District Zero

District Zero joins Aldious’ fluent twin guitars, bright melodies and headlong rhythm in a particularly focused form on the band’s third album. It puts speed and technique up front, yet each song protects the impact of its chorus, so virtuosity never buries the songwriting. Songs that press the speed like “Scrash” and “Escape,” Japanese-flavored melodies such as “夜桜” and “菊花,” and the live-ready anthem “Raise Your Fist” give the record a wide swing, while “Misty Moon” and “Desolate Love” deepen the impression with lyrical melody and dramatic turns. Hard-chopped riffs, colorful lead-guitar phrases and clear vocals work as one. Delivering the lift of traditional metal while giving each song a distinct face, it is a strong entry from Aldious’ mature period, balancing speed and lyricism, technique and voice at a very high level.