The Big Thrill
Axxis · 1993
50 min · 11 tracks · power metal
A soaring blend of melodic power metal and anthemic choruses that electrifies with its dynamic instrumentation and passionate vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Better World / Livin’ in the Dark — This track opens the album with an infectious energy, combining uplifting lyrics about hope with powerful riffs that set the tone for the entire record.
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Stay Don’t Leave Me — The emotional weight of this ballad highlights the band's versatility, showcasing both tender vocals and rich instrumental arrangements that resonate deeply with listeners.
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Brother Moon — This track features intricate harmonies and a memorable chorus, embodying the quintessential elements of power metal while also demonstrating lyrical depth.
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Road to Never Neverland — Closing out the album, this song blends fantasy themes with a catchy melody and powerful instrumentation, leaving listeners with a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and energetic performances typical of its genre but lacks standout moments.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of soaring vocal melodies paired with fast-paced guitar riffs, typical of power metal.
- Each track maintains a high energy level, with anthemic choruses that invite audience participation.
- Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts in tempo, alternating between aggressive verses and melodic bridges.
- The last two tracks slow down the pace significantly, providing a contrast to the preceding intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- epic anthems for sing-alongs
- soaring vocals that uplift
- melodic hooks for memorable moments
- driving energy for workouts
- immersive storytelling through songs
Maybe skip if you
- prefer understated, quiet sounds
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1993, The Big Thrill is Axxis' third studio album, following their breakthrough success with the debut album, Kingdom of the Night. At this point in their career, Axxis was solidifying their presence in the European power metal scene, building on the momentum gained from previous releases.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Helloween· Stratovarius· Blind Guardian
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Better World / Livin’ in the Dark 4:21
- 2 Against a Brick Wall 3:55
- 3 Stay Don’t Leave Me 4:11
- 4 Little War 4:22
- 5 No Advice 3:35
- 6 Love Doesn’t Know Any Distance 4:56
- 7 Heaven’s 7th Drain 5:49
- 8 Brother Moon 4:52
- 9 Waterdrop 5:33
- 10 The Wolf 4:45
- 11 Road to Never Neverland 4:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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