I have to say that Anubis Gate is quite the best name for a band that I have heard in quite a while and in a way is quite apposite as the band seems to mine a similar seam to Pagan’s Mind who also have somewhat of an Egyptian/Stargate fixation. According to the record company the Gate, “is conglomeration of the classic 80's heavy metal, a more epic 90's ambience and a dark progressiveness of our days. You could describe is as metal with beautiful soundscapes, cool riffing, and a clear and powerful vocal performance.

Musical inspirations for Anubis Gate are such acts as Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Lord Bane, Tad Morose, Iced Earth, Crimson Glory, Fates Warning, King Crimson, Genesis & Savatage, although it's important to stress that the band really doesn't sound like anyone else.” I’m not entirely sure about that as in places they do indeed sound like Pagan’s Mind (but not quite as full on) and vocalist Jacob Hansen has more than a passing resemblance vocally to James LaBrie, which obviously invites Dream Theater comparisons. To be fair, The Gate don’t compare unfavourably with the progressive titans and there is much to enjoy on Andromeda Unchained if you are prepared to put in the effort. 

The early tracks are particularly impressive although I once again feel the need to whine about songs that aren’t songs such as Freak Storm at Post Zeta and Banished From Sector Q. Quite why bands feel the need to pass off thirty seconds bad theatre of acoustic noodling as songs remains beyond my imagination. 

However, apart from that there’s loads of good, grown up music on offer here, but be warned it’s not overly immediate and the songs reveal themselves with each passing listen. In many ways this CD harks back to a time when music was played by musicians and played with precision and passion. 

This is also one of those records that will probably be better appreciated somewhere down the line but for a (fairly) speedy review process it gets a thumbs up.

Let us know your views on Andromeda Unchained

Track Listing

Freak Storm at Post Zeta...One Child Missing
Snowbound
Waking Hour
Andromeda Unchained
Banished from Sector Q
Beyond Redemption
Resurrection Time
Escape Pod
This White Storm Through My Mind
Final Overture
Take Me Home
Point of No Concern
End of Millenium Road
Stars of Canis Minor

Line Up

Jacob Hansen - Vocals
Jesper M. Jensen - Guitars
Kim Olesen - Guitars/Keyboard
Henrik Fevre - Bass
Morten Sørensen - Drums