Doom of Destiny by Axxis
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Release date : November 2007
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
Background information
Review
Background information
Surfacing during 1989 via the cult classic album Kingdom of Night, Axxis has penned quality records on behalf of avid Rock fans ever since that time. Full lengths which happen to be anything less than stellar don't figure amongst the group's discography, Axxis being one of the few groups who can boast such a feat. In December 2006, guitarist Guido Wehmeyer left the fold. That position was assumed by January 2007, more specifically by Marco Wreidt.
In support of 2007 opus Doom of Destiny, vocalist Bernhard Weiss and keyboardist Harry Oellers both produced and cut at the duo's Soundworxx studio once again. Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69 bassist) handled mixing duties, whereas Jürgen Lusky undertook mastering (a role he has undertaken upon every Axxis recording since 2002's Pure & Rough). As was the case for 2006's Paradise in Flames, Derek Gores designed the album's artwork. Additionally, female vocalist Lakonia returns within a guest role. On November 10th, the album's title cut was available for streaming via the group's official MySpace page. Apparently, that composition tackles the difference in cultures between Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, “Blood Angel” delves towards fantasy, whilst lone ballad “The Fire Still Burns” touches upon the topic of love.
Review
A wildly exciting adventure, Paradise in Flames was a highlight amongst highlights in the life of an underrated group. Countless admirers likely hold tense nerves as regards Doom of Destiny, but those fraught minds can ease: critiqued against past Axxis albums, the full length shines equally as bright.
A brief choir passage entitled “Voices of Destiny” forms the album's introduction, and its successor in the explosive, quickly paced title cut wastes zero time in pounding at the senses. Female vocals prove largely responsible for the composition's slight Middle Eastern flare, a tune whose anthemic quality can compete against any penned by a rival outfit. The song immediately recalls material favoured by Axxis' upcoming tour mates, namely Helloween and Gamma Ray. Doom of Destiny's indisputable highlight, “Better Fate” emerges as the full length's third number. Spanning across Axxis' latter day material, the group has leant towards a more commercial sound. Within this number, that direction arrives full circle. A superior melodic Metal track, “Better Fate”'s hook is so gigantic that the listener's psyche would encounter immense difficulty in attempting to erase its memory. For quite some time, global Rock stations will likely air the tune. Yet another highlight, “Revolutions”'s verses adopt a somewhat more laid back vibe, whereas the song's heavy chorus chooses to pummel the listener. Likewise, “Devilish Belle” proves both unrelenting and gorgeous in equal measures. More formulaic than several of the track's fellow counterparts, “Devilish Belle” intensely slithers inside your eardrums. Long after the cut's actual conclusion, you're obliged to retain its memory. As mentioned, Doom of Destiny marks the debut of Marco Wreidt. Surely, Wreidt's individual contributions should delight Axxis admirers. Albeit more commercially oriented, its massive tones, and slight technicality (which validates the fact that Wreidt is master of his instrumental stylings), elevate Axxis to an altogether higher status.
Whilst a magnificently strong album in general, Doom of Destiny nonetheless falters in certain instances. Of those weaker moments, “The Fire Still Burns”' 1975 cheeseball sonics are the most prominent. A sour note, the number sadly weathers away the wondrous momentum which Doom of Destiny has built up until this juncture. The full length's swansong cut, “Astoria” is yet another ineffectual track. Its parts never adequately gel long enough to really elicit your affections, and as an immediate consequence, this harms “Devilish Belle”'s inventive melodrama.
In summary, Doom of Destiny is another magical gem amongst Axxis' discography. Why the group has hitherto failed to gain worldwide sales is eternally baffling, and once more, this reviewer finds himself stating that this album will readdress the situation. Admirers of Power, melodic and Progressive Metal should find joy in Doom of Destiny's material, although a healthy amount of radio and Hard Rock devotees should experience stimulation as well.
