Album Review: Andy Gillion – Exilium (Gillion Records)

‘Exilium’ is the 3rd solo album from Andy Gillion (ex-song-writer/lead guitarist for Finnish melodeath band, Mors Principium Est – 2011-2020). Featuring guest appearances from Brittney Slayes of Unleash the Archers with drums performed throughout by Dave Haley of Psycroptic. ‘Exilium is a concept album, telling the story of an exiled knight.

Andy Gillion has outdone himself here, if you can believe that. Taking everything that he has learned to this point, and finding fresh ways to express himself. All via the medium of melodic death metal crossed with progressive aspects and utilising big symphonic sounds. You might be familiar with all the elements, but nothing can quite prepare you for the bombastic nature of this record.

Something that rises up with aplomb with opener Prophecy, although this is a track well and truly rooted in the familiar sound of Andy Gillion composed melodeath as a whole. The flair is what stands out though and there are so many moments that bring the brilliance of this record into sharp focus. Something that certainly also applies to the following As the Kingdom Burns, where the progressive power is even more prevalent.

What really makes this track special is the vocals though. Not only does Unleash the Archer’s Brittney Slayes sound immense (of course), but Gillion showcases some clean singing here too. An anthemic headbanger that everyone will love.

With a touch of power metal to it, A New Path helps bring more attention to the story-telling aspects of the record. Before The Haunting delivers outstanding heavy depth and symphonic exclamation points. Moving at a manic speed, but also hitting a glorious high with the epic chorus. Then along comes Avenging the Fallen and Call to Arms to put serious emphasis on the marriage of progressive heaviness and traditional melodeath groove that is such an important part of this album and what Andy Gillion creates.

Something he has become so adept at doing. His time in Mors Principium Est isn’t forgotten, and rightfully, the man uses what he learned and experienced there to craft his own unique slab of heavy with his solo stuff. Getting better and better at it, this might be his peak, until the next release, of course.

Utilising the symphonic elements sparingly is an inspired decision too, ensuring that side of things never becomes overpowering. Such as on the title track, where an introductory piano piece leads to an explosion of lower-tempo heaviness, but the melody is kept layered within the structure of the track as it goes on. One of the most powerful sounding tracks of all.

Then along comes Acceptance to wrap things up, a wild showcase of eye-watering guitar playing and epic vocals. Andy Gillion ensuring the record ends as strongly as it begun and leaving every single listener thoroughly satisfied. His best work to date? It certainly feels like it.

Andy Gillion – Exilium Track Listing:

1. Prophecy
2. As The Kingdom Burns (feat. Brittney Slayes)
3. A New Path
4. The Haunting
5. Avenging The Fallen
6. Call To Arms
7. Exilium
8. Acceptance

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