I always enjoy discovering new bands, particularly ones that are not on my radar. I listen to a lot of music but can’t review everything, whether due to lack of time or simply following my rule of not reviewing things I dislike. Sadly, this means that even when I discover something I like, it may not make the cut. A couple weeks ago, Spanish melodic heavy / power metal band Unchosen Ones reached out to let me know they had their sophomore release coming out February 13 and requested a review. I wasn’t familiar with them so wasn’t sure what to expect, but I promised to give it a listen. And I am glad I did! 

Hailing from Vigo, Spain, Unchosen Ones have packed a lot of punch into their new album, “Divine Power Flowing.” They blend traditional heavy metal with power metal, hearkening back to the earlier days of power metal while providing a modern luster. Lead vocalist Javier Calderón has a unique style, often adding a theatrical flair to his vocals along with some unusual melodic progressions in many of his vocal lines. Admittedly, it took a few listens for me to adapt to this approach, and I could see the style not being for everyone, but I find it works quite well with the music and creates its own unique flavor. The guitars are phenomenal, with incredible solos ranging from super technically complex, to jamtastic, to almost soulful, and massive powerful riffs that drive things along. The keyboards add a lot of depth to the compositions, even taking the lead on many occasions without impacting the heaviness of the song. The drums are fantastic as well, magnanimous and pulverizing while showing plenty of technical prowess. The songs cover two primary lyrical themes–human struggle, and the band members’ love of video games–very power metal indeed!

“Idols & Kings” kicks off with a cinematic opening that has the aura of a movie scene embellished with myriad guitar solos, slowly building to a barrage of speedy power metal featuring a great guitar lead. It settles into a gallop as the lead vocals come in, fast and furious riffs and drums supporting catchy melodies. There is a long instrumental section where the lead guitarist goes off, inviting you to a great solo that sounds more like a cohesive jam session with some nifty fretwork, all atop a hefty guitar groove and blazing drums.

“The Void” blends traditional heavy metal with power metal, melding a throwback quality with a more modern power vibe. This is evidenced immediately as the intro bleeds nostalgia with fabulous guitar lines. The verses are more vocally driven with a straightforward approach, a nice dichotomy to the earworm chorus over a great melody. Another fantastic technical guitar solo yields to the chorus one final time before barreling to a big finish.

Keyboards are the flavor of the day as “Cursed without a Cause” kicks off, taking the lead over powerful drumming and a chunky guitar groove. The guitar solo sensibility of the keys builds atmosphere without sacrificing heft, which only grows as the song progresses. The vocals have a theatrical feel and feature some unusual progressions that feel a bit atypical yet work within the symphonic framework being crafted. Occasional gruffer vocals also lurk in the background, adding a sense of urgency. Later in the song you get the trademark guitar solos the band does so well, but the keys won’t be outdone, briefly taking over with a cool solo before yielding back to the guitars and closing things out. I was impressed with how powerful and heavy the song feels while allowing the keyboards to drive the melody, allowing the guitars to be beefier even when they are employing leads rather than power riffs.

True to its name, “Whirligig Saw” subjects you to a buzzsaw, punching you out of the gate with its power metal gait, layering in thrash sensibility with keyboards swirling around. The vocals have a more aggressive approach with a theatrical sheen, at times reminding me of older Judicator. The guitar solo continues the impressive run on the album, before the thrashy sprint to the finish. Come to find out, the song takes inspiration from the video game “Bloodborne,” making the more aggressive characteristics fitting.

“Caught by the Wind” is the first single that was released for the album, itself inspired by the classic video game Castlevania. It opens with a cool orchestral intro that shifts nearly immediately into a power gallop. Operating at a relentless pace, your ears are treated to pulverizing drums racing against the incredible guitar leads, broken up with cinematic symphonic flourishes that add texture and create a sense of bombast. The late guitar solo has two sections, with the first furiously complemented by intense keyboards, then blazing ahead on its own. The chorus has an anthemic quality that feels massive and triumphant, particularly the final iteration before a hard stop ending. 

The title track is a mid-paced symphonic power hymn with an emotional vocal delivery. It has a power ballad feel without being one, melding great melodies ingrained with passion. The guitars are big and chunky, with a healthy dose of keyboards and soaring vocals, a soft backing growl just before the amazing guitar solo, and a driving atmospheric finish. 

“Synthetic Wave Horizon” blends the sounds of water with ethereal melodies, then hammers you with crunchy guitars and powerful drums amidst some fabulous guitar-driven melodies. Underpinning the song is a light industrial feel that adds a new texture while also adding some heaviness. The guitar solo rocks (yes, I realize I am probably sounding like a broken record), and the ending is thick and hefty.

“Midnight Mass” has a dark ominous edge, making good use of flange and chord progressions to evoke an almost menacing vibe. This vibe ensues vocally on the verses, yielding to soaring melodies on the chorus, with creepy whispers scattered throughout. There are occasional EDM-like embellishments which complement the massive drumming, adding extra flair to the composition. The long instrumental section has a very progressive feel with its varied rhythms, dynamics and tempo twists, and dueling keyboards and guitars, including an incredible guitar solo at the end.

Closing song “Death & Deliverance” starts out in blazing fashion, utilizing terrific guitar melodies emblazoned in speedy power riffs and symphonic flourishes creating atmosphere. The verses are more mid-paced and emotive, with the chorus adding some speed amidst catchy vocals. The lead work continues its strong trend, ear pleasing and dazzling with its fabulous melodies and progressions, closing the album out well.

My biggest critique of the album goes back to the vocals. Javier has a great voice with a lot of versatility, but at times the vocals feel inconsistent and uneven. The more I listened, the less it bothered me, but I would love to see more growth here and consistently showcase his powerful and unique voice.

Unchosen Ones was an unknown band for me until the very beginning of February, and now they are a band I will be keeping my eye on. I truly enjoyed this release and am excited to see how they continue to evolve. And as I say a lot, I would love to experience these songs live!