UK symphonic metal newcomers, Tales of Time, just released their debut EP, “The Journey.” This is symphonic metal at its core, with operatic cleans and gutteral growls, great orchestration, and crushing guitars and drums. The keyboards are fantastic and complement the guitars well, and the bass guitar is a prominent driving force against the deft guitar leads. Vocalist Anna Rose has a versatile voice, effortlessly hitting the operatic soprano while also bringing a sharp aggressive alto delivery that hits hard in all the right ways. Her incredible range is complemented by the spot-on growls, which both regularly trade off and even act as a dueling harmony. The various textures in each song give them a light proggy feel, elevating the auditory experience further. There are solos galore, lots of dynamic contrast, technical driving drums, and again did I mention how much I love the bass?

The title track opens things up with a triumphant symphonic intro (reprised throughout), before powering ahead, introducing you first to Anna, then growls, then a big chorus that will get stuck in your head. The vocal lines throughout are fabulous, and I love the late guitar/keys solo. “Forgotten” continues the fast pace, featuring keys to start before settling a bit, with an ethereal verse leading into a heavier chorus. The song features lots of dynamic contrast and plenty of musical layers, and wow that late solo! “Chaos/Art” is perhaps the fastest track, though has a nice tempo change in the last third that mixes things up before blazing to the finish.

“Sleep” is my favorite track, a bombastic fiery song with an amazing baroque / fugue piano intro, an extra helping of dueling and simultaneous cleans/growls, a huge earworm chorus, some of my favorite bass on the album, sweeping cinematic keys, and the vocals absolutely kill! “Momentai” ends things joyfully with a great positive message and creative uplifting melody lines.

Tales of Time isn’t signed, but I can’t imagine that lasting long. These guys and gal are incredible, and this way too short 20 minute introduction shows just how amazing they are!

Original Instagram review