Stormrage – Alterium’s Bold New Chapter in Power Metal
Alterium’s latest release, the Stormrage EP, landed on July 25, 2025, and it’s already turning heads across the global metal scene. For the Italian power metal group, this isn’t just another stop along the way—it’s the crucial bridge between their 2024 debut album Of War and Flames and their highly anticipated second full-length record set for 2026. With four tracks that blend storytelling, technical skill, and a flair for the cinematic, Stormrage captures the essence of what makes the band so compelling while teasing the heights they’re aiming for next.
A Tracklist That Packs Power and Story
The EP opens with the title track Stormrage, inspired by the iconic Illidan Stormrage from the Warcraft universe. This isn’t a casual nod—Alterium dives deep into the lore, pairing Nicoletta Rosellini’s soaring vocals with a driving arrangement that feels both epic and urgent. The song’s profile got an extra boost when official World of Warcraft channels shared it, pulling in listeners well beyond the traditional power metal crowd.
Following that is Sui, a piece steeped in the richness of myth. Drawing from an ancient Chinese legend about the discovery of fire, the song weaves a tale that’s mystical yet immediate, driven by vivid lyrics and the band’s layered, symphonic approach. It’s the kind of track that rewards close listening—each play revealing new textures.
Their cover of Paradise Lost by Symphony X stands as both tribute and transformation. Alterium doesn’t try to mimic the original—they reimagine it, infusing the arrangement with their own melodic sensibilities and Nicoletta’s distinctive vocal timbre. It’s familiar yet fresh, a respectful salute wrapped in the band’s own sonic signature.
The EP closes with Of War and Flames (Orchestral Version), a lush reworking of their debut’s title track. Stripped of distortion but not of drama, the orchestration amplifies the song’s emotional weight, letting the melodies breathe in a way that feels almost cinematic.
The Band Behind the Sound
Alterium was born in December 2022 from the ashes of Kalidia, carrying forward three of its members—vocalist Nicoletta Rosellini, guitarist Paolo Campitelli, and drummer Dario Gozzi—while adding guitarist Alessandro Mammola (Draconicon) and bassist Luca Scalabrin (Altair). From the outset, their mission was clear: craft melodic power metal infused with symphonic depth, rooted in stories that bridge myth, fantasy, and personal themes.
Their debut album Of War and Flames, produced by Lars Rettkowitz of Freedom Call and released via AFM Records, made an immediate impact. With over two million YouTube views and a million Spotify streams, it signaled that Alterium had arrived with force. The band’s sound—a mix of intricate guitar work, symphonic arrangements, and commanding vocals—quickly carved out a place in the crowded power metal landscape.
Nicoletta, already a recognized voice in the genre, is no stranger to multitasking. In addition to fronting Alterium, she’s the lead singer of Walk in Darkness, co-fronts the melodic metal project The Erinyes, and contributes to the Vivaldi Metal Project. Her YouTube channel, featuring monthly covers that range from metal classics to video game themes, has crossed the one million view mark—proof of her global reach and versatility. Offstage, she works part-time as a veterinarian, drawing creative fuel from her love of fantasy worlds, gaming, and gothic aesthetics.
Momentum and the Road Ahead
The release of Stormrage isn’t just a studio event—it’s part of a broader momentum for Alterium. They’ve been building their live reputation across Europe, and on September 4, 2025, they’ll take the stage at ProgPower USA in Atlanta—a milestone for any metal band aiming to cement their international presence.
For fans, the EP offers more than just a taste of what’s to come. It shows the band’s willingness to experiment while staying anchored in their core identity. The choice to blend two brand-new songs with a cover and an orchestral reimagining creates a varied yet cohesive package. Each track speaks to a different facet of the band’s personality: the gamer-inspired epic, the mythic storyteller, the respectful interpreter, and the cinematic re-arranger.
Stormrage: A Defining Moment for Alterium
Power metal thrives on ambition, and Alterium’s Stormrage is brimming with it. The band isn’t chasing trends—they’re doubling down on the elements that set them apart: rich narratives, melodic precision, and a theatrical sensibility that translates both in the studio and on stage. By embracing influences from video games, mythology, and classic metal alike, they’re appealing to a broad spectrum of listeners without diluting their artistic vision.
This EP feels like a promise. It’s a signal that Alterium’s next full-length album will build on this foundation, likely pushing their sound into even bigger, bolder territory. For now, Stormrage stands on its own as a compact but potent statement—a reminder that between albums, some bands simply keep the fire burning, while others, like Alterium, pour fuel on it and watch it blaze higher.