ANCARA is a band from Finland with a lot of history going on. It was formed back in the mid-80s under the name of Metal Circus before changing its name during the nineties to Resistance, and finally to Ancara in 1996.
"Chasing Shadows" is Ancara's third album, recorded and released in 2009 only in Finland through their own label. Now, after 3 long years of wait, it is presented and distributed worldwide.
This move is the tip of the iceberg for the international presentation of the band, who are in their first European tour right now and has recorded a totally new album in Los Angeles, Hollywood, to be released later this year.
Ancara plays a commercial Melodic Hard Rock with a typical Finnish style and sound. The band has been connected in the past with their compatriots Brother Firetribe, so this gives you a clear idea about the music: rockin' tunes with a nod to the '80s / '90s.
Ancara's strength are self-evident. Good song composition with strong melodies, vocal harmonies and clever hooks are strengthened by skillful musicianship. Mostly the arrangements are creative, a fresh interpretation upon the classic melodic hard rock theme without sacrificing familiarity.
You hear this at the start with "We Paint December", which offers a bit metal edgy guitars with a fine harmonious vocal arrangement.
We have more gritty hard rock in the chords of "Lodestar", only to be tempered by the melodic hook of the chorus.
Then there's simply classic melodic hard rock, with modern touches sometimes but still familiar, in "Far From Grace", the title track "Chasing Shadows", "High Hopes" and the finisher "Farewell". That last song is pure arena-ready rock.
On the balladry side, "Tears With Smile" is moody and dark slow tune with 2005's Finnish Idols finalist AGNES (Pihlava) on a vocal duet.
Ancara's "Chasing Shadows" offers a fresh and entertaining interpretation of Eighties & Nineties melodic hard rock, with strong, solid compositions.
There's a welcomed diversity to the songs influenced by many acts but each standing with its own integrity. Brother Firetribe and H.E.A.T comes to mind, of course not yet with their high quality standards.
I hear little doubts in some vocal parts and in how some arrangements are rounded, but keeping in mind that these songs where recorded & produced by themselves, this is a minor point. I'm sure these issues were corrected in the forthcoming album, as with an expertise producer this band has a tremendous potential.
If you like the sound & style of the present European Melodic Rock (specially Scandinavian) scene, you need to check "Chasing Shadows" pronto.
01 - We Paint December
02 - Far From Grace
03 - Chasing Shadows
04 - High Hopes
05 - Liar
06 - Lodestar
07 - Tears With Smile (ft. Agnes Pihlava)
08 - Not Quite Sober
09 - Nicole
10 - Wait
11 - Farewell
Sammy Salminen - Vocals
Juha "Juice" Wahlsten - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Tuomas Keskine - Guitars
Mika Rajala - Bass
Timo Rajala - Drums
Agnes - guest Vocals
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