Saturday Singles: Project Aegis- "Angel In The Ashes" (Charity Single)

Ulterium Records
2016


"Angel In the Ashes" is a melodic power metal single where all of the profits raised will go towards feeding homeless and refugee families in Greece. This charity single was composed by Theocracy songwriter and lead singer Matt Smith and it was recorded with the help of a all-star cast. In addition to Smith himself, "Angel In The Ashes" features vocals by Rob Rock (Solo, Impellitteri), Daísa Munhoz (Vandroya, Soulspell), Vasilis Georgiou (Sunburst, Black Fate), and Leah McHenry (LEAH). The song (which can be purchased by clicking on the link above) runs over five minutes long and it includes a guitar solo by Gus Drax (Sunburst, Black Fate). Fans of progressive and melodic power metal should appreciate everything that "Angel In the Ashes" has to offer, but seeing as it is a charity single I would like to suggest it to all of our regular readers. ..

Pyramaze-Disciples Of The Sun

Inner Wound Recordings
2015

Seven long years have passed since Pyramaze's last album, "Immortal". Now armed with a new lead vocalist in Terje Harøy (Teodor Tuff, ex-Memorized Dreams) and having been blessed with the good fortune that is guitarist/bassist and producer Jacob Hansen (Invocator, ex-Eidetic, ex-Jacob Hansen, ex-Beyond Twilight, ex-Anubis Gate, ex-Maceration, ex-Broomshanka, ex-Guffe & Jacob) this Danish power metal band marks it's return with the excellent "Disciples Of The Sun". Initially founded in 2002 by guitarist Michael Kammeyer, with such top-tier vocalists as Lance King, Matt Barlow and Urban Breed having helped make this melodic power metal act the popular band that they are now, Pyramaze made their debut in May of 2004 with the well-received full-length album "Melancholy Beast". Since that fