Galderia - Return of the Cosmic Men

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GALDERIA is a French band who call themselves Universal Power Metal.  I’m not exactly sure what that means beyond the feel good and inspiring lyrics but silly sub-genre names aside, this album is a well-crafted example of high energy power metal.  In fact, if you are in a bad mood or having a rough day the high octane and positive energy of this album will definitely put you on the right track. Power metal often times is basically speed or thrash metal in its attack.  The first track off their second album, “Shining Unity,” follows that blueprint with rapid fire riffs and a speedy drum attack from Chicco, whose furious attack on the kit always sounds clear and precise.

Chabot & Schmitt (who also both play guitar), share vocals with Saliba who is also their bassist.  With so many vocalists who also play instruments, I was afraid the band would sound too chaotic but I worried for no reason.  Everyone and every instrument has its place within the songs.  The crystal clear production doesn’t hurt either.  Especially during the choruses, when all the vocals usually come together the most, the songs take on a celebration chant like ALESTORM except their lyrics are more serious. As you could imagine with everyone except Chicco helping with vocals, the lyrics are sang with a larger than life presence and the chorus’ are catchy and huge.  The opening track, “Shining Unity” will definitely stick in your head.  If that doesn’t seem to work then perhaps the guitar solos will because their catchy and melodic sound makes you sing along to them even those there isn’t any vocals, very similar to the guitars in BLIND GUARDIAN.

“Legions of Light” is fast, furious, with a couple of excellent solos. Schmitt has quite a few melodies and solos on the title track that really enhance the epic feel of the song.  It wouldn’t be a power metal release without a couple ballads, which are “Wake up The World,” and “Pilgrim of Love.”  Unfortunately neither of the songs work for me but that doesn’t mean they also don’t have some good points.  “Wake up the World,” has some nice clean keyboards and the guitar solo on “Pilgrim of Love” is ace.  The final track is a different of “Wake up the World,” and it’s a lot better; the chorus is infectious as hell and the guitars are galloping and crunchy. “Return of the Cosmic Men,” is a great power metal album and I hope this band gets bigger and bigger—the world needs more positive and energetic music like this.

Songwriting: 8
Originality: 9
Memorability: 9
Production: 9