Last year was a big year for the Japanese power metal crew of Hagane. Picking up the pieces after losing three members in 2023, and bringing in two new ones in vocalist Nagi and drummer Junna, the reinvigorated Hagane released a taste of new material in the form of the Life Goes On EP. Set on continuing their presence and moving forward, Top of the Tower is the first full-length from the act with this new line-up. If you checked out last year’s EP, you are going to love this. If you didn’t, Top of the Tower is a fine place to start your investigation into this fascinating act.
What makes Top of the Tower so great isn’t that it is a shred-tastic power metal journey, but that it’s more than just that. You only have to go as far as “No Lose” to really hear what the band is trying to do, and it’s quick to grab your attention. For all of the band’s ability to shred, which you can hear a significant amount of as you go through said track, it’s the soaring and epic melodies and adventurous atmosphere that brings it all up a notch. “No Lose” absolutely elevates itself with Nagi’s vocals, which shine either when belting out the anthemic chorus or soothes when the tempo slows down, and the band’s ability to switch off from the galloping pace and bring some elegant melodic structure when needed.
“Kagome” is a track that instantly stands out for it’s East Asian flavors and folk-ish tendencies. Enticing tribal drum rhythms and additional instrumentation, gang vocals and choirs, and a dance-like mood makes for a very exotic sounding track, and one that’s far removed from the usual power metal schtick. What’s even better is when the guitar riffs pick up the pace to shredding tempos and give it a thrilling climax around the midway point. “Records of TSURUGI” is another off the beaten path cut, one that’s also infectiously danceable, swirling around Nagi’s vocals and Sakura’s incredibly playful guitar melodies. Also adding in here is some showstopping rhythm section work from the drum and bass combo of Junna and Sayaka. Last but not least in this category is the beautiful “With a Dream,” which moves even further from power metal. Dare it be said, there’s an enjoyable pop element that permeates the soaring ballad-y track. Nagi’s singing is simply spot-on as the music provides a driving and powerfully emotive hook.
For those seeking a more traditional power metal experience though, Hagane still delivers in that over-the-top and shining fashion. “Catch the Star” is a driving cut that showcases an elegant blend of high-tempo firepower and epic melodic sensibility from Sakura’s guitarwork. “Heart Scream” echoes that particular sentiment well, giving the album a suitably glorious closing number that’s bound to stick with you due to it’s fantastical and uplifting chorus. “Over the Fate” gives all of the focus to the instrumentation, and does well to keep it catchy and forward-moving rather than a relentless shredfest. It almost feels more akin to a fantasy RPG video game soundtrack cut than anything else. But if there’s one song that stands out in this category, it’s the thrilling “Start Our Journey.” The group goes full Dragonforce in their addictive shred and tempos, but makes sure to keep the melodies bright and at the forefront, making it the album’s most exhilarating and cinematic song, and is sure to raise plenty of fists in it’s smile-inducing chorus.
Top of the Tower is dazzling in both it’s display of razor-sharp shredding and beautiful melodies. Hagane have really set a high bar for what can be accomplished within the power metal realm, and at the same time prove they don’t have to stay boxed inside of it’s trappings. While they can scorch riffs as well as anyone else out there, Hagane provides a sound that still feels hook-y and accessible, and it makes for a power metal journey that you aren’t going to easily forget.