Two Years of "Of War and Flames" – Celebrating Alterium’s Debut Album
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
Two years ago, Alterium released their debut album Of War and Flames, marking the beginning of a new chapter in modern symphonic power metal.
Founded in late 2022, the band united vocalist Nicoletta Rosellini with guitarist Paolo Campitelli and drummer Dario Gozzi. The lineup was completed by guitarist Alessandro Mammola and bassist Luca Scalabrin.
Produced by Lars Rettkowitz of Freedom Call and released via AFM Records in 2024, the album immediately introduced Alterium’s signature sound to the global metal audience.
A Modern Power Metal Debut
Of War and Flames blends the epic spirit of classic power metal with modern production and cinematic arrangements. Across ten tracks, the album explores themes of battle, fantasy worlds and inner strength, all driven by powerful riffs, orchestral elements and memorable melodies.
Songs such as Drag Me To Hell highlight the band’s energetic and fast paced side, while tracks like Crossroads Inn showcase their melodic storytelling. The latter also connects to the fantasy video game of the same name, further expanding the album’s reach within the gaming and metal communities.
The result is an album that feels both classic and contemporary, a defining introduction to Alterium’s musical identity.
Global Reception and Streaming Success
Following its release, Of War and Flames quickly gained attention within the international metal scene. A series of singles and music videos helped the band reach a growing global audience, accumulating nearly 3 million views on YouTube and over 2 million streams on Spotify.
The album was also released internationally, including special editions in Japan through Avalon Marquee and in Brazil through Valhall Music, further expanding Alterium’s presence across different metal markets.
Critical reception praised the album’s powerful songwriting, modern production and the distinctive voice of Nicoletta Rosellini. At the same time, the record helped the band build a dedicated and passionate fanbase.
From Studio to Stage
The success of Of War and Flames soon translated into live performances. In the months following the album’s release, Alterium performed at numerous concerts and festivals across Europe and the United States.
A major milestone came with their debut appearance at ProgPower USA in 2025, introducing the band to one of the most respected stages in the international power metal scene.
Following the release of the Stormrage EP in 2025, the band added the new songs Sui and Stormrage to their live performances, giving them enough original material to perform full sets without relying on songs from Kalidia.
Looking Ahead
Two years after its release, Of War and Flames remains a defining milestone for Alterium. The album not only introduced the band to the international metal scene but also laid the foundation for their continued growth.
Today, the band is actively working on their second studio album, building on the momentum created by their debut and the Stormrage EP.
As Alterium continues to expand their sound and reach new audiences worldwide, the legacy of Of War and Flames stands as the spark that ignited the band’s journey.
