Time Signature
Here to learn...
Genre: Power metal
Project Arcadia is a Bulgarian power metal band and... wait a minute. Bulgaria is in Eastern Europe, and Project Arcadia is a European power metal band. Oh no, not another fucking lame cheesefest! Oh, well, let's check it out anyway shall we?
The first track is called 'Here to Learn', and, you know what, we're all here to learn. I learned that Project Arcadia may be a European power metal band, but they're by no means a lame cheesy Euro-power metal band. They're actually pretty damn awesome. We're here to learn, and, well, lesson learned.
Like most other European power metal acts, Project Arcadia have an inherently melodic sound, but rather than embracing the happy puppy aesthetics of stereotypical Euro-power metal, Project Arcadia opt for a heavier and, at times, more aggressive sounding sound which ventures into power-thrash territory every now and then. There are even a couple of metalcore breakdowns in 'The Deal' and 'Beggars at the Door', and you know what, while metalcore breakdowns have become a bit of a joke, Project Arcadia actually make them sound good. In fact, 'Beggars at the Door' is a damn fucking awesome metal song
The musicianship is top notch, and the production is crisp and neatly captures both the melody, epicness, and aggression that characterize their style. The vocals are perhaps a bit thin at times, but that's a minor issue that lies in the production rather than in the chops of the vocalist.
Fans of both Euro- and US-power metal should find this album appealing, because it is very well put together. It captures the best of power metal and avoids the worst. Lesson learned.