Band: Excalion
Album title: High Time
Label: Limb Music
Distributor: Bertus
Release date: 29/01/2010
Release: CD

Excalion (a melodic power metal band) was founded in December 2000 in Konnevesi, Finland and in autumn 2001 the band recorded their first demo “Forlorn” to be followd with their second album witch was released in the autumn of 2003 and was called “Obsession to Prosper”. This demo was convincing enough and got them signed with a record label witch was the start of Excalion’s debut album that was released in the autumn 2004 and was named “Primal Exhale”.
Later on in 2005 the band knew some line up changes and a second cd release in 2007. Now 3 years later we finally have the chance to check out number 3 called “High Time”.
Now I’m not really familiar with their music but the first thing that noticed me was the diversity in their music. One moment their playing sounds like a melodic medieval metal band and the next it sounds and feels like something Arabic. Everybody likes variation, but on some tracks I have the feeling this backfires and the while album has no real hook to hang on to or doesn’t have a real concept. Although the music is very consistent there are no weak songs on this album, but than again also nothing really special and doesn’t really amaze anyone. But don’t get me wrong, I’m still very impressed with the musicianship and the certain atmospheres they create, but it feels like it’s an average album.

71/100

Jeroen.