Flight Of Icarus Terra Nova CD Review
Swedish band Flight of Icarus is preparing for takeoff with their third release, “Terra Nova”, via Battlegod Productions. While this is my first encounter with the band, the accompanying bio dubs them “Pop Metal”, a label that sells them short. If we’re being honest, this is AOR through and through, and that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s what makes this record shine.
The sound draws from the rich, melodic legacy of late ‘80s and early ‘90s Rock, but with a modern touch that brings to mind acts like Evanescence, Epica, and Lacuna Coil. There’s a little bit of everything here, lush atmospheres, emotional peaks, and instant melodic hooks. It doesn’t take more than one track to get a feel for the band’s vibe.
Frontwoman Elisabeth Särnefält Rösehag is a force. Her voice is soulful, expressive, and emotionally magnetic - a storyteller’s voice, smooth as silk but gripped with feeling. She doesn’t sound like anyone else, and that’s a rare compliment. The self-harmonizing and layered vocals add even more depth and warmth, wrapping the songs in a rich, cinematic texture.
Instrumentally, the band nails the AOR aesthetic - soaring keys, elegant string arrangements, crisp riffs, and tasteful lead breaks. The production is clean, spacious, and purposeful, letting each element breathe without sacrificing punch.
Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room, yes, the band’s name is taken from the classic Iron Maiden track, “Flight of the Icarus.” And in a bold move, they close the album with a stunning reinterpretation of this very song. It's soft, moody, and plodding, transforming the Metal anthem into something heartfelt and soulful.