In a wry twist of fate, the icebound symphonic metallers known as Averlanche are poised to unleash their frostbitten opus, “Arctic Atlas,” on an unsuspecting world come May 12th.
This Finnish ensemble, fresh-faced and eager to prove their mettle, have sculpted a sound both familiar and fresh, straddling the divide between classic and contemporary.
Under the auspices of JVR MUSIC GROUP, with INVERSE RECORDS shouldering the digital promotional burden, “Arctic Atlas” will arrive in physical and digital forms. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if the Arctic Circle collided with Broadway, look no further than this ambitious collection.
While Averlanche’s debut, “Life’s Phenomenon,” was helmed by famed Finnish producer Hiili Hiilesmaa – a man with a resume featuring the likes of HIM, Sentenced, and Apocalyptica – this go-round saw the band’s manager, Joonas Rinne, don the producer’s hat. The recording spanned numerous sessions from 2022 to 2023, each with its own unique flair.
Rinne, reflecting on the collaboration, opined, “Working with Averlanche has been an interesting journey through time. The album was fun to mix, and the band was a pleasure to work with.” He expressed his hope that listeners would adopt the album as their own upon first listen.
Vocalist Rebecca Spörl waxed poetic about the recording process and her ever-changing favorite song on “Arctic Atlas,” currently “Island Across.” She thanked fans for their patience and support, promising rewards in the form of live performances.
Interestingly, many of the tracks on “Arctic Atlas” were conceived before their debut, “Life’s Phenomenon,” even saw the light of day. Keyboardist Antti Kopra explained the band’s meticulous approach to crafting their sound, from testing multiple arrangements to spreading the recording sessions across time and space.
So, as the days grow warmer, brace yourself for Averlanche’s “Arctic Atlas” – a glacial wonderland of unexpected surprises, ready to challenge your preconceived notions about symphonic metal.
As “Arctic Atlas” makes its inexorable approach, Averlanche has already given fans a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. The album’s lead single, “In the Theater of Fire,” showcases the band’s deft ability to combine frosty soundscapes with blazing theatrics. It’s a track that both encapsulates the album’s essence and leaves listeners yearning for more.
To further whet our collective appetites, Averlanche has announced a series of live performances in support of “Arctic Atlas.” These shows, an opportunity for the band to bring their frigid vision to life, will no doubt feature a mix of old favorites and new gems, creating an immersive experience for all in attendance.
Tracklist/ISRC-codes:
01. -273.16 °C (FID112300005)
02. In The Theater Of Fire (FID112300006)
03. Killing Floor (FID112300007)
04. Heartache Parade (FID112300008)
05. Island Across (FID112300009)
06. Polaris (FID112300010)
07. She & The Dark Winter (FID112300011)
08. Little Lotus (FID112300012)
09. Black Butterflies´ Night (FID112300013)
10. Arctica (FID112300014)
11. Atlas Of Hearts (FID112300015)
As the band navigates the treacherous waters of the music industry, they remain a tight-knit unit, with each member contributing their unique skills and strengths to the collective. Averlanche’s dedication to their craft is palpable, ensuring “Arctic Atlas” will be a high-quality, carefully crafted addition to the symphonic metal canon.
While the journey from “Life’s Phenomenon” to “Arctic Atlas” has been a long and winding one, Averlanche has emerged from the frost, stronger and more focused than ever. As they venture forth into this new chapter, the band’s dedication, passion, and resolve will undoubtedly carry them to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving symphonic metal landscape.
So, dear readers, mark your calendars for May 12th and prepare to embark on a sonic journey to the farthest reaches of the Arctic, where Averlanche’s “Arctic Atlas” awaits. And should you find yourself in the presence of these frosty Finns at one of their upcoming performances, bundle up – things are about to get ice-cold, with a side of scorching theatrics.