Power Metal album of the decade!?!?

Sho was at his best on this album (what a voice when he reaches high notes on Endless Story !), Vetelgyus (the song) was inspired by the irish folk, i really appreciate it, and the masterpiece of this album is Enemy to Injustice, clearly, i can't stop listening to it. But overall, this album is just fantastic, with excellent guitar and keyboards solo as usual. This band has an astonishing capacity of renewal, they produce music almost each year and it's always good. Galneryus eternal !

Dear god, i'm just Reading the comments and a 9.5 score... I can't wait.

Living in Japan for years and hearing the countless semi-symphonic bands early on I recognized that even Galneyrus follows a very Japan-like script with their melodies. This comes from a long running fad in mainstream Japanese anime, videogames, and music (most which will never see the light of day abroad), but is partly due to the limits of the language. Even very good Japanese vocalists will readily admit that the language forces the vocal melodies into a particular style.

From the very first lyrical line on this new album, you already know exactly where the melody will go, and unfortunately the driving guitar melodies tend to follow. The exact same vocal "tracks" are reused time and time again from album to album.

That being said, this album offers some of their most convincing melodies, even if adhering to the script. It may even be close to perfection within those limits, and at times appears to break outside them. Musicianship is fantastic as usual, though guitars remain "chunky". Keyboards sound good, and added atmospheric portions are a major standout, making the familiar vocal melodies more tolerable than previous efforts. The instrumental track Vetelgyus is a wild ride, with true traditional Japanese melodies coming from the keys. Good album, but not a large step up.

Power metal, apparently excellent, late 2014 release... let the vote abuse begin.

Really rate this band!.. and I think they may have topped Angel of Salvation, which is a phenomenal album. Difficult to compare with their earlier work as they've changed quite a bit since Yama B left the band, but the music is just as refreshing and incredible as ever.

I have to say 2014 has been a really good year for Power Metal to come back with loads of good stuff from old band. Galneryus has been running for 13 years so they're in my "old band list". Freedom Call, SA, Elvenking, Gamma Ray,...all put out their good stuff but seems like Galneryus topped all of them.

The album sounds fresh and there're lots of nice element they use in this one, also that title track hands down as one of the best instrumental tracks I've ever listened to. The whole album is solid with good production and originality, instrumental has always been the advantage of the band, the vocal sounds way more confident and powerful than the previous two.

To be honest I'm skeptical when seeing people rate way too high on this one, thought it was overrated. It's not, at least for me. Beautiful!

Written by Mizukami on 28.09.2014 at 19:43

Sho was at his best on this album (what a voice when he reaches high notes on Endless Story !)

Agreed. Also his accent when singing in English seems to be a lot softer - I feel I can finally stop missing Yama-B.

Written by Wukk on 07.10.2014 at 20:32

Power metal, apparently excellent, late 2014 release... let the vote abuse begin.

Haha, I thought exactly the same thing and was pleasantly surprised by this one. There's been a bunch of power metal bands this year who have soared to the top of the chart only to get hammered down after non-fans listened. I tend to REALLY not like power metal but this album is outstanding. The vocals are sick and maybe since it's in another language they don't annoy me like most other power metal. It's fast, catchy, and the neo-classical elements definitely kept my interest. I also tend not to like much metal that comes from Japan but I'm pretty sure this is easily going to be my favorite Japanese metal album. I even like it better than "Art of Life" by X Japan. My favorite tracks are probably (6) Vetelgyus and (5) Enemy to Injustice.

Written by chomskeet on 09.10.2014 at 04:03
I tend to REALLY not like power metal but this album is outstanding.

Oh good, because I tend to REALLY like power metal. I've also never listened to Galneryus. I should get to it right away.

Written by Sword_Chant on 27.09.2014 at 15:01

Power Metal album of the decade!?!?

Sure. Album of the last decade of September 2014

The surprise of the year! I might give this album a 10 eventually, it's very trippy. Really loving it.

There's a lot of creativity and experimentation in it. Galneryus was really inspired this time.

Great fuckin' album.

Why on earth are there still idiots to put a 1 score in the only purpose to piss off the world, just because they don't accept that their favorite bands are at the top of the ranking ? I feel a profound pity for you, and i'm sad at the same time...
And when we ask you to justify your vote, nobody is there to give an answer. How pathetic.

