Sweden has always been a breeding ground for melodic and powerful metal, and Shatterheart are the latest newcomers ready to carry that tradition forward. Formed in Gothenburg in 2023, the band may be young, but their debut EP “Ground Turns to Dust” shows surprising maturity, skill and ambition. A teaser for their upcoming full-length album, it delivers everything you’d expect from modern gothic/symphonic power metal: soaring vocals, heavy riffs, dramatic keyboards, epic arrangements. Opening with “A Shattered Heart”, the band immediately sets the tone with the fiery guitar riff by Johan Bergman, the cinematic keyboards from Daniel Lyngsaa Larsson and the thunderous drumming by Olle Bengtsson. It feels huge, polished, and ready for the stage. Then we go to the evocative “No Rest” and the EP closes with the heroic “Ground Turns to Dust”. Vocalist Alicke Kostopoulou shines throughout. Her voice is both powerful and emotional, giving the songs an operatic edge while keeping them melodic and catchy. Johan Bergman’s guitar work, sharp and melodic, is incredible, while bassist Jonathan Strand adds depth to the band’s sound. The production at the legendary Studio Fredman gives the music a professional, world-class feel, although I would like the overall sound a bit less polished. Of course, as a debut EP, it is a first taste. The songs clearly point toward a bigger vision, and you can tell this band is aiming high. There are moments where you can hear influences from Nightwish, Within Temptation and Stratovarius, but Shatterheart manage to sound fresh and interesting. If this EP is the beginning, the upcoming album could be something truly special.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
