Album Review : Decanon “Planet Decanon”

Album Review : Decanon “Planet Decanon”

It is the first time I have heard about Decanon, and honestly, this project immediately caught my attention. It is also the first time I have reviewed an album of this length and with so many tracks. With 30 songs spread across nearly two hours of music, Planet Decanon is not just an album—it is a journey. So fasten your seatbelts and prepare for departure toward the mysterious Planet Decanon.

Decanon is the brainchild of German musician and producer Stefan, an experimental multi-genre artist whose mission is to preserve the spirit of classic melodic and progressive heavy metal while embracing modern production techniques. Inspired by the sounds of the late 1980s, Stefan combines carefully arranged AI-generated samples, humanized production, and hand-written lyrics to create a unique musical universe. The result is Planet Decanon, a sprawling concept album built around an undiscovered and mystical planet.

The adventure begins with “The Beginning II.” You cannot get a more intriguing title than that. As an instrumental opener, it immediately sets the tone of the album. Progressive metal, soaring guitar melodies, and a strong 1980s atmosphere dominate the track. It feels like stepping back into an era when guitar heroes ruled magazine covers and every song contained a memorable solo.

The second track, “Take Me Back to Decanon,” introduces the vocalist. His voice fits perfectly with the music, delivering a classic heavy metal performance full of energy and melody. The chorus is catchy, the riffs are powerful, and the guitar solo is packed with tapping and flashy techniques that fans of old-school shred guitar will appreciate.

The instrumental “Burning Desire” follows in the same spirit. Beginning with rapid drumming before launching into a razor-sharp riff, the track quickly becomes a showcase for Decanon’s guitar work. The melodies remain accessible while the technical proficiency is undeniable. Guitar enthusiasts will have plenty to enjoy here.

Short instrumentals such as “Raw Desire Part D” and “Starlight” continue the momentum with heavy riffs and impressive soloing. Then comes “Decanon’s Calling,” one of the album’s strongest vocal tracks. Supported by melodic guitars and endless lead passages, this song feels like it could have dominated rock radio and music television if it had been released three decades ago.

The beautiful ballad “Calling Out for D” offers a change of pace. Featuring  female vocals, huge reverbs, and unmistakable 1980s aesthetics, it genuinely feels like travelling forty years back in time.

From there, the album alternates between aggressive instrumentals such as “Quicksand,” “Orbit,” and “Signal” and melodic vocal tracks like “Decanon Calls My Name.” The formula becomes familiar, but the musicianship remains consistently strong. Tracks like “Trinity,” “Drop in the Ocean,” and “I Need My D” continue to deliver memorable melodies and outstanding guitar performances, while the female vocals bring welcome variety.

Later highlights include “S.O.S. from Decanon,” where captivating female vocals and an infectious chorus introduce a dramatic turning point in the album's narrative. The emotional piano ballads “Dis” and “Dis Part II” then bring the concept to its conclusion, with Canon's vocals guiding the story from disaster toward resolution. 

These final tracks not only reinforce the album's concept-driven nature but also showcase a striking stylistic shift away from the heavier metal material, revealing a softer, more intimate, and surprisingly moving side of the project.

Production-wise, there is little to criticize. Everything sounds polished, balanced, and professional. The guitars are powerful, the vocals clear, and the overall mix remains enjoyable throughout the album’s considerable runtime.

In the end, Planet Decanon is a highly focused album that proudly wears its influences on its sleeve. Personally, I would have liked to hear a few more risks and stylistic surprises considering its length. However, sometimes there is nothing wrong with sticking to what you do best. Decanon clearly knows how to craft melodic heavy metal filled with memorable riffs, impressive solos, and strong melodies.

A nostalgic and ambitious journey for fans of classic heavy metal, melodic rock, and guitar-driven progressive music. If you miss the glory days of 1980s guitar heroes, Planet Decanon is well worth the trip.

Decanon - D in Canon [EP | Explicit] | Decanon | sms2023 MUSIC PRODUCTIONS