Review by Lynxie on December 8, 2023.

The moment that I saw my favorite Italian stalwarts Derdian’s eighth studio release named New Era Part IV - Resurgence I had some premonition that this would be reminiscent, as the call-back to their earlier trilogy was inevitable. Not that I’m complaining in any ways; after all, I have faith in them to never walk down Sabaton’s path of destruction.

And I was not disappointed -- indeed songs like 'Dorian' or 'Resurgence' are the perfect resurgence of early anthems along the line of 'I Don’t Wanna Die', blistering on with all the neoclassical glory the Italian side could muster. The fantastical mood scattered about in just the right places. Whereas the likes of 'The Evil Messiah' or 'Derdian' could well be 'Write Your Epitaph' substitutes. Though I still find the sudden acoustic moment the former had towards the end jarring, albeit intriguing. I guess the best assertion I can make is that the overall formula is just pure Derdian goodness: classic Rhapsody-influenced neoclassical power metal with just a slight touch of experimental moments like the closing Limbo-reminiscent 'Astar Will Come Back'. It’s without doubt all epicness, but all catchiness as well. Besides, Pistolese can be fucking heavy with the riffs. And the devil’s presence made for some pretty neck-snapping, extreme moments on 'Black Typhoon' as he growled out his lines.

The only prior fear I had was due to the exit of one of my favorite keyboardists, Marco Garau. And yes, there is some obvious depletion with the keyboard works, especially my favorite sort of keyboard-guitar duels. Nevertheless, with Pistolese behind the songwriting Derdian’s glory is not diminished in one bit and I rest assured. Keys are the addendum for me at any rate, while I’ll always enjoy just some plain slick soloing like those on 'Resurgence' with the orchestra in the background. And to hear a ballad-gone-heavy number like 'All Is Lost' is a new experience for me with Derdian for sure.

All in all it would seem a lot of bands are making their comeback these days. First ‘Freedom Call is BACK!’ with their live album, now Derdian has proved themselves 'stronger than ever’ as part 4 of the Era Sagas drops after more than a decade. What next? Gamma Ray making a re-emergence? It’s a thought, my friends, it’s a thought. Now if only I could get my hands on physical copies of Derdian’s first three albums and get to know the lores that would be perfect.

Highlights: 'The Evil Messiah', 'Black Typhoon', 'Resurgence', 'Derdian'

Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Review by Luka on August 10, 2002.

Dan Swanö is truly in his prime on this one, offering the metal community another brilliant surprise we’re sure to treasure for years; this time it’s one song for an album, one progressive 40-minute behemoth that comes out as a much worthier buy than most full-length albums out there. A brilliant concept and a brilliant opus, I see Crimson as a feat of achievement and innovation not only in the fast-growing melodic death scene but in the music world itself. This is one belongs to a very special place in my collection.

The mammoth track is like an emotional epic, relating a medieval saga of war, kings, and untimely death. It progresses through the musical barrage of riffs, dizzying tempo changes, and endless little interludes that keep you on the edge of your seat. Swanö’s voice changes with the moods in the story and is very powerful, whether it’s a traditional rasp, the death growl, or a sonic clean voice.

One of the first bands that came to my mind while listening to "Crimson" was Opeth; the constant lines of melody, acoustic interludes, and occasional clean vocals... their typical trademarks are all in abundance here but arranged in a different pattern. And that pattern has the power to keep you interested in a song for 40 minutes while Opeth’s start to drag on after 10 minutes. Brilliant arrangement is the key to the genius of "Crimson", and this song proves that Swanö is truly one the top of the pile for metal songwriters.

Bottom Line: The ultimate melodic death metal anthem. If you’ll trust one band in the overpopulated death metal scene to always deliver something fresh and different, let it be Edge of Sanity.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 9
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 9.5
Overall: 10

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Lynxie on December 8, 2023.

The moment that I saw my favorite Italian stalwarts Derdian’s eighth studio release named New Era Part IV - Resurgence I had some premonition that this would be reminiscent, as the call-back to their earlier trilogy was inevitable. Not that I’m complaining in any ways; after all, I have faith in them to never walk down Sabaton’s path of destruction.

And I was not disappointed -- indeed songs like 'Dorian' or 'Resurgence' are the perfect resurgence of early anthems along the line of 'I Don’t Wanna Die', blistering on with all the neoclassical glory the Italian side could muster. The fantastical mood scattered about in just the right places. Whereas the likes of 'The Evil Messiah' or 'Derdian' could well be 'Write Your Epitaph' substitutes. Though I still find the sudden acoustic moment the former had towards the end jarring, albeit intriguing. I guess the best assertion I can make is that the overall formula is just pure Derdian goodness: classic Rhapsody-influenced neoclassical power metal with just a slight touch of experimental moments like the closing Limbo-reminiscent 'Astar Will Come Back'. It’s without doubt all epicness, but all catchiness as well. Besides, Pistolese can be fucking heavy with the riffs. And the devil’s presence made for some pretty neck-snapping, extreme moments on 'Black Typhoon' as he growled out his lines.

The only prior fear I had was due to the exit of one of my favorite keyboardists, Marco Garau. And yes, there is some obvious depletion with the keyboard works, especially my favorite sort of keyboard-guitar duels. Nevertheless, with Pistolese behind the songwriting Derdian’s glory is not diminished in one bit and I rest assured. Keys are the addendum for me at any rate, while I’ll always enjoy just some plain slick soloing like those on 'Resurgence' with the orchestra in the background. And to hear a ballad-gone-heavy number like 'All Is Lost' is a new experience for me with Derdian for sure.

All in all it would seem a lot of bands are making their comeback these days. First ‘Freedom Call is BACK!’ with their live album, now Derdian has proved themselves 'stronger than ever’ as part 4 of the Era Sagas drops after more than a decade. What next? Gamma Ray making a re-emergence? It’s a thought, my friends, it’s a thought. Now if only I could get my hands on physical copies of Derdian’s first three albums and get to know the lores that would be perfect.

Highlights: 'The Evil Messiah', 'Black Typhoon', 'Resurgence', 'Derdian'

Rating: 8.8 out of 10