Axxis II

Axxis II is a second album on which Axxis, further honing lift-filled big choruses and rich European lyricism, more strongly strengthened its sure outline as melodic metal. Powerfully inheriting the success of the hit debut, it further refines its musicality. Rather than being caught by flashy, gorgeous signature songs alone, following how the sonic center is placed, the deft arrangement of choruses and the natural flow between songs, a unified, rich expression as a whole album comes clearly into view. From the powerful drive of the opener “The World Is Looking in Their Eyes” and the drama of “Save Me” to a cut like “Touch the Rainbow,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Rolling Like Thunder” and “Ships Are Sailing” convey the work’s fullness. Bernhard Weiss’s soaring high vocals are powerfully in sharp form throughout. A record that showed sure growth as a band without losing the debut’s momentum and catchiness in the least. It pursues European melodic metal’s stylistic beauty more deeply. A powerful, engaging record conveying early Axxis’s fullness — a record where the band’s steady ability shines.