Gloriam Dei hales from Finland where they offer up European inspired Power Metal with Neo-Classical flavorings. The band's moniker is a phrase written in Latin which simply means "God's Glory".
Gloriam Dei isn't the only Metal band calling Finland home. The country is well known for there love for Metal with acts like 'Deuteronomium', 'Immortal Souls', 'HB', 'Oratorio', 'Wingdom', 'Northern Flame', 'Random Eyes', and 'Mehida' just to mention a few.
The band's line-up is partly made up of members from Wingdom & Oratorio including vocalist-Sami Asp(former vocalist for Wingdom), guitarist-Jarmo Happonen(former Guitarist for Oratorio), bassist/synths-Johannes Häkämies, and drummer-Ville Karhu.
Gloriam Dei isn't the only Metal band calling Finland home. The country is well known for there love for Metal with acts like 'Deuteronomium', 'Immortal Souls', 'HB', 'Oratorio', 'Wingdom', 'Northern Flame', 'Random Eyes', and 'Mehida' just to mention a few.
The band's line-up is partly made up of members from Wingdom & Oratorio including vocalist-Sami Asp(former vocalist for Wingdom), guitarist-Jarmo Happonen(former Guitarist for Oratorio), bassist/synths-Johannes Häkämies, and drummer-Ville Karhu.
"Gloriam Dei is a project to deliver melodic metal
with a christian missionary message and with a positive attitude."
with a christian missionary message and with a positive attitude."
In 2015 Gloriam Dei released their debut full-length album titled 'The Covenant' on an Independent label. For an Independent release the production is, without question, very good. What we have here is top of the line Power Metal that can hold its own against some of the more well known acts in the market today. With that said, those into Power Metal have plenty to get excited over. This debut release will quickly draw the listener in and capture one's attention with its melodic arrangements and commercial hooks from beginning to end.
The diversity and variance from track to track really stands out on this album. Some tracks have an understated epic feel to them that helps to drive the songs along. Then there's the tune "Look To The Cross" which incorporates some Folk Metal sounds which always adds an extra touch to European Power Metal. The band does a great job at varying the intensity from track to track along with mixing things up with many different time changes. Also, there's the well done title track ballad -"The Covenant" which features the piano and helps to bring things down a notch giving the listener a break from the intensity of the album.
Vocalist-Sami Asp does a great jot of conveying emotion & excitement in his delivery throughout this 2015 release. I can't help but think that his excitement is stemming from the joy he has in presenting the Truth and his love for Jesus Christ. If you are a band desiring to perform Power Metal then it is of the upmost importance to have a lead singer who fits nicely with that genre. Sami's register does just that and is sure to get the attention of Power Metal fans around the world.
Former 'Oratorio' guitarist-Jarmo Happonen along with guitarist-Sami Asp both manage the shred on this debut release. Their energetic guitar work will motivate you and get you moving with some lightening fast Power riffs. With Jarmo's & Sami's guitar work, there's a professionalism present that only seasoned veterans can achieve.
Keyboardist-Johannes Häkämies does a fine job of building excitement throughout this album with his well placed touches. Johannes seems to be the backbone behind the band because he is also responsible for the Music, Lyrics, & all Arrangements.
Ville Karhu makes his presence known while keeping time for the band with some 80's inspired drum lines. Yes, you can hear the skins screaming throughout this project!
Lyrics are Christ centered as one can see in the following excerpts:
"Bethlehem"
In the end
We are waiting Redeemer
In the End
Our king will come soon
In the End
You give bread to our hunger
In the End ...
...So now we see the covenant is true
Lord will keep his own word
So now we see the bible can be trust
Time after time it will stand alone
"Sins of the World"
But you had a plan
one way to make us clean
Crucifixion for You
life eternal for me
Lamb of God take the sins of the world
Crucifixion for You
life eternal for me
Lamb of God take the sins of the world
"Look to the Cross"
We can look to the cross
When our lives go so hard
And remember how which we are
Look to the cross
And see all the love
and God's is not so far
Christ is near
Christ is here
Christ is near
Christ is here
In the end
We are waiting Redeemer
In the End
Our king will come soon
In the End
You give bread to our hunger
In the End ...
...So now we see the covenant is true
Lord will keep his own word
So now we see the bible can be trust
Time after time it will stand alone
"Sins of the World"
But you had a plan
one way to make us clean
Crucifixion for You
life eternal for me
Lamb of God take the sins of the world
Crucifixion for You
life eternal for me
Lamb of God take the sins of the world
"Look to the Cross"
We can look to the cross
When our lives go so hard
And remember how which we are
Look to the cross
And see all the love
and God's is not so far
Christ is near
Christ is here
Christ is near
Christ is here
If you are into bands like Narnia, Golden Resurrection, Dark Sky, Harmony, or Amaseffer then there's a strong possibility that you are going to love what Gloriam Dei has offered up with their debut 'The Covenant'. Show your support for the band by Picking up a copy of their debut and lets dust off those old speakers.
Musicians:
Sami Asp - Vocals, & Lead Guitars(former vocalist for Wingdom)
Jarmo Happonen - Rhythm Guitars(former Guitarist for Oratorio)
Johannes Häkämies - Synths, Bass, Music, Lyrics, & Arrangements
Ville Karhu - Drums
Sami Asp - Vocals, & Lead Guitars(former vocalist for Wingdom)
Jarmo Happonen - Rhythm Guitars(former Guitarist for Oratorio)
Johannes Häkämies - Synths, Bass, Music, Lyrics, & Arrangements
Ville Karhu - Drums