The Flashcards: Ishtar

The Flashcards: Ishtar - Rise (2018)

70+/100

Genre: Symphonic/progressive power metal

South Korean symphonic metal outfit Ishtar attempts a comeback with their second album, but the spotlight remains firmly on Kim Binna's vocals, the choir, and the accompanying symphony. The energy from the aggressive guitars and drums only serves as a teaser in the intro of "The Queen Says...", after which it gradually declines until reaching the first ballad, "Follow the Time". Oh, "Gates of Ishtar" seems to claw its way back up, only to slip due to the mid-tempo track "Beyond the Mirror," which eventually winds down into the second ballad, "Flyinfree".

Well, speed isn't the priority here; they just want something epic, theatrical, or along those lines. It brings to mind Edenbridge, Within Temptation, and then Visions of Atlantis. If you really listen, it’s always like that—it feels more worthy of appreciation. I never cease to be amazed by this. Because of that, an album like this often feels like a shame to just throw away completely.

Ah, screw it! If you like your symphonic metal epic and contemplative rather than energetic, just go grab it.

Tracklist:

1. Rise

2. The Queen Says...

3. Leave A Sense of Charity

4. Center of Your Soul

5. Stars Have the Key

6. Follow the Time

7. Gates of Ishtar

8. Beyond the Mirror

9. Once You Can Fly

10. Lascia ch'io pianga (Let Me Weep) (Georg Friedrich Handel cover)

11. Flyinfree

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