Album Reviews : Domain – The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow

When you think of classic German power metal bands, who comes to mind? Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Helloween and Edguy to name a few. Domain is one of those unique power metal gems who sadly haven’t been given much gratitude like most of their mainstream counterparts outside of Germany. Having been virtually unknown to the metal demographic for many years, Domain continue to put out relatively strong and consistent albums. Domain return with their highly influenced AOR, late 80’s rock and symphonic power metal release of 2009, The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow.

Initially starting under the banner of Kingdom, the band grew from the ashes of the late 80’s and with the release of several albums throughout the 90’s. The band grew some recognition with a slight name and line-up change, and the release of their seventh album “The Last Days of Utopia”. Since then the band have had relative success throughout Europe and America.

Lovers of Yngwie Malmsteen, Rhapsody of Fire and to a lesser extent, Freedom Call will surely find solace in the album’s heavily influenced late 80’s rock ballads and symphonic power metal epics backed by guitar welding virtuoso and main songwriter, Axel Ritt (Grave Digger). The album itself is a concept based on an old German novel titled “Die Leiden des jungen Werther” (The Sorrows of Young Werther) by famous German novelist and poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The album is essentially a borderline rock opera with elements of theatrical and orchestral arrangements which play out in an in-depth story atmosphere, which are all backed by an uplifting choir.

Musically, Domain continues a flagship of high standards. The all round structure of the album is flawless in its delivery and can easily rival that of many dominate power metal bands in the scene today. The elaborate mixture of neo-classical and hard rock elements, along with a subtle orchestral arrangement brings a great wall of sound to the album’s 11 tracks. The heavy influence of late 80’s rock elements is present on the tracks ‘Angel Above’, ‘My Inner Rage’ and ‘Circle Of Give And Take’. The songs may come off as little simple, but have a strong effect on me. They all carry a distinct 1980’s esque flavor, along with some catchy chorus’s to boot.

‘Sweeping Scars’, ‘He’s Back’, ‘Digging Their Graves’ and ‘Last Dance’ continues in good 1980’s fashion as the tracks offer up some impressive solos and riffs, rivaling that of Yngwie Malmsteen. The sound is very much similar to Malmsteen’s work from the Fire & Ice and Odyssey era. Axel Ritt’s guitar work plays a dominate roll on the album which is literally scattered with great solos in a non wank fashion. Many may disagree, but the new album is a major improvement over the previous release ‘Stardawn’. I found the new album’s sound more fitting to my tastes and find new lead vocalist, Nicolaj Ruhnow a fitting addition to the band. His vocals do get a little repetitive at times, but does have some variation in the latter. The album is consistent in its delivery and has a solid array of tracks which are the least bit distracting over the album’s hour long duration.

The second last track seems to be the only “melodic” number. The acoustic riff has a somewhat blatant influence of “Hotel California” by The Eagles. It’s your typical low tempo head and cigarette lighter swaying number. The final track “Two Brothers & The Sinners Chess”, which is considered a bonus track, has elements of Europe and Edguy with it’s glorious keyboard introduction and somewhat cliched backing choir.

In conclusion, I’d definitely say that The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow is one of Domain’s stronger albums to date. If your a fan of symphonic power metal with a hint of 80’s flair thrown in for good measure, than I highly recommend The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow.  8/10

Band: Domain
Album: The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow
Year: 2009
Genre: Symphonic Power Metal
Label: SPV/Riot
Origin: Germany
www.domainband.de

Tracklisting:

1. Picture The Beauty <- Reviewer’s Choice
2. Sweeping Scars <- Reviewer’s Choice
3. Angel Above <- Reviewer’s Choice
4. Circle Of Give And Take
5. He’s Back
6. Inner Rage <- Reviewer’s Choice
7. Digging Their Graves
8. Haunting Sorrows
9. The Last Dance
10. 12 O’Clock
11. Two Brothers & The Sinners Chess <- Reviewer’s Choice