Evolving from a solo project by ex-Tad Morose guitarist Kenneth Jonsson into a full-fledged band, Starchaser released their self-titled debut album in 2022. A potent set of material within the melodic heavy metal hemisphere, these musicians set to work right away on the follow-up sophomore platter – which expands upon the abilities of the quintet through Into the Great Unknown. Once establishing a sound, the key on future efforts is to balance out expectations while fulfilling creative desires as musicians, and that’s definitely present throughout this record.
The production values and tones possess a deeper, heavier presence at times to provide more weightiness, especially when looking at the guitar riffs of Kenneth. His driving nature to specific rhythms along with catchy, supplementary touches allows “Battalion of Heroes” and “Under the Same Sky” to become instant favorites. Many keyboard choices from Kay Backlund swirl in this cyber/EDM-oriented atmosphere next to his bright, main chord duties – “One by One” illustrating his sophistication floating in and around the main musical components favorably. The vocal lines shimmer in this AOR meets melodic hard rock/metal kaleidoscope – Ulrich Carlsson delivering verses plus choruses with mature resonance, encompassing elements of Joey Tempest, Mike Reno, and Nils Molin (Dynazty/Amaranthe) in his abilities in the brighter “One by One” as well as poignant, bluesy groove-oriented “War Is a Bad Place For a Good Man”.
The smaller touches contain bigger payoffs when looking at the overall approach present from Starchaser. Drummer Johan Kullberg for instance knows how to throw down exciting fills that never overstep the major musical components – pushing the title track and older Savatage-esque “The Broken Empire” into future classic territory. Servicing the song’s needs is paramount. You’ll hear heroic lead breaks throughout, mostly guitar-driven with the occasional fleet of finger ivory fury, but the writing tends to lean in favor of focused, catchy melodies or musical hooks, accentuating the feel for quick retention to rumble in the brain/body matter months to years later.
More thunderous that the debut, Into the Great Unknown incorporates aspects of traditional metal, melodic metal, and 70s/80s influences to make Starchaser a great catch for those who love the Tony Martin-era of Black Sabbath, early Europe, Deep Purple, and comfortable Scandinavian touches. If you want something very down to earth to get fists waving high or toes tapping, here is another strong effort to appease your wishes.