METALIUM - GERMANY

METALIUM - STATE OF TRIUMPH - MASSACRE/ PAVEMENT
Only Germans can write quality speed metal like this! It is amazing, right from the first note on opener Steel Avenger one knows that this is melodic speed metal as it was, is and shall always be. Building on a solid sound and performance, the revamped line up of Metalium plunges head first into a symphonic metal fest deserving of its fast-rising reputation. Strangely this sophomore conceptual effort hasn't been receiving the same positive nod as its predecessor, but the high-pitched vocals (a la Queensryche/ Jacob's Dream,etc) and powerful musicianship are convincing as is the concept of the metal warrior Metalian (a gross misspelling? On the other hand there is only one The Metallian). The band presents the listener with both barn burners and metal ballads as befits the concept of the story and overall delivers a respectable metal opus for your listening pleasure. - Ali "The Metallian"

METALIUM - AS ONE - CHAPTER FOUR - CENTURY MEDIA
As One - Chapter Four - is Metalium's fourth album. The revamped line-up of the Germans sticks to its formula of making solid metal with screaming vocals and pounding songs. The musicians are in good form and continue the saga of the Metalian (clearly an impostor to the one and only Metallian) from the band's last album by introducing his companion, the foxy Metaliana. Both are given voice within the adventure and come to life both as persons and as subjects of the saga. The story has occurred some 3,000 years ago and is interesting to follow. Sadly, the lyrics are hard to read given the booklet's layout. Where Metalium forfeits points is in the sound department. The production is not cohesive and the drums and bass occasionally sound apart from the rest of the pandemonium. Notwithstanding that obstacle, Metalium is a very good band that proudly waves the flag of heavy metal. The band's concept story and production shackle As One... to some extent, although the album remains a good choice for most. - Ali "The Metallian"

METALIUM - DEMONS OF INSANITY - CRASH
Metalium is a German heavy metal band, but spank me silly if this album is not sounding conspicuously thrashy with a couple of melodious songs here and there. . The four good-looking German guys with long hair and metal conviction perform well. They also know how to bang heads, thrash the audience and cause a slamming riot. The band continues the story of its hero and heroine through the medium of screaming vocals, crunchy guitars, assorted solos and a drummer who bashes his kit to pieces. No complaints there, except the big accent on the intro is really too much. It is almost comical when the voice proclaims, "will man stand the test of time?" Besides the album is too long. The band should have chopped a few songs and brought the album from fourteen to ten or so songs. Things begin to drag a bit towards the end. Nevertheless, the chanting vocals, guitars, pounding bass and the energy keep you going. Metalium has also managed to procure the talent of Deep Purple's Don Airey who can be heard here and there on songs like Destiny and Silence Of The Night. If Teutonic heavy metal bordering on thrash metal with lots of guitar acrobatics and backing and lead vocals sounds good then Demons Of Insanity is exactly what the doctor ordered. - Sheila Wes Det

METALIUM - NOTHING TO UNDO - CHAPTER SIX - CRASH  
Metalium is a nifty heavy metal band with a knack for belting out genuine heavy metal. The band with its proud metal credentials is tight, heavy, pure and even counts a couple of really cool guys with long manes - yummy - in its ranks, yet, and in all honesty, something is still missing.
Metalium obviously is a good band and is established everywhere with particular strength in its German homeland. Comparisons to Iron Savior, Primal Fear and Nightrage abound, although from time to time the listener wishes singer Henning Basse and the three musicians around him would stretch themselves and reach a bit higher. Check out the song Dare or Follow The Sign where a higher vocal note, a little more speed or a more exciting guitar crunch help the band escape the routine of its competent, solid and reliable music for a little more action. That extra pizzazz is exactly what the good metal doctor ordered for Metalium. Nothing To Undo also benefits from a better production than the band’s last album and for some reasons features a cover of Queen’s Show Must Go On. - Sheila Wes Det