Review AXXIS “Coming Home”

Axxis belong to the spearhead of melodic metal from Germany. Their debut “Kingdom Of The Night” is still one of the highlights in a long list of achievements. Melodies, riffs and catchiness, together with the unique vocals of Bernhard Weiß, characterise the album and helped the band to establish their music at a time when many bands in the genre were struggling.

“Kingdom of the Night”, together with “II” and the following live album, has been the springboard for Axxis for more than three decades in rock and metal. Tirelessly and against all trends, the guys have stayed true to their roots and the new album “Coming Home” doesn’t deviate from this approach.

“Coming Home” is the 16th studio album from the German rockers. Bernhard Weiß and Harry Oellers have once again forged some catchy rock/metal songs that contain all the Axxis trademarks.
Axxis have never been afraid of ballads, but the powerful “Atlantis” reflects them well.

“Dark Angel takes ballad aspect into account but never overdoes it. Axxis have always given their more soulful moments a bursting element, which also happens on “Dark Angel”. It’s an anthemic vibe that sets the song apart from some other ballads.

The refreshing element of Axxis’ music is the overall positivity of the album. Although some of the lyrics have a more serious background, the music always acts as a light at the end of the tunnel, including a sense of hope and peace. It allows for a sing-a-long moment, and singing is what sometimes makes life better. In a world full of uncertainty and change, it is the consistency of a band like Axcis that gives you a breather from the demands of everyday life. Songs like “Love Will Shine Forever” express this to perfection.

You could say that the band isn’t one of the most innovative outfits, and you’d be right. Nevertheless, Axxis have managed to maintain their formula of success for 35 years, still releasing albums that radiate a certain fascination, as you cannot avoid enjoying the melodies, which even include an Irish element (“Irish Way of Life”).

“Coming Home” is an album that entertains from start to finish and if you are wondering about the title, it is a well chosen one. “Coming Home” will be the last Axxis album, heralding the end of the band and it will be some live shows in autumn 2024 and early 2025 that will represent the final chapter of a very influential German band.