ARION – Vultures Die Alone

Meticulous Metal

The fabulous Finnish five-some Arion are releasing their 3rd studio effort on AFM records titled Vultures Die Alone, and it delivers a powerful punch in the face of Melodic Power Metal that satisfies. After a decade as a band, Arion has matured and refined to become a real force to be reckoned with. The band features Lassi Vääränen (Cønstantine) on vocals, Georgi Velinov (UpEleven) on the bass, Topias Kupiainen (In Victory, Tuomas Norjanen Project) playing drums, Iivo Kaipainen (ex-Edge of Haze) on guitars, and Arttu Vauhkonen rounding out the lineup on keyboards.

Majestic Melodies

The band is joined by two guest vocalists: Battle Beast’s metal goddess Noora Louhimo on the album’s leading single “Bloodline”, and Finland’s newest modern pop metal sensation Cyan Kicks on “In the Name of Love”. Both singers add their own bit of magic to an already great sounding group. The album has 10 tracks coming in at just over 42 minutes, making it just about the perfect length to listen to in a sitting. Vultures Die Alone was produced with Matias Kupiainen (Stratovarius) at the helm and expertly mixed by Adam “Nolly” Getgood (Periphery).

Top Tracks

The album opener is often the strongest track on an album, and ” Out Of My Life” is no exception as it hits you right between the eyes with punchy riffs and hammering drums setting the stage for the catchy vocals. Guest vocalist Noora Louhimo brings her special talents to “Bloodline”, making it definitely a top track contender. On the mellow end of the spectrum, Cyan Kicks sounds fantastic on the bands more emotional “In The Name Of Love”.

Final Notes

Overall, Vultures Die Alone is a very strong release that ranks right up there with some of the new Melodic Metal greats like Dynazty – The Dark Desire. The band has fantastic musicians, well written and arranged songs, and the production values to match. This is definitely an album that should be in every Power Metal / Melodic Metal fan’s collection. Support the bands you love by getting the physical content, you’ll be glad you did, and the bands will be able to continue making great music.

Lineup

Georgi Velinov – Bass
Topias Kupiainen – Drums
Iivo Kaipainen – Guitars (lead)
Arttu Vauhkonen – Keyboards
Lassi Vääränen – Vocals

Guest Artists

Noora Louhimo – vocals on “Bloodline”
Cyan Kicks – vocals on  “In the Name of Love”

Vultures Die Alone – Tracklist

1.  Out Of My Life
2.  Break My Chains
3.  Bloodline
4.  I’m Here To Save You
5.  In The Name Of Love
6.  A Vulture Dies Alone
7.  I Love To Be Your Enemy
8.  Where The Ocean Greets The Sky
9.  I Don’t Fear You
10.  Until Eternity Ends

Running Time: 42:49