Canada is not really the first country you think of when it comes to high-class melodic metal. This could possibly change a bit now withBOREALIS (from Orangeville, Ontario). So far this young and talented band may mostly be known to insiders and a smaller but devoted fanbase, but their new (3rd) album “Purgatory” proves that BOREALIS belong to the best metal bands to emerge in recent years.
After the self-released “World Of Silence” (2008) and 2011’s “Fall From Grace” (Lion Music/Hydrant Music), now with “Purgatory” the band reaches a whole new level. Their surprisingly high recognition value not only comes from the tasteful instrumentations but also from Matt Marinelli’s expressive voice which elegantly guides through the twelve songs on “Purgatory”. BOREALIS create atmospheric depth like only few others are able to do. Their partly quite modern guitar riffs merge with classic power metal, progressive elements and a symphonic touch, to build a heavy and intense, yet melodic sound which fans of bands like Evergrey, Kamelot and Nocturnal Rites will embrace to the fullest.
„Purgatory“was recorded in the Sanctuary studios of BOREALIS drummer Sean Dowell, who also was the mixing engineer. Mastering then was handled by Thomas „Plec“ Johansson (Panic Room studio, Schweden – a.o. Scar Symmetry).
BOREALIS was founded in 2005, when its members still were teenagers. Quickly the band wrote their first songs and recorded the debut album “World Of Silence” in 2008. Following that, BOREALIS opened concerts for severals metal greats (a.o. Kamelot, Epica and Sonata Arctica) in Canada.
Summer 2010 saw BOREALIS working on their sophomore album „Fall From Grace“, which was then released by Lion Music and Hydrant (Japan) in April/May 2011. The album was received very well and led to invitations from festivals in the US (f. ex. ProgPower, Atlanta) and Europe (f. ex. PPM fest, Belgium), making the band known to a bigger scene audience. A North American tour with Saxon then became the biggest highlight in the band’s still young career so far.
„Purgatory“ now surely will secure that BOREALIS make the well-deserved next step. Another climax already ahead as the band will support Evergrey on their upcoming North American tour.