Elyna Kahn
It is the year of our Lord 2013. The world bid farewell to Nelson Mandela, the South African leader who championed the fight against apartheid and racial injustice. In Southeast Asia, Typhoon Haiyan wreaked havoc, claiming over 6,000 lives in the Philippines. Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, the tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza building resulted in more than 1,000 fatalities. Right, the Metal…
In the music world, Metallica made history with its groundbreaking concert in Antarctica. Stratovarius released the acclaimed Nemesis, Helloween delivered the powerhouse Straight Out Of Hell, and Dream Theater unveiled its self-titled album, hailed as one of their finest works. Amidst these milestones, Finnish metal saw the emergence of a true gem: Thaurorod‘s extraordinary second album, Anteinferno.
My connection with this remarkable album began through its successor, Coast Of Gold (2018). In 2023, during a random music stream, I stumbled upon the track “Feed The Flame”. At first, its furious speed and electrifying rhythm made me think of Dragonforce. The music surged with adrenaline and energy, hitting me like a shot of pure exhilaration.
But it wasn’t Dragonforce; it was Thaurorod. ITs sound instantly captivated me, from its style to its vocalist, Andi Kravljaca. As I explored its discography, I discovered its earlier albums: Upon Haunted Battlefields (2010) and Anteinferno (2013). From the first notes of “Planet X,” I was hooked. A soft piano intro transforms into a thrilling explosion of speed, driven by razor-sharp riffs and rapid drum rolls. Andi’s powerful yet delicate vocals blend seamlessly with the instrumentation, creating a perfect fusion of elegance and intensity.
The energy carries through with “Heart Of A Lion”, an exhilarating anthem for high-speed journeys. Then comes “Overboard”, with blazing riffs, infectious choruses, and drumming that compels you to headbang. The pace slows with “Far From Home”, a more reflective piece that highlights the bass and the exquisite keyboards. The interplay of light and shadow in the keyboards creates a romantic and delicate ambiance, tying the song together beautifully.
“Victor” reignites the galloping speed and adrenaline, delivering killer riffs and flawless melodic precision. Its refreshing energy feels like a safe harbor for my autistic brain. Breaking the pattern, “Marked For Diablo” adopts a slower tempo and emphasizes intricate riffs and vocals, complemented by subtle piano and cinematic keyboards. The progressive masterpiece “For The Rose To The Grave” showcases dazzling heavy metal riffs and gains momentum with its commanding bassline. The riffs and solos are among the finest in the genre, and the chorus is stunning, showcasing Andi’s exceptional vocal progressions.
The album’s crowning achievement, “Anteinferno”, is its longest and most epic track. This criminally underrated masterpiece intertwines technical brilliance with evocative lyrics inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy. With a slower tempo and palm-muted instrumentation, the song’s emotional depth and fluid vocal delivery leave an indelible impression. It’s a must-listen for fans of epic storytelling in metal.
The penultimate track, “Path,” delivers jaw-dropping technical prowess. Blistering guitar sweeps, thunderous basslines, and soaring solos make it a standout, while Andi’s vocals elevate the track’s already stellar chorus. Closing the album is “Riders Of The Shires,” a triumphant finale with dynamic rhythms, vibrant riffs, and uplifting choruses. Its celebratory vibe brings the album to a masterful conclusion, yet its perfection leaves me yearning for more—so I listen again, immersing myself in its brilliance.
Anteinferno is a sonic epic, the kind of album only the Finns could craft. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime masterpiece that warms the soul, invites you to linger in its fiery embrace, and never grows old. Ironically, it makes the Anteinferno feel like a place you’d want to stay forever. If Hell sounds this invigorating, perhaps transcending into its existence wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Label: NoiseArt Records
Release date: 20 December, 2013
Website: https://www.facebook.com/thaurorod
Country: Finland
Score: A forgotten gem!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 