Rating: 9 / 10 Stars
STARCHASER is: Kenneth Jonsson (guitars), Ulrich Carlsson (vocals), Örjan Josefsson (bass), Kay Backlund (keys), Johan Koleberg (drums)
REVIEW – Swedish melodic metal unit STARCHASER return with their second full-length album ‘Into the Great Unknown’, out November 15th via Frontiers Music Srl. Expanding on the cinematic power and precision of their 2022 debut, this new chapter finds the band fully formed and firing on all cylinders—offering a symphonic and soaring mix of progressive metal, melodic rock, and epic storytelling.
Opening with the haunting “Stella Exodus”, the album eases listeners into its atmospheric world with spoken word and sweeping keys. Then the title track “Into the Great Unknown” explodes with fist-pumping energy and hard-hitting riffs, immediately asserting the band’s heavier intentions. It’s progressive metal magic with a melodic core, blending intricate musicianship and hook-laden vocals.
“Battalion of Heroes” commands attention with its groove-heavy pulse and anthem-ready chorus—pure adrenaline made for a live setting. “Who Am I” kicks down the tempo gates with pit-worthy intensity, while “One By One” takes a more contemplative, cinematic route that lets the imagination soar. The emotional depth carries into “Shooting Star”, a track that glows with nostalgic wonder and layered instrumentation.
“Under the Same Sky” is a ballad built for singalongs, with heartfelt vocals and lighters-in-the-air grandeur. Things take a darker turn with “The Nightmare King”, which crawls from the depths with eerie melodies and a sense of unsettling beauty. The band slams the gas again with “The Broken Empire”, where shredding guitars, pounding drums, and symphonic keys collide in perfect form.
“War Is a Bad Place for a Good Man” drips with feeling, showcasing Jonsson’s cinematic composition style and Carlsson’s dynamic vocal delivery. “In a Time of Steel” is another fist-raising anthem—equal parts aggressive and majestic—before the journey closes on the gentle, reflective “Far From Home”, a short instrumental that drifts off like a memory.
With ‘Into the Great Unknown’, STARCHASER have created a powerful and immersive experience. It’s melodic metal with brains and heart—crafted by musicians who understand dynamics, drama, and the timeless appeal of epic storytelling through sound. Whether you’re here for the hooks, the virtuosity, or the concept, this record delivers.
For more information on ARTIST, visit:
www.Facebook.com/StarchaserBand
www.Spotify.com/Artist/Starchaser
