Destinia: Metal Souls (Frontiers)

Oh man, is that Ronnie Romero on yet another project album? I worry that they’re going to burn this guy out (or wear out his welcome), but at the same time he’s such a powerhouse vocalist you can’t skip something he’s on. In this case, it’s the new Destinia album. That’s Nozomu Wakai’s Destinia to be precise, as the project is built around the Japanese guitar virtuoso. He’s obviously joined by Ronnie Romero (Lords of Black, Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow) here, but the album also features bassist Marco Mendoza (The Dead Daisies, ex-Thin Lizzy) and drummer Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake). That’s an impressive lineup any way you look at it.

Metal Souls is the second Destinia album, and it most definitely does not disappoint. A lot of these shred artists go straight for the squiggly solos and forget that actual songs matter, but Wakai avoids that pitfall. As impressive as his solos are, they’re well placed within songs that are fleshed out, well crafted, and play to the strengths of his supporting staff. This is half power metal, half traditional metal, and all excellent. Romero, who usually channels Ronnie James Dio, sounds a lot like Johnny Gioeli here, so it’s like listening to a really good Axel Rudi Pell album at times.

Metal Souls is one absolutely first class heavy/power metal anthem after another. Seriously, eleven songs and every one is a legitimate highlight. The musicianship is top notch and Romero gives one of his best-ever performances. Destinia is one of those bands/projects that obviously will appeal to the Malmsteen/Pell/Impelliteri fans, but it’s hard to see anyone into melodic, heavy, power metal not absolutely loving this album. Here’s hoping this lineup has more albums like this up their sleeves.