DEEP SUN
Storyteller
Power Blast Records
Symphonic metal is a genre where you really have to have that something special in order to stand out above the sheer number of bands out there and DEEP SUN definitely have it. Formed in 2006 in Switzerland, they have released four studio albums so far consisting of three full-lengths and one EP.
Since symphonic metal exploded in popularity, there have been thousands of bands that have tried to be the ‘next Nightwish’ and unfortunately not all of them succeeded. Metal fans are discerning creatures and we can spot a fake, clone or copycat a mile away, which leads me back to that something special needed in order for a band to be successful. So let’s dive into the new album by DEEP SUN and see what stories it holds.
“Storyteller” begins with the title track and it’s a rousing, uplifting start with an epic chorus full of all the symphonic goodness the genre has to offer, complete with a wonderful breakdown where Debora shows off her impressive vocal skills.
The production is excellent on the album, each instrument is given room to be heard and the guitar tones, along with the vocals, really shine bright throughout. The thunderous rhythm section is the strong backbone that keeps all of the melody and keyboard symphonics together so the songs have great structure and are able to tell their stories well.
“United Force” introduces us to a guest in the form of Michele Guaitoli who symphonic metal aficionados will recognise from the bands Temperance and Visions Of Atlantis. His signature voice blends excellently with Debora’s as they belt out this ‘Anthem Of Unity’. The song is about the five members of DEEP SUN and the journey that they have been on and the one that still lies ahead of them, with all of the highs and lows that they have faced along the way. It is another inspiring track and highlights the power of sticking together no matter what.
“Worlds Collide” is a shining example of the ‘perfect’ symphonic metal song. It has it all and it is quite the journey we see ourselves go on as we listen to it. Debora’s vocal range is fully on show here, especially as she sings the Latin part just before the chorus. Tight drums, groovy bass, chunky riffs, melodic keyboards and soaring vocals all blend seamlessly in what is a definite album highlight.
“Ballad Of Tragedy” slows things down before “Fierce” fills us with its defiant fire and “The Window” takes us on a marvellous journey and we leap into “Flight Of The Phoenix” which has been given a 2025 makeover. And wow, what a song! The keyboard work here is top notch and makes it another album highlight for me.
The guitar solos deserve a special mention, as every single one throughout the album is absolutely fantastic and really elevate the songs and help give them that something special.
“Wasteland” has an infectious groove and sounds like the soundtrack to an adventure as we head to the end of the story and make “The Last Stand”, an epic album closer that wraps things up superbly.
Writing music this good is tough enough, let alone performing it to this high a standard. But this is what helps separate DEEP SUN and gives them that something special to stand out in the crowd as they forge their own path to glory and hopefully huge success. They have a very bright future and fans of Nightwish, Elvellon and Edenbridge will love this album, while everyone else will have found themselves another top tier symphonic metal band to add to their music libraries. The future of symphonic metal is in good hands and it is extremely exciting to be here to witness it all.
Russell Mulock-Bentley