Back to the Kingdom

Back to the Kingdom is a fulfilling work on which Axxis returns to a more refined, straight-path melodic metal and further deepens its lyricism. A record that powerfully reaffirmed the band’s native appeal after long activity. Layering powerful riffs and gorgeous, splendid keyboards, it builds a sure drama in each song. Bernhard Weiss’s singing leads its sorrow-tinged, beautiful melody straight and powerfully. A record where the band’s mature ability shines. From the powerful drive of the opener “Shadowman” and the drama of “Like a Sphinx” to a cut like “Heaven in Black,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Flashback Radio” and “Only God Knows” convey the work’s fullness. Gorgeous keyboards splendidly color that world. Content that, while firmly keeping the splendor particular to European metal, valued the songs’ sure polish above all. A record whose balance of grand scale and memorable accessibility is truly good. A powerful, engaging record showing Axxis’s sure fullness in a new era — a record where the band’s maturity shines.