Review: “Chasing Euphoria” by Lutharö

Produced by Lasse Lammert of LSD Studios (Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Svartsot), wrapped in striking cover art from Niklas Sundin (Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquillity, Delain) and embellished by orchestral arrangements from Elliot Vernon (Alestorm), “Chasing Euphoria” brings to a close the first decade of the life of Canadian Melodic Metal band Lutharö. Formed in 2014, vocalist Krista Shipperbottom, guitarist Victor Bucur, bassist Chris Pacey and drummer Cory Hofing have pushed themselves with in terms of both composition and performance over that time, unveiling two EPs and a full length record. Those releases have earned them not only a legion of adoring fans but a deal with a major label in Atomic Fire Records as they cross the seven seas of sub-genre with a  signature mix of Melodic Death, Thrash and Traditional Heavy Metal…

…building atmospheres has been at the forefront of what Lutharö have been improving upon and the epic cinematic introduction piece “Gates of Enchantment” sets the tone with a sense of adventure usually reserved for Power Metal. The river flows to the sea and conjoined twin “Reaper’s Call“, the eyes widening and the senses heightened as Shipperbottom unleashes the kind of unclean vocal power that raises the hairs on the back of the neck. Think Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy or former The Agonist vocalist Vicky Psarakis and you get the picture, her cleans during the verses soaring majestically to create perfect balance and harmony. The most impressive thing is that the band don’t simply stand around looking at her in awe or allow her to carry them. Instead they rise to the occasion and deliver the kind of striking sonic accompaniment that stirs the soul. The guitars are slick and fretboard smouldering, the drums thunderous and the orchestration embellishes rather than over powering so you get the finest elements of all, rolled into a single entity. Maintaining the level of intensity, the verses of “Ruthless Bloodline” are equally as lethal with Shipperbottom’s banshee like roar giving the material an aggression level seldom found in bands that create songs of the nature of these, the rampaging rhythm guitars and stunning solo bordering on As I Lay Dying style Metalcore at times. The point of difference here is the catchy chorus, an arena filling sing-a-long moment that isn’t pushed too hard and isn’t over used ensuring maximum impact.

Roots in Scandinavia rise to the surface as clean vocals take prominence in the more melodic “Time to Rise“. An anthem that still has a couple of savage unclean passages, it’s tastefully bass heavy with a couple of more technical leads and again doesn’t rely on its powerful chorus alone to carry it, even if it is stunning. The inspirational lyric has been nailed with this one and it makes a refreshing change from some of introspective narratives that are all too regular these days. Driving Thrash riffs with Melodic Death Metal leads give “Born to Ride” a killer instinct and this call to arms is another rich in anthemic qualities. The nuances within these tracks may go unnoticed on the first couple of spins simply because there is so much going on but when they rise to the surface they serve to enhance the longevity of what is a stunning record. Storytelling capabilities are essential and in “Bonded to the Blade” they’re demonstrated to the fullest in a rampaging cut that is delivered at breakneck speed. Swashbuckling atmospherics, lightening fretboard work and good use of vocal layering come together to give us something that wouldn’t be out of place accompanying scenes in a Pirates Of The Caribbean movie on the big screen, it’s that good. A strong title track is always a good sign and “Chasing Euphoria” is exactly that with a stand out performance from behind the kit from Hofing. He drives the band forward with blades raised aloft on this one with some incredible fills and moments of blasting as Shipperbottom bears her soul in beauty and beast fashion.

More blast beats accompany a demonic roar from Shipperbottom bring “Creating a King” to life in blood and thunder style, the momentum of the lighting riffage in the verse not lost during the clean sun chorus as the band float between Gothenburg sound inspired Metalcore and Power Metal with consummate ease. It has to be said that there is no weak point or power ballad moment in this collection and each track has a point of difference that makes it stand out. There is a case that every single track could have been a single with music video accompaniment. The sumptuous soloing never strays into anything too virtuoso or over the top, the balance in all areas something which Lutharö do phenomenally well. A powerful statement piece, “Strong Enough to Fall” is a fine example of that as it takes everything that’s wonderful about the album and wraps it into a single easy to swallow moment with a more personal lyrical narrative. That brings the best out of the vocal performance, which have a raw edge in comparison with some of the earlier cuts, as does “Paradise or Parasite” which is an absolute ripper. Both have a real grit and integrity to them, the latter having guitars which interweave with the orchestrations cleverly before a grand finale so majestic it demands a grand auditorium like the Sydney Opera House or Royal Albert Hall to be performed in, such is its incredible stature. An extended Traditional Folk Metal style introduction breaks into breakneck speed riffing as “Freedom of the Night” takes to flight, it’s swash buckling sounds and flamboyant leads making it an absolute masterclass in the style that Lutharö have created. It’s impossible not to headbang or raise horns turn the venomous verse or sing-a-long during the bold chorus, even on the first listen.  [9/10]

Track Listing

1. Gates of Enchantment
2. Reaper’s Call
3. Ruthless Bloodline
4. Time to Rise
5. Born to Ride
6. Bonded to the Blade
7. Chasing Euphoria
8. Creating a King
9. Strong Enough to Fall
10. Paradise or Parasite
11. Freedom of the Night

“Chasing Euphoria” by Lutharö is out 15th March 2024 via Atomic Fire Records