DOMAIN are one of the institutions of the German Melodic Metal scene! In the mid-eighties the band was active under the name of KINGDOM and even at such an early stage they laid the foundations stones for such classics with their superb Melodic Metal jewels such as "Lost In The City" and "Before The Storm", the latter under the name of DOMAIN.

"The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow", DOMAIN's newest and ninth studio album, is no exception. The band behind guitar wizard Axel Ritt cranks themselves up a notch even after the brilliant 2006 predecessor "Stardawn". "The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow" binds together all the elementary aspects so characteristic of DOMAIN's style and places them on an even higher level. Powerful, fresh, without the need to kowtow to any musical compulsions, strengthened by a new lineup, DOMAIN rock as though their lives depended on it. Stylish melody lines combine with voluminous riff backdrops and are impressively supported by tactful but decisive keyboards. The new material will blow the socks off fans and members of the press, because DOMAIN has never sounded so direct or consequential.

DOMAIN 2009 comprises of Axel Ritt (guitars), Jens Baar (drums), Steven Wussow (bass), Erdmann Lange (keyboards) and Nicolaj Ruhnow (vocals).

Singer Nicolaj Ruhnow (Irony, Nick Hellfort) has written a ten-chapter drama, based on the legendary book, "The Sorrows of Young Werther" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and the rest of the band has forged the drama into songs between hard and hymn-like metal, using an epic-orchestral hammer. One could certainly define the concept album as a Metal Opera - how else could you describe the story about living against all known conventions, following your own feelings against all forms of resistance?

"The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow", produced by Axel Ritt, clearly shows that it is still possible to give a breath of new life to epic Melodic Metal. The typical DOMAIN sound, which has been nurtured over two decades, is given a new dimension, thanks to the expressive voice of Nicolaj Ruhnow. So it is no surprise to hear the powerful and forceful metal hymns "He's Back", "My Inner Rage" and "Sweeping Scars" thundering through the loudspeakers.

The focal point of the majority of the new songs is set to the very edge of powerful melodic Power Metal without neglecting the epic or symphonic aspects. The DOMAIN trademark of multivocal parts adds to the overall atmosphere and a very pleasant melodic component to the carefully prepared songs.

The ten tracks of "The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow" glitter with sheer joy of playing, high musicality, exceptional instrumental talent and will enchant not only DOMAIN fans but also lovers of high class melodic metal.

The limited edition version of the album contains a bonus track. "Two Brothers & The Sinners Chess", which has nothing to do with the overall concept of the album, but which serves to respectably round off an excellent work. DOMAIN has succeeded in producing an overall positive metal album, which shines with pure energy and shows absolutely no weaknesses whatsoever.

Genre: Symphonic Melodic Metal

© 2009 Limb Music Products

Released on: 13.03.2009