Hailing from Finland, five-piece band ARCTIS makes a strong first impression with their debut self-titled album (Napalm Records). The band combines triumphant Rock with upbeat Pop melodies and Metal undertones, giving an edge to their overall family-friendly sound. The album is dramatic and moving, with a collective musicianship that shows a promising future for the group.

The rollicking “I’ll Give You Hell” opens the album with exhilarating melodies and instrumentals that immediately make themselves comfortable in your memory. Vocalist Alva Sandström lets it be known right away what she can achieve with her powerhouse of a voice, reaching for the stars with her impassioned belts. “Remedy” and “Tell Me Why” continue with this high-octane energy, backed by sonic textures and soundscapes that highlight the vocals tenfold. This makes the songs that much more immersive, building a vivid and ethereal world that only ARCTIS could summon.

“Frozen Swan” slows things down while maintaining that evocative charm. Between this and the following track “WWM,” the image ARCTIS are creating becomes even more clear. While the instruments are the blustery, chilling snowstorm, Sandström’s vocals are the burning flames that relentlessly preserve their strength through the blizzard.

The headstrong “No Slave” hits hard with its empowering lyrics like “I need no master, I am my own savior.” It makes for an effective segue into “Theatre Of Tragedy,” the epic finish to the full-hearted ride of an album. With a strong hook, melodious guitar solo, chill-inducing belts, pummeling double bass drum beats, and dynamic instrumentals that tell a story, what else could you want from a closing track?

ARCTIS proves with this album that they know exactly what kind of band they are, what they have to say, and how to say it in the most compelling way possible. The chemistry between the band members is made evident by the distinctive sound they were able to accomplish so early in their time together. Whether Pop Rock with subtle hints of Metal is your thing or not, this is a record that would be hard for anyone to forget.

Buy the album here:
https://lnk.to/ARCTIS-Arctis

8 / 10
COLLEEN KANOWSKY
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