Label: Independent
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Links: https://asterise.bandcamp.com/album/tale-of-a-wandering-soul
Line Up:
Bartlomiej Mezynski (Guitars & Bass)
Dionysis Maniatakos (Keyboards & Orchestrations)
Slawomir Siwak (Drums)
Lukasz Wyspiarski (Acoustic Guitar)
Lubomyr Kosakovsky (Bass Solo)
Mateusz Karmelita (Guitar Solo)
Andi Kravljaca (Guitar solo)
Sozos Michael (Vocals)
Arnaud Menard (Vocals)
Tristan Harders (Vocals)
Noah Edward Simmons (Vocals)
Garrett Campbell (Vocals)
Katharina Stahl (Vocals)
Aleksandra Mezynska (Backing choir)
Katarzyna Lewucha (Backing choir)
Kacper Stawski (Backing choir)
Tracklist:
Intro
Twisted Ferryman
Into Fantasy
Raven
Wicked Dream
Drifting Into Darkness
Tale Of A Wandering Soul
Golden Land
Call Of Whispers
Awaken
Farewell
In 2018, when Dionysis Maniatakos and Bartlomiej Mezynski combined their talents to forge something innovative, Asterise boldly declared “If Avantasia can do it, so can we.” Drawing inspiration from bands like Stratovarius, Gamma Ray, and hints of Primal Fear, this online-exclusive venture delivers a symphonic metal opera to its audience.
Their journey began modestly with ‘Two Worlds’ in 2022, featuring just three vocalists – Arnaud Menard, Tristan Harders, and Katharina Stahl – alongside a handful of guest musicians. By 2024, their roster had expanded to rival that of Tobias Sammet & Co., as their reputation grew and attracted more collaborative interest.
‘Tales of a Wandering Soul’ emerges as a masterpiece, avoiding the potential pitfall of style overshadowing substance. By strategically utilizing their expanded lineup, each song perfectly matches vocals to style, creating an immersive fantasy world through music. Among the standout moments are the captivating ballad ‘Raven’ and the title track, which transitions from a deceptively gentle acoustic opening into an explosive performance.
The current impressive lineup includes the foundational members: Dionysis Maniatakos (Keyboards & Orchestrations) and Bartlomiej Mezynski (Guitars & Bass), supported by Slawomir Siwak (Drums) and Lukasz Wyspiarski (Acoustic Guitar). The vocal ensemble features Sozos Michael, Arnaud Menard, Tristan Harders, Noah Edward Simmons, Garrett Campbell, and Katharina Stahl, while Lubomyr Kosakovsky (Bass Solo) and the duo of Mateusz Karmelita & Andi Kravljaca (Guitar solo) provide instrumental expertise. The backing choir consists of Aleksandra Mezynska, Katarzyna Lewucha, and Kacper Stawski.
Written by: Adrian Hextall
Ratings: 8/10
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