Finnish Melodic Metal band Altaria has released 3 very good albums in a row, namely “Invitation” (2003), “Divinity” (2004) and “The Fallen Empire” (2006). Well, at least I find their music quite catchy and while we wait for their brand new studio album which they are recording right now we get this release entitled “Divine Invitation”.
“Divine Invitation” contains 19 songs…yes, 19 songs. 5 songs from their debut album “Invitation”, 5 songs from their second release “Divinity”, 2 brand new tracks called “Keeper of Mystique” and “Ball & Chain” with new singer Marco Luponero, plus 7 bonus tracks and 7 tracks from their first two demos.
I think that this compilation is a very good introduction to Altaria if you’re not familiar with them. This is Melodic Hard Rock and Melodic Metal of the highest quality filled with catchy hooks and memorable choruses and even though their music is very melodic it never gets sappy.
If you’re familiar with Altaria you know most of the songs there are to be found here on “Divine Invitation” but as mentioned above we get two brand new tracks with new singer Marco Luponero (ex Terrorwheel). He is doing a good job and seems to be the right replacement for Taage Laiho who decided to leave Altaria at the end of 2006.
So all in all a great compilation of Altaria songs and if you’re into the Melodic side of Metal do your self a favour and check this album and this band out.
