Alltheniko are a speed / traditional metal band from Italy. If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past five or six years, then you would know that Italy in particular is a hotbed of activity for this genre. It seems that this country sprouts these bands daily, and some of them of are of world class quality with Alltheniko definitely standing among this prestigious group of Italian metallers.
The one thing that really sticks out with Back in 2066 is the feeling of power and melody. Even though this isn’t a power metal album by any means, you are still able to feel that empowering heavy metal attitude that fans of this sound long for. With that in mind, the songwriting lends itself to anthemic vocals, speedy riff blasts which get the blood pumping, and catchy hooks that drive so deep into your heavy metal soul that you’ll need more than a pair of pliers to pull them out.
Speaking of riffs that rip, the one thing that sets this album apart from the over-the-top alternatives is that it’s not just speed metal all the way through. Instead it’s sort of like a garnish; it’s used to create an explosive opening for a song, or increase a songs energy whilst intermingling with other elements such as traditional metal, or even 80′s-esque rock. It’s quite the experience to be thrust from one element to the other at a seconds notice, and it feels like the whole album was an amalgamation of everything that’s old-school.
One of the most crucial aspects to this sound, and one that has plagued bands since the early 80s, is that of the vocalist. In Alltheniko‘s case, forego the lyrics and just take in the vocalist’s sublime melodies and empowering energy. Song after song, he’s able to carry it on his back like a patriarch of metal and will have your fist in the air whilst your head bobs furiously. There are many moments where you can feel it in your bones. What more could you ask for from a vocalist?
Albeit this is an old-school sounding album in terms of the songwriting, production wise, it’s a whole other story. The instruments are big and full, each section of the sound being audible and clear. This album sounds like it was recorded in 2012, and not in 1984, and that’s a very good thing. It’s refreshing to hear “contemporary” old-school metal sound like it was released this decade, and more bands should take note. Back in 2066 is an album that will appeal to fans of speed, trad, and anyone who appreciates the glory days of heavy metal, so do yourself a favor and give it a spin or three – the power of heavy metal compels you!
8/10
About the Author
Anyway I'm one of the co-founders of Axis Of Metal, which I created out of a love for all things heavy. Admittedly my first foray into music wasn't so heavy. At twelve i developed a love for grunge music, which then lead to a love of classic rock, and punk. Then as I consumed almost every piece of music in said genres I needed something with a bit more intensity, and something more extreme. One day I was walking through the halls in my high school, and i heard music blasting out of someone's headphones, and it was exactly what I was looking for. So after I found out that it was Slayer's "Disciple" I went home that day, and listened to every song Slayer had ever released, and that's how it all started.
So that's my story, so why not go out and listen to me blabber on, on the podcast or go and read what the Axis Of Metal's writing team has to say. Axis of Metal is created by metal heads, for metal heads.
