Discovering Russia's Fountain of Youth - A Review of Aria's Guest from the Kingdom of Shadows - Legacy

Гость из царства теней. Наследие. roughly translates to Guest from the Kingdom of Shadows. Legacy. and is the twelfth official live record by Russian heavy metal icons Aria that are going to be celebratong their fortieth anniversary next year. In case whether you are are wondering whether such a high number of concert releases might not be excessive, let me assure you that the Russian quintet is one of the greatest live bands in the whole world. In case you are wondering which live record to pick, I can assure you that the band's performances have only been increasing in quality in recent years and you might as well start your discovery of these internationally overlooked legends right here and right now.

The group plays with so much dedication, enthusiasm and oomph that one could believe that these legends are only just starting their careers and desperately trying to leave their marks upon this beautiful world. This record here features a whopping twenty songs with a total running time of one hundred thirty-seven minutes. The free concert video online even extends to an impressive one hundred fifty-five minutes. The crowd iis absolutely ecstatic and cheers on everything the quintet is doing upon the stage. The interactions between the quintet and the public are empathic, heartfelt and sincere. The set list finds a perfect balanced between classics from the very early years, hidden gems from the middle years and recent cuts from the band's outstanding last regular studio album Проклятье морей which translates to Curse of the Seas. 

The quintet's current line-up that has now been performing together for thirteen years and counting has excellent chemistry throughout. The drum play is dynamic, fast and versatile. The bass guitar sounds domineering, grooving and pumping. The guitar work finds the perfect balance between its gritty side and uplifting melodic sections. While I have much appreciated all of the band's vocalists, current singer Mikhail Zhitnyakov is without a doubt the most consistent performer and a perfect fit for the band. Make sure to check out his excellent former band Grand Courage as well while you are reading this review. 

The cherry atop the cake of this wonderful live album is the excellent production that doesn't gloss over anything and instead enhances the powerful grit of heavy metal the way it's meant to be listened to all around the world. 

Since it's hard to catch a show of the Russian heavy metal quintet if you live outside of Eastern Europe, fans from around the world should certainly listen to and purchase this wonderful record right here to bring the group's flawless concert qualities home. Let's listen to some heartfelt heavy metal during this magical holiday season for a change.