Ardent Nova is the brainchild of Mike Pardi (Empty Throne). Originally formed as Pagan Thunder about 22 years ago, it was after a dream that Pardi decided to change the bands name to Ardent Nova and by asking in the odd guest solo and backing vocals here and there, Mike wrote and composed this eight track self titled debut album himself in between everything else he has been doing over a period of about ten years.
As stated in a recent press release "Whilst Ardent Nova retain the foundation of traditional and power metal they have become more of a hybrid with a harsher attack informed by melodeath and viking metal.". This venture from Pardi has been warmly welcomed as you still get that occasional thrash blast but with some big bold guitar. The album was recorded over a ten year period and really has been Pardi's labour of love. All the music was written by Mike with him playing guitar, bass, keys and lead vocals. Enlisting the help of Ryan Gallagher (ex-Meat Grinder) on drums to complete the bands line up. Pardi asked some friends along for a few guest spots; Battlefront guitarist Sean Ziemer plays guest solo on "Sound the Horns" and he asked the help of pagan metal friends Helsott to lend their backing vocals on "Pagan Thunder".
Following a rousing viking inspired keyboard and crashing cymbal driven intro the album takes you on a cursive journey through the middle ages with many a triumphant wailing guitar riff and huge booming drums falling into fast paced traditional metal mixed with a bit of thrash. Most tracks have an anthem within them with stand out tracks for me being the impressively heavy "Rise from the Ashes", the rhythmic and bold "Pagan Thunder" an ode to the bands original name and the awesome "In Darkest Ages" which is a real head banger. "Chieftain" has real single credentials to it and final track "Ardent Nova" is a fleeting foray into a more thrashy set up with some skillful melodic guitar licks thrown in for good measure. An epic instrumental number to finish off a well rounded album.
Considering Mike Pardi took his time getting this album together what with all his other projects and commitments, Ardent Nova does not feel out dated. It has a bright fresh feel to it and is obviously a project that is close to his heart as well as an album to be proud of. The music is skillfully created, recorded and produced. For me, Mikes vocal style doesn't lend itself particularly well to this style as they are a little weak however I don't dislike him as a vocalist. I guess I'm just more tuned in to the theatrical style of Turisas and such like. Ardent Nova are more for fans of Ensiferum, Bathory or Amon Amarth which I can also get on board with.
Ardent Nova is available on vinyl and CD from Wise Blood Records.
