The mediator between the heart and the mind - A review of Galneryus' Ultimate Sacrifice

What Galneryus offers here with Ultimate Sacrifice is easily the best power metal record since Stratovarius' Nemesis more than four years ago and album of the year material as well. I'm not too familiar with the band but this album really took me by storm.

There are three perfectly executed elements that make this album so outstanding. First of all, one has to mention the band's stunning musicianship. The melodic guitar solos are both enthusaistic and technically challenging. They never get boring. Syu clearly is one of the most gifted guitar players I have ever witnessed. The keyboard solos are as balanced as they are both emotionally and intellectually gripping. Usually keyboards are the weakness of many power metal bands as they often sound too fluffy or saccharine but that isn't the case here. They complement the guitar solos perfectly and keep an entertaining balance between seventies' rock influences, epic supporting slots and stunning lead passages. Yuhki could easily be compared to some of the best progressive metal keyboard players around the world without even needing to opt for a progressive metal style. It's not surprising that these two musicians have been on board since the band's inception as their performances are the key elements for this record's success. This doesn't mean that the other musicians aren't excellent. The drum play by newcomer Fumiya is fast, playful and versatile. He seems to feel at ease as his performance is an indicator for great musical chemistry within the band. The bass guitar is often a neglected instrument in power metal bands but that isn't the case for Galneryus. The bass guitar is audible and harmonizes perfectly with the drums and guitars. The record even includes a very cool bass guitar solo where Taka shows his skills. Last but not least, Ono delivers an absolutely stunning vocal performance. While his vocal style isn't too far away from many Visual Kei acts such as Versailles, he doesn't only provide atmospheric parts like most of those singers do but stands out with the energy and emotion he puts into his performances. When I researched to get more information about him, I was stunned to learn that he is already fifty years old. Ono sounds more consistent, enthusiastic and powerful than genre singers that are half as old as he is. The five musicians are all absolutely great but the guitar and keyboard players are even among the world's elite. This band doesn't seem to have a weak link which is quite rare for a power metal band.

The second element that really made me fall in love with this album is the group's enthusiasm. Galneryus plays its songs as if there were no tomorrow. Every single guitar solo touches your brain and heart equally. Every keyboard solo is executed with otherworldly precision. The rhythm section is fast, juvenile and relentless without ever sounding exchangeable as it varies just enough to keep things intellectually challenging despite the incredible speed it often showcases. The vocalist sounds as if he had drunk from the Fountain of Youth. I know many singers who are at least fifty years old and still deliver the goods like Bruce Dickinson but Ono's performance really aims for the top. He should become a vocal coach to teach the secrets of his performances to ambitious young vocalists.

The third winning element on Ultimate Sacrifice is the record's diversity despite sticking to a consistent melodic power metal sound. Most bands think diversity equals experiments. Galneryus prove that this isn't the case. They only modify a few minor elements from one song to another but these simple changes are incredibly efficient. ''Wings of Justice'' is as fast as it is liberating and after succeeding so well with this particular type of song, the band offers a slightly slower and more rhythmic ''The Shadow Within'' that excells in its own niche. After the emotional power ballad ''Wherever You Are'', the band offers the more technically appealing ''Rising Infuriation'' where every band member proves that he delivers an expert job without forgetting to deliver a cohesive song with a solid structure. The closing epics ''Brutal Spiral of Emotions'' and ''Ultimate Sacrifice'' are roller coaster rides of emotions and skills where atmospheric and smooth parts meet passionate mid-tempo sections and unchained up-tempo climaxes. Each of the two final songs follows a perfect plot diagram like a classic theater play. Galneryus prove that the heart and the mind can successfully coexist in the power metal genre without necessarily getting too progressive.

Galneryus' Ultimate Sacrifice is a power metal magnum opus that appeals both to your heart and your mind. Any band that releases a melodic power metal album in the future should compare its record to this masterpiece. If you're not playing in the same league as this band, try out something else. This world needs more power metal albums like this one and not the generic flower metal approach or the overtly ambitious progressive or symphonic subgenres. Galneryus have set a new power metal standard around the world and should deserve much credit and respect for this ambitious achievement. Nuclear Blast should drop the genre heroes of yore from their roster and sign this band immediately.

If you love power metal, you can't get around this album. Let me correct this: If you like music, you can't get aound Ultimate Sacrifice. No, let me even be clearer: If you have a heart and a mind, do yourself a favor and enjoy this record to the fullest.

Final rating: 98%