Lack of gigs/touring for musicians = more free time to channel creativity into hopefully steady recordings of new songs. Born out of the 2020-21 global pandemic, Terra Atlantica vocalist/guitarist Tristan Harders put together this solo project Twilight Theatre, directing these twelve tracks for Drifting into Insanity into more of his early 2000’s melodic power metal influences. Handling all the instrumentation save for additional choir and a couple of guest vocal/guitar solo appearances, this record reaches back into a time period where uplifting melodies, happier hooks, and fantasy/magical imagery reigned supreme for a bombastic, multi-sensory odyssey.
Requisite elements include a triumphant “Entrance” intro, guitar/keyboard syncopation aligning to energetic sixteenth note percussion dimensions, larger than life choruses tailor made for thousands to chant/sing in unison while drinking their favored beverage, and supplementary bells and whistles to convey that melodic charm inherent in the power metal spectrum. Chunkier riffs that contain slightly staccato-edged twists puts “Open the Gates” in surprising air, especially when the arrangement changes into a lighter bridge, while the lead break features a very strong, emotive run aligning well for those into Kai Hansen or Michael Schenker. Those who want lightning quick runs and equally engaging vocals will find “Rise Against the Tyranny” and “In the Realms of Memories” fist-waving pleasers – the blades hoisted high ready to win any battle thrown before you. Aware of the versatility necessary to keep listener interest, there are a few mid-tempo anthems that appear from time to time – “When Fairytales Are Gone” probably the best of the bunch, the choir-filled chorus plus soothing main guitar melody very easy to maintain brain retention long after each successive airing. “Save Me from Insanity” features Tomi Fooler of SkeleToon, serving up his killer personality and tremendous high falsetto abilities in a song that early Angra/Edguy followers treasure. The record ends on a calmer, acoustic track with “Between the Battles” – showcasing Tristan in a reflective spirit with ideal multi-part harmonization during the chorus while his acoustic picking channels a cultural nature a la 90’s Blind Guardian.
Admittedly sticking to specific cliches and executing a style that has obvious comparisons (Freedom Call beyond the already mentioned Angra and Edguy), Drifting into Insanity contains that pomp, circumstance, and positive charm that fans of late 90’s/early 2000’s European power metal desire. And that escape from reality can be welcomed as we await any form of normalcy to return.