Written by Mizukami on 10.10.2014 at 22:40

Why on earth are there still idiots to put a 1 score in the only purpose to piss off the world, just because they don't accept that their favorite bands are at the top of the ranking ? I feel a profound pity for you, and i'm sad at the same time...
And when we ask you to justify your vote, nobody is there to give an answer. How pathetic.

I know, it's notorious on this site. Like most people that vote albums with a 1, they were probably too lazy to even listen to the album. The best thing you can do is not base your opinions on the overall votes for albums on Metal Storm, if you like what you hear then that's all that matters. Chances are it's awesome - and imo Galneryus have really raised the bar, it's without a doubt their best album, I highly doubt they'll top this album again in their musical career.

Written by Sword_Chant on 11.10.2014 at 01:02

Written by Mizukami on 10.10.2014 at 22:40

Why on earth are there still idiots to put a 1 score in the only purpose to piss off the world, just because they don't accept that their favorite bands are at the top of the ranking ? I feel a profound pity for you, and i'm sad at the same time...
And when we ask you to justify your vote, nobody is there to give an answer. How pathetic.

I know, it's notorious on this site. Like most people that vote albums with a 1, they were probably too lazy to even listen to the album. The best thing you can do is not base your opinions on the overall votes for albums on Metal Storm, if you like what you hear then that's all that matters. Chances are it's awesome - and imo Galneryus have really raised the bar, it's without a doubt their best album, I highly doubt they'll top this album again in their musical career.

No, they were not lazy, only immature brats. Normally, i'm the kind of person who never write anything but, here, when I saw guys putting a 1 score on this album... I cannot accept this. Also, when I see that some people are creating several accounts just to bury a band, it hurts me (the contrary is also possible, multi-accounting to put a 10). So yeah, i'm gonna follow your advice, i can't do anything to stop this "endless story". Galneryus will stay forever as my favourite band.

Written by Mizukami on 11.10.2014 at 12:33

Written by Sword_Chant on 11.10.2014 at 01:02

Written by Mizukami on 10.10.2014 at 22:40

Why on earth are there still idiots to put a 1 score in the only purpose to piss off the world, just because they don't accept that their favorite bands are at the top of the ranking ? I feel a profound pity for you, and i'm sad at the same time...
And when we ask you to justify your vote, nobody is there to give an answer. How pathetic.

I know, it's notorious on this site. Like most people that vote albums with a 1, they were probably too lazy to even listen to the album. The best thing you can do is not base your opinions on the overall votes for albums on Metal Storm, if you like what you hear then that's all that matters. Chances are it's awesome - and imo Galneryus have really raised the bar, it's without a doubt their best album, I highly doubt they'll top this album again in their musical career.

No, they were not lazy, only immature brats. Normally, i'm the kind of person who never write anything but, here, when I saw guys putting a 1 score on this album... I cannot accept this. Also, when I see that some people are creating several accounts just to bury a band, it hurts me (the contrary is also possible, multi-accounting to put a 10). So yeah, i'm gonna follow your advice, i can't do anything to stop this "endless story". Galneryus will stay forever as my favourite band.

I agree with you mate, this is imo the best album of 2014.

Written by Wes on 07.10.2014 at 17:24

Living in Japan for years and hearing the countless semi-symphonic bands early on I recognized that even Galneyrus follows a very Japan-like script with their melodies. This comes from a long running fad in mainstream Japanese anime, videogames, and music (most which will never see the light of day abroad), but is partly due to the limits of the language. Even very good Japanese vocalists will readily admit that the language forces the vocal melodies into a particular style.

From the very first lyrical line on this new album, you already know exactly where the melody will go, and unfortunately the driving guitar melodies tend to follow. The exact same vocal "tracks" are reused time and time again from album to album.

That being said, this album offers some of their most convincing melodies, even if adhering to the script. It may even be close to perfection within those limits, and at times appears to break outside them. Musicianship is fantastic as usual, though guitars remain "chunky". Keyboards sound good, and added atmospheric portions are a major standout, making the familiar vocal melodies more tolerable than previous efforts. The instrumental track Vetelgyus is a wild ride, with true traditional Japanese melodies coming from the keys. Good album, but not a large step up.

Ever considered writing album reviews? I really like your writing style, and the fact that you seemed to have that ethnic music experience made it all more credible and valuable.

Written by Stunning Cactus on 12.10.2014 at 08:40

Written by Wes on 07.10.2014 at 17:24

Living in Japan for years and hearing the countless semi-symphonic bands early on I recognized that even Galneyrus follows a very Japan-like script with their melodies. This comes from a long running fad in mainstream Japanese anime, videogames, and music (most which will never see the light of day abroad), but is partly due to the limits of the language. Even very good Japanese vocalists will readily admit that the language forces the vocal melodies into a particular style.

From the very first lyrical line on this new album, you already know exactly where the melody will go, and unfortunately the driving guitar melodies tend to follow. The exact same vocal "tracks" are reused time and time again from album to album.

That being said, this album offers some of their most convincing melodies, even if adhering to the script. It may even be close to perfection within those limits, and at times appears to break outside them. Musicianship is fantastic as usual, though guitars remain "chunky". Keyboards sound good, and added atmospheric portions are a major standout, making the familiar vocal melodies more tolerable than previous efforts. The instrumental track Vetelgyus is a wild ride, with true traditional Japanese melodies coming from the keys. Good album, but not a large step up.

Ever considered writing album reviews? I really like your writing style, and the fact that you seemed to have that ethnic music experience made it all more credible and valuable.

I was thinking the same thing! Great comment!

Written by Crème fraiche on 13.10.2014 at 05:41

Written by Stunning Cactus on 12.10.2014 at 08:40

Written by Wes on 07.10.2014 at 17:24

Living in Japan for years and hearing the countless semi-symphonic bands early on I recognized that even Galneyrus follows a very Japan-like script with their melodies. This comes from a long running fad in mainstream Japanese anime, videogames, and music (most which will never see the light of day abroad), but is partly due to the limits of the language. Even very good Japanese vocalists will readily admit that the language forces the vocal melodies into a particular style.

From the very first lyrical line on this new album, you already know exactly where the melody will go, and unfortunately the driving guitar melodies tend to follow. The exact same vocal "tracks" are reused time and time again from album to album.

That being said, this album offers some of their most convincing melodies, even if adhering to the script. It may even be close to perfection within those limits, and at times appears to break outside them. Musicianship is fantastic as usual, though guitars remain "chunky". Keyboards sound good, and added atmospheric portions are a major standout, making the familiar vocal melodies more tolerable than previous efforts. The instrumental track Vetelgyus is a wild ride, with true traditional Japanese melodies coming from the keys. Good album, but not a large step up.

Ever considered writing album reviews? I really like your writing style, and the fact that you seemed to have that ethnic music experience made it all more credible and valuable.

I was thinking the same thing! Great comment!

Thanks guys, I really appreciate that! I've always wanted to write guest reviews here. I'm checking out how to do it and the rules etc, and will very likely write some in not too long.

Written by Wes on 13.10.2014 at 07:47

Written by Crème fraiche on 13.10.2014 at 05:41

Written by Stunning Cactus on 12.10.2014 at 08:40

Written by Wes on 07.10.2014 at 17:24

Living in Japan for years and hearing the countless semi-symphonic bands early on I recognized that even Galneyrus follows a very Japan-like script with their melodies. This comes from a long running fad in mainstream Japanese anime, videogames, and music (most which will never see the light of day abroad), but is partly due to the limits of the language. Even very good Japanese vocalists will readily admit that the language forces the vocal melodies into a particular style.

From the very first lyrical line on this new album, you already know exactly where the melody will go, and unfortunately the driving guitar melodies tend to follow. The exact same vocal "tracks" are reused time and time again from album to album.

That being said, this album offers some of their most convincing melodies, even if adhering to the script. It may even be close to perfection within those limits, and at times appears to break outside them. Musicianship is fantastic as usual, though guitars remain "chunky". Keyboards sound good, and added atmospheric portions are a major standout, making the familiar vocal melodies more tolerable than previous efforts. The instrumental track Vetelgyus is a wild ride, with true traditional Japanese melodies coming from the keys. Good album, but not a large step up.

Ever considered writing album reviews? I really like your writing style, and the fact that you seemed to have that ethnic music experience made it all more credible and valuable.

I was thinking the same thing! Great comment!

Thanks guys, I really appreciate that! I've always wanted to write guest reviews here. I'm checking out how to do it and the rules etc, and will very likely write some in not too long.

Feel free to send me a PM upon writing one, I will gladly read it!

Written by Wes on 07.10.2014 at 17:24

Living in Japan for years and hearing the countless semi-symphonic bands early on I recognized that even Galneyrus follows a very Japan-like script with their melodies. This comes from a long running fad in mainstream Japanese anime, videogames, and music (most which will never see the light of day abroad), but is partly due to the limits of the language. Even very good Japanese vocalists will readily admit that the language forces the vocal melodies into a particular style.

Why is Japanese more limiting in this way than English or other European languages?
Not disagreeing of course, I'd just love to know more, since I barely know 5 words in Japanese myself.

Written by Hellthunder on 14.10.2014 at 09:41

Written by Wes on 07.10.2014 at 17:24

Living in Japan for years and hearing the countless semi-symphonic bands early on I recognized that even Galneyrus follows a very Japan-like script with their melodies. This comes from a long running fad in mainstream Japanese anime, videogames, and music (most which will never see the light of day abroad), but is partly due to the limits of the language. Even very good Japanese vocalists will readily admit that the language forces the vocal melodies into a particular style.

Why is Japanese more limiting in this way than English or other European languages?
Not disagreeing of course, I'd just love to know more, since I barely know 5 words in Japanese myself.

Good question, I strayed away from studying Japanese linguistics finally, so forgive my crude and lengthy explanation.

Japanese has too many syllables and vowels, all which for the most part must be pronounced phonetically. Words almost always end with vowels, so to conjugate them we often have to add even more vowels and syllables.

In singing and creating vocal melodies, it's always best to have less syllables, because then you can add them wherever you want, whereas when you have too many, you cannot subtract them. You'll notice that Japanese vocal melodies are chunky in this way. Interestingly, Japanese singers who are not good at English tend to even sing their English parts in a chunky vowel dependent fashion. In spoken Japanese people rarely drag out vowels or add syllables. So with Galneryus, you can hear him singing his English parts as if he's simply beating a drum. Guitars follow along in the same way, rarely dragging out or bending notes, which is a real shame.

Examples, English "black" requires one syllable. In Japanese it's "ku ro i", (3). Or "Loved" still requires just one syllable even in past tense in English, whereas in Japanese we need 愛していた、which is 4 with a minimum of 3. "Ruined" is 2 or possibly even 1 syllable in English, yet again in Japanese we need 4 or 5 depending on what word we use - 壊れた - ko wa re ta (4).

There is much more to say about this topic, and it really is an interesting one! You can really tell the difference by listening to a Japanese version of an English song. They will add syllables or be forced to completely remove them since it was impossible in Japanese to pull off. Utada Hikaru mentioned in an interview how had it was to write vocal melodies in Japanese. I have spoken with a number of professional bilingual vocalists here who rant a lot about this topic, as if all of Japan has been depraved of melody.

Something about the vocals and the Japanese singing parts where a bit for me. But for or a power metal album, Its bombastic, fun and catchy. Haven't heard that much power metal this year but this is certainly a good one.

Took me some time to realize the album title was meant to be "Betelgeuse". "Vetelgyus" was a mistranslation.

After some listens, I say this is an almost perfect album, worthy of at least 9,3. The weakest song here is Ultimatum, which sounds like a typical Galneryus song. There isn't much variation in it.

And I agree a bit with Dark Symphony's comment, some of the Japanese verses just feel out of place. They mixed two completely different languages in the same sentence. It would've been better if they had written these verses entirely in English.

My rating: 9,5/10

As far as the voting system goes on MS, this album is so underrated it's stupid (imo).

I think this album sits around an 8 for me. Worth a couple more listens, but upon first go-through, I'm hearing lots of sweeping orchestrations, innovative, sometimes proggy song-writing and even influence from jazz. Stylistically, this is a somewhat fresh power metal album, and possibly the best of the year IMHO.

Vetelgyus gave me a boner

One of the few power metal bands I love, this album once again solidifies that. We are treated to the mix of keyboards and guitar that we have come to expect and love.