Astral Doors

Sweden's early power metal six-piece Astral Doors craft a sonic approach drawing production concepts from contemporary times, even as their intensely heavy tracks draw upon the established patterns and frameworks of heavy metal's past: Black Sabbath's groundbreaking riffs, Ronnie James Dio's shadowy, tuneful intensity, Rainbow's blues-infused drive, and Deep Purple's instrumental prowess. From their 2003 debut Of the Son and the Father onward, these Swedes forged a dynamic rocking identity that extended the genre's tradition in a coherent and thrilling manner, while establishing themselves as a formidable live act on the road. With 2010's Requiem of Time, they amplified the power through a grandiose yet detailed assault propelled by frontman Nils Patrik Johansson's commanding vocal style. Although personnel shifts have occurred across their career, two-thirds of the core founding lineup persist.

Formed in Borlänge, Sweden during 2002, Astral Doors aimed to pay tribute to and capture the essence of trailblazing heavy metal and hard rock groups including Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and Deep Purple. The original trio consisted of drummer Johan Lindstedt, guitarist Joachim Nordlund, and vocalist Nils Patrik Johansson, whose soaring, imaginative delivery frequently drew parallels to iconic metal singer Ronnie James Dio. After bassist Martin Haglund and keyboardist Jocke Roberg came aboard, the group swiftly gained recognition thanks to tracks that echoed the finest elements of 1970s and early 1980s metal. Their first full-length, Of the Son and the Father, came out in 2003, prompting frequent tours that saw them perform successfully at festivals. Around this period, Haglund transitioned to rhythm guitar duties, with Mika Itäranta assuming bass responsibilities.

Through relentless live performances and a series of compelling releases—Evil Is Forever from 2005, Astralism in 2006, New Revelation in 2007, and the more pronounced power metal direction on 2010's Requiem of Time—the ensemble refined their interstellar heavy sound. Following Requiem of Time, Haglund and Itäranta departed to prioritize personal matters. Ulf Lagerström stepped in as the new bassist, and without a replacement guitarist for Haglund, Roberg's organ gained additional prominence in the arrangements. This updated configuration delivered their sixth album, Jerusalem, in 2011. Mats Gesar added guitar in 2014, and between standard touring and festival slots, Astral Doors began preparing songs for their next record.

Black Eyed Children, their seventh effort released in spring 2017, represented a guitar-driven return to their earlier melodic heavy metal approach. For 2019's Worship or Die—their third release via Metalville—they incorporated elements from NWOBHM acts like Saxon and Iron Maiden alongside more recent inspirations such as Dream Evil, Firewind, and Hammerfall, yet still produced material that remained distinctly their own.