A Hero For The World - S/T (2013)

Now here is something you do not see or hear every day. A symphonic power metal band that consist of two members that both comes from Sweden but now lives in the Philippines. Talk about some unique stuff here. Anyhow, A Hero For The World consist of Jacob Kaasgaard (vocals and keyboard) and David Sivelind (guitar and bass). And with a little help from drummer Andy Gentile and guest appearances from female vocalist Louiebeth Aratan, Jacob and David has created the self titled debut for their band. As stated before, this band plays symphonic power metal so prepare yourselves for a assault of speed, powerful singing and some sweet guitar licks.

The first thing that catches my attention is the wide variety the band is showing in this album. There is a mix of speed, calm and great instrumentation in this album that is very appealing. Much of the material (especially the faster songs) reminds me a lot of Edguy but this still feels fresh and new. Only instant complaint I have on the bands performance is that Jacob sometimes can not fully control the really high notes  with his vocals but it is a small flaw since he is doing a great job through out the album.

When it comes to the individual songs, I am as impressed as I was with the instrumentation and the professional production. Jacob knows how to make a song different and give it a own special touch to it but also keeping most of the choruses memorable. But the inexperience is showing here and there, especially in "Alive" where the chorus is just too annoying for me. The overall experience however is better than I expected. Some songs that really made an impression on me was the fast and determined "We Are Forever", the exciting and innovative "Heaven's Eyes" and also  the epic "Free Forever" that also have a little of a celtic touch in it. Even "End of Time" has it great moments even though I do not approve of the long, boring intro but that makes up by a powerful chorus.

In the end of the album, the band is trying to expand its wings a little extra when the three last songs together makes the title track. "Over Land And Sea" opens the title track but it only works as a little warm up before "A Quest For The Brave" really kicks of this ending with a story of epic proportions. But I am missing the needed musicality that would make the song even more epic and really rise it up to the skies. Luckily, that musicality is found in the third part, "One Hope of Light", and thank god for that since that part is ten minutes long. A good way too end the title track and the album.

I have listened to a lot of debuts in my days but I think the debut by A Hero For the World is one of the more impressive ones so far. Jacob and David has proven themselves as two great musiscians and together they create a force that is sure to be recond with. There are some flaws here and there but those mistake will easily be gone when the band gets a little flesh on their bones. This album will not be available for the world until the 29th of March but when it is released I highly suggest that you buy this album if you are a fan of symphonic power metal. This band has a bright future.

Songs worthy of recognition: Heaven's Eyes, We Are Forever, One Hope of Light

Rating: 9/10

Website: www.aherofortheworld.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/aherofortheworld
Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/aherofortheworld
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aherofortheworld
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ahftw