The international power metal band Maesün independently released their debut album Remember to Die a year ago, following three singles that defended their claim in the harsh reality of heavy metal world. Symphonic power metal is one of those genres that remains static – not in terms of dynamics and drive, but in terms of novelty and experimentation. To secure a place on the power metal scene, overflowing with big names, a band needs an unmistakable charisma, refined professionalism, and a level of energy that resonates well with the audience. In their debut release, Maesün searches for their own sound and uniqueness, offering a classic interpretation of modern power metal with symphonic arrangements and idyllic undertones.
This band is based in Berlin but also includes musicians from Germany, Romania, and the United Kingdom, which clearly adds cultural diversity to their music. While folk elements are almost inaudible here, the cultural environment, historical heritage, upbringing, and social values in Germany and Romania significantly differ. On May 1st, the band celebrates its second anniversary, and in this case, youth and promise go hand in hand – not to mention the contagious enthusiasm and vibrant energy radiating from the musicians. However, this is not just a raw, untamed idea born in a moment of creative flow; it is the result of a long process of growing, composition, and refinement, shaped into a cohesive artistic form. The band’s debut album Remember to Die is built on flirtations with classical music, orchestral arrangements, uplifting vibes, and the old-school spirit of the ’80s. From a purely technical standpoint, the album does not lean toward progressive path but instead follows a minimalist approach inspired by classic heavy metal and the force of modern power metal, focusing on accessibility and ease of perception.
Like most power metal albums Remember to Die opens with a symphonic “Intro”, a very traditional piece featuring elements of classical music with a touch of grandeur. Running through the album is a fairy-tale-like atmosphere, evoking an aura of fantasy, romantic adventures, and a belief in a positive outcome despite all hardships and obstacles. This magical spirit is especially evident in tracks like “Book of the Dead” and “The Weaver”, making them rich and optimistic. “The Weaver”, in particular, feels like a romantic ballad straight from the 1980s hard rock, reminiscent of the era when even pop bands incorporated rock ballads into their repertoire. However, here, the focus leans more toward melancholy rather than epicness. The soaring “Life in Chains”, featuring guest vocalist Aura Danciulescu from the Romanian band Scarlet Aura, hints at folk influences, while their cover version of Voivod’s “Fix My Heart” introduces a subtle oriental touch, blended with rock ‘n’ roll-style solos and heavy metal riffs.
Power metal is not always the dominant foundation of Maesün’s music – in essence, they are closer to classic heavy metal, with more traditional song structures, a classical approach to composition, and nostalgic vibes. On one hand, their music sounds like it was pulled straight from the past, about 40 years ago. Yet, listening to this album in the present, an era of technological progress and quantum discoveries, it somehow feels just as relevant today. A crucial element in their quest for uniqueness is the voice of ex-singer Andrada Hofmeister, which was far from the typical singing style of power metal bands. While female vocals in the genre often have roots in classical training, Andrada’s voice leaned more toward jazz – more experimental, emotional, and diverse. Operatic voices, while impressive, can sometimes have emotional constraints (though this is, of course, individual). Unfortunately, Maesün recently parted ways with Andrada, and it’s hard to predict exactly what to expect from their new vocalist, Sabrina Pankrath, on the upcoming album. However, based on live performances, disappointment and boredom are certainly not on the list. Maesün is one of those bands that radiates energy during the live shows, shining through their interaction with the audience and their electrifying stage presence.
Traditional metal in the 21st century is a widespread phenomenon – thousands of bands go unnoticed in the endless stream of musical ideas, with clones and clones of clones struggling to find their own vision. What sets Maesün apart is their sincerity and drive – clear advantages that can ignite interest even among the most fed-up listeners. Their attempt to hold onto the classic 1980s metal sound is counterbalanced by the need to survive in a modern world of virtual realities and digital advancement. The artwork of Remember to Die perfectly captures these rapid changes in time and dimension while reminding us that, despite it all, the central figure of it belongs to the human being.
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