Power Metal Opting for Symphonic Pop Music with Profound Lyrics - A Review of Fellowship's The Saberlight Chronicles

Fellowship is a British power metal quintet an acquaintance of mine presented to me as an alternative to the usual genre tropes based upon escapist lyrics in the key of Wind Rose, Powerwolf and DragonForce. I usually don't mind a different lyrical approach such as the topics of camaraderie, confidence and motivation used by Fellowship. However, while lyrical topics dealing with inner struggles were initially a fresh take on the pulse of time, such subjects have been repeated time and again to a point that a neutral observer might think that a vast majority of contemporary artists struggle with important mental health issues. Since the latter isn't my case, such topics simply don't strike a chord with me and I confess that even stereotypical lyrical subjects brought forward by the aforementioned bands appeal more to me because I listen to power metal to experience joy.

Other than some lyrical decisions that have ended up sounding exhausting to me, Fellowship's musicianship, production and vocals are also acquired tastes. The Saberlight Chronicles sounds comfortable, fluffy and soft to a point that even groups like Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius sound like a massive boost of energy when compared to this quintet. 

The invariable vocals sound positively melodic throughout and fail to transmit any other emotion. One could think that they have been programmed by an artificial intelligence rather than being performed by an actual human being.

The bass guitar is almost inaudible, thus cutting the rhythmic backbone of a metal or rock band of any sub-genre. I have come across very few metal bands that neglect this wonderful instrument as much as Fellowship do on The Saberlight Chronicles.

The dry drum play is average of best and can be described as serviceable without standing out at any moment. It's reduced to exchangeable mid-tempo to up-tempo patterns buried deep into a saccharine production.

On a more positive note, the melodic up-tempo guitar play has been performed with passion and skills even though it sounds quite predictable and repetitive through sixty-eight minutes with the bonus track.

The band has attempted to create its very own identity with the addition of piano sounds and moderately symphonic inspirations. These elements however turn several passages of this album into cute pop music that might even make popular idols go green with envy. While this addition certainly sounds unique, I would struggle to listen to this type of music more than once or twice a year. Even average idol pop music offers more oomph than the tame flower metal put on display on The Saberlight Chronicles.

The fluffy production blends in accordingly and takes any ounce of euphoria from this record. It focuses on the symphonic piano sounds, passionate guitar solos and melodic vocals. Bass guitar, drum play and guitar riffs are buried throughout the album. The production has opted to reduce any form of gritty energy and enhance optimistic melodies instead.

Now, if you struggle with mental health issues and like your power metal as saccharine as it gets, then you might truly dig Fellowship's The Saberlight Chronicles. Anyone else will however either think that this record is an acquired taste that only works at specifically selected moments while others might reject this release altogether and even claim that this is rather a pop record than a metal album. While I applaud the quintet for trying out its very own style, I'm not a fan of it and would still rather listen to Avantasia when desiring to dive deep into melodic power metal or opt for energetic groups such as Atarashii Gakko! when feeling like listening to melodic idol pop music.

Final Rating: 50%