Van Canto

Despite the enormous array of metal subgenres and the possibility for a seemingly endless amalgamation of styles, ideologies and instrumentation, there is nevertheless a good deal of metal that's stale, even when it's a new band or release. In the case of Germany's Van Canto, whether or not you dig their music they're at least a breath of fresh air. Van Canto's take on metal is a cappella ― the only non-vocal instrument is percussion. Creating music that is compelling, arrangement-wise, they remain within the boundaries of power metal while pushing the limits of metal in general through their chosen style. The album is masterfully constructed and produced, but unfortunately runs a little long. It's difficult to say whether some of the forgettable songs are uninspired in themselves or whether it's the style that gets tiresome, but there are some definite gems.