ArcterrA – A World in Ruins (feat. Emi Pellegrino)
“A World in Ruins,” starring Emi Pellegrino, is a standout track that represents ArcterrA’s mix of cinematic and progressive metal influences. ArcterrA, founded in 2021 by Swedish artist Henrik Nygren, is a relatively recent project, yet this tune shows a mature and well created sound that draws on a diverse spectrum of musical norms. The song opens with a synth-driven intro that establishes a theatrical style, involving the listener in an extensive and dramatic soundtrack. Emi Pellegrino’s vocals appear at 0:21, with the lines “falling to pieces,” establishing the mood for a very emotional and perhaps heartbreaking trip. The keyboards, which use a neoclassical and New Age-inspired style, add to the atmosphere creating a beautiful and sad background for the vocals. However, at 1:39, the tune takes an unexpected turn as the electric guitar enters the mix. This change adds a new element of drama, while Pellegrino continues to express her sorrowful and beautiful words in ethereal, melodic voice. The contrast between her vocal and the guitar pushes the song beyond standard progressive metal, into a non-comfort zone that is both emotionally meaningful and musically deep. The song develops to its first electric crescendo at 3:42, when the music and vocals get louder, followed by a fantastic guitar solo reminding of 1990s progressive metal. Emi Pellegrino’s vocals are particularly impressive, and the song’s dynamic changes keep the listener fascinated from beginning to end. This is an encouraging release from an emerging artist that definitely has a lot to offer.
