know what, I could not have thought of a better description of their music if I tied. 

Altaria  released there debut album (Invitation) in 2003 and this was followed  in 2004 with Divinity and now in 2006 we have The Fallen Empire. Over the course of these albums both original guitarists have left the band and the vocalist has changed but, as this is my first encounter with Altaria, I cannot comment on how any of these changes have affected the style and sound of the band. As I said at the start of the review this album is melodic metal very much in the Starbreaker mold to these ears and it is a great album that will appeal to both out and out heavy metal and melodic rock fans alike. 

Opener Disciples is very Queensryche with  a great chant along section and stunning melodic vocals from Taage Laiho and in fact Laiho is the major selling point on this album on this album for me, one minute belting out big fist in the air “metal” anthems - any of the opening three tracks and then  performing in a more MHR style. Just check out Frozen Hearts for one of the best MHR intros ever on what is simply stunning a track IMO. If your tastes are little heavier try 'Abyss of Twilight' and to combine the styles try the single 'Valley of Rainbows'. The great thing is The Fallen Idol  has something for everyone, like Halloween then try Crucifix, like  Stratovarius then Showdown is the track for you and then with The Lion, another great combo track, Altaria come on like a heavier TNT. 

As you can tell I think this album is spot on. After listening to a lot of “power metal” recently this album was like a breath of fresh air whilst keeping the heaviness of the metal but mixing up with more melodic vocals and guitar runs ( New boy J-P Alanen is a star in the making.) making for an accessible album that will appeal to both old school n metal fans, melodic rock fans who like the heavier stuff and “power metal” fans alike! In fact the band a due to tour with Doro and Sonata Arctica shortly and this should be a match made in heaven! 

A great album check the website www.altariamusic.com

Let us know your views on 'The Fallen Idol'

Track List

Disciples
Valley of Rainbows
Abyss of Twilight
Frozen Hearts
Crucifix
Showdown
The Lion
Outlaw Blood
Chosen one
Access Denied
The Dying Flame

Line Up

J-P Alanen - Guitars
Taage Laiho - Vocals
Marko Pukkila - Bass
Tony Smedjebacka - Drums