TRAVELER - Prequel to Madness (Review)

Written by: Blackie Skulless

Over the last couple of years, the North American heavy metal outfit Traveler has made a pretty strong impression in my endless hunger for traditional metal. While their debut was a solid start, it was the second record Termination Shock that fully sold me on the band. Naturally, I was really excited to see that a new one dropped earlier this year. Prequel To Madness admittedly took me a second to grasp onto, but as I’ve revisited over the months, it has grown on me significantly.

The easiest explanation would be that prior to this, Traveler simply used a straightforward but hooky formula that was given more of an identity the second time around. For round three, I would argue that they’ve landed entirely on power metal territory, with flavors of the gritter U.S. style and the melodic, clean European style showing at times. This isn’t the first time that emphasis was placed on a heavier push, but man, do they ever unload the proverbial artillery here. Breakneck speeds, pummeling drums, and layers upon layers of guitar and bass combos leave no room for lightweight attacks. Even vocally, while higher falsettos and sharp shrieks aren’t foreign to the band, they move through this with more purpose than before.

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If anything’s left out, it would simply be that hooks are a little less emphasized this time around in favor of this mightier, power metal oriented direction. However, I would consider this a fair trade, as things feel sturdier despite leaving a deeper impression. Plus, I’m not about to pretend that this is void of melody, and it’s still objectively wonderful. “Dark Skull” treats us with the anthemic chorus and dialed down tones, and “Rebels Of Earth” gives a steady atmosphere topped with beautiful backing falsettos and bouncy bass rhythms. Contrasting are the likes of blistering energy in “The Law,” as the vocal passages feel like a direct nod to Judas Priest’s Defenders Of The Faith. Really, all of this is made pretty evident early on, as “Take The Wheel” sets the mood nicely, complete with a fitting title. And that long solo in the closing title track? Absolutely unstoppable.
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Prequel To Madness taking a minute to grow on me is due to this user’s error of expecting the more accessible formula we got the last time. But as we can see, it’s certainly not an unwelcoming act, just far more weight than I anticipated. Objectively this is likely the band’s best work, regardless of my personal taste, and anybody aboard the power metal train should find something worth walking away with here. I’m hoping this album’s title implies that the next record will be called “Madness.”

Traveler - ​Prequel To Madness was released Feb. 23rd, 2024 via No Remorse Records.Find it here!

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Traveler can be found:
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