A new era of Amberian Dawn rises with new lead singer and single ‘unchained’
PHOTO CREDIT: Kanerva Mantila (@kanervamantilaphotography)
Finnish symphonic metal band Amberian Dawn have lit up the music scene with their third single “Unchained” off of their upcoming album Temptation's Gates, which will be releasing June 26 via Napalm Records. A guitar driven journey into freedom “Unchained” is crafted with adoration toward the more classical metal riff stylings that the genre was built on.
Pre-Order Temptation’s Gates here
The song itself, of course, has that grand adventure kind of energy that kind of defines symphonic metal. What I like most is that it isn’t sorrowful or oppressive in its energy. The tone is certainly more gothic leaning, in the sense that it has these string sections and heavy chugging guitar. Outside of those aspects the tempo is more akin to a jaunty tune. The opening guitar is bouncy and bright, the drum beats skip along, and the bassline serves more to back up the sound than bring that grounding energy it is often used for. Once we get to the guitar solos it feels like a stylish peak to the song, offering its own untamed voice.
Listen to “Unchained” here
“Unchained” is also the moment where we break into more of lead singer Nicole Willerton’s vocal talents. In her first album with Amberian Dawn, she uses “Unchained” as the debut for her impressive growls alongside her more angelic clean vocals. Together those stylings make for a winding epic about finding freedom within yourself.
"'Unchained' is a song that talks about breaking free from inner pain. It describes the struggle of feeling trapped by fear and judgement. The song challenges the tendency to degrade others out of fear or insecurity and reminds us that we are all human and need to be able to be ourselves. The song explores the importance of finding freedom and letting go of our demons."
Nicole Willerton about "Unchained"
Watch the music video for “Unchained” below;
The music video for “Unchained” has a dark take on the Old Hollywood/Sin City style. The entire thing is a greyed out affair with red pops of color. Nicole herself is center stage, elegantly dressed as she belts the lyrics like a woman possessed. The macabre elements of the video include suspension and ropes keeping her held aloft in some shots as well as being contained within a glass box. There is a sultry element to the video, but it is overlaid with a wonderfully powerful, almost feral, aura that keeps you hooked. Simplistic in its storytelling but feeling like a band that would be playing in the background of an apocalyptic film.
Temptation’s Gates Tracklist
"Temptation's Gates"
"The Vision of Dreaming"
"Moon"
"Unchained"
"Eternal Flame"
"Life is Art"
"This Night is Waiting for Me"
"Undying Colours"
"The Garden"
"Phantasmagoria"
(Cover Artwork Jan Yrlund @darkgrove_design)
The full release of Temptation's Gates promises to be an exciting ride. With ten captivating tracks to get lost in the band has teased both classic influences and modern twists. A celebration of authenticity themes will range from inner turmoil to infatuation and love. Already the album has songs that bring lively energy to the symphonic metal genre. The injection of more upbeat and danceable songs gives a fresh and rejuvenated feel. As the dawn of these new era approaches, excitement has been building to truly witness what Amberian Dawn has to offer.