Rexoria - 'Ice Breaker'

(Pride and Glory)

Swedish metallers Rexoria have come a long way in a very short space of time and deservedly so. I first became aware of them with their single ‘Run For Your Life’ in 2016 which is an insanely catchy slice of melodic metal they subsequently signed to Pride and Joy Records for the well-received album ‘Queen of Light’ which was released in 2018 and quickly followed by their second ‘Ice Breaker’ which is out now for us to enjoy!

I love this band they craft relaly commercial melodic metal which just ticks all the right boxes with me. They straddle the gap between symphonic metal and traditional 80’s heavy metal, but there are a few other metallic genres which they don’t shy away from when crafting their songs. For example, the Power Metal chorus on ‘Fight the Demons’ would make Hammerfall extremely jealous.

I love Frida Ohlin’s voice and she helps elevates the band out of the mass of similar sounding bands. She’s also extremely versatile so can-do Doro-esque power and girt vocals as well as soaring symphonic vocals but most importantly for me she can do smooth melodious vocals which turn me into a dribbling fan boy! She’ll often display this range all in one song!

Rexoria are far from a one trick pony though the guitar riffs are exciting, energetic and engrossing and the thunderous rhythms keep it heavy. The marriage of Ohlin’s vocals and the music from the rest of the band is a melodic metal dream! For me Rexoria are light years ahead most bands within the same genre!

‘Ice Breaker’ displays the band firing on all cylinders with songs like ‘Velvet Heroes’, ‘In the Wild’ and the title track itself sure to become melodic metal classics! ‘Roaring’ is a personal favourite it’s a powerful song which is also deeply emotional. I found the chorus in particular really stirring and oddly therapeutic! A real monster of an anthem that I’m sure will electrify their audience when it’s performed live.

If you like melodic metal then you have to give some time to Rexoria, trust me they are worth your time. If you’re a fan of symphonic metal and or female vocalists in general they are also worth giving a looksee. Given their highly commercial sound I think hard rock fans and melodic rocks fans will also be impressed! Screw It! I think everyone should check Rexoria out, they are Awesome!

9/10

Essential Track - 'Roaring'

Review by Woody