ASHRAIN features guitar wizard Nozomu Wakai, who comes from the Yngwie Malmsteen branch of guitarists. The Power Metal outfit dances on the edge of Neoclassical and relies mostly on Wakai’s amazing playing.
He has brought on legendary Metal bassist Peter Baltes from Accept fame to help give this album some clout. Former Hibria singer Iuri Sanson lends his talents and does an amazing job bringing the songs to life. They honestly sound like a band that’s been together for some time, which isn’t really the case, but they obviously gelled quite quickly.
After getting past the first track “Are You Ready For Rock”, the album took off, almost literally. Not sure why they put that track first, it was pretty cliché and predictable. But they quickly got back on track with “Requiem For A Screamer” and pretty much stayed on course the rest of the album with soaring Melodic Power Metal.
These guys know who their audience is and do their best to please the hardcore fans of Power Metal. There tends to be a lack of imagination in the Power Metal genre, but that’s what brings the fans back again and again, they generally know what they’re getting. This is a much better than average release, the band is very tight, the production is solid and Wakai’s guitar work is worth picking this one up.
Since I’m a huge fan of the genre, I’m often more critical so I’m giving this a positive 7.5 “Flaming Fists”. With this lineup the expectation is very high and it mostly delivers, but a few tracks held it back a bit. It’s not a “masterpiece” but it’s very good.
BAND BIO:
ASHRAIN is a newly formed power metal band, founded by guitarist and producer Nozomu Wakai (Destinia / Shortino / Sigh). Nozomu as Destinia released an album titled Metal Souls in 2018, featuring the likes of Tommy Aldridge, Marco Mendoza, and Ronnie Romero. He also worked with Paul Shortino and his band Shortino, and was also featured on the latest Alcatrazz album. In addition, Nozumu has worked as a guitarist for the well-known Japanese black metal band Sigh and has performed at festivals such as Brutal Assault 2022 and Candelabrum (Mexico) 2022.
In 2020, Nozomu began recording new material with his long-time friend Peter Baltes (ex-Accept). They were later joined by Iuri Sanson (ex-Hibria) and Andy C (ex-Lords of Black). ASHRAIN was born, and the strong debut Requiem Reloaded was completed. The album was mixed by Simone Mularoni (DGM) at Domination Studio. It also features Elyes Bouchoucha (Myrath) as guest keyboardist. Requiem Reloaded presents beautiful, impressive melodies, guitars with bite, and a fat bass – everything that good power metal needs!
ASHRAIN lineup
Iuri Sanson – vocals
Nozomu Wakai – guitar
Peter Baltes – bass
Andy C – drums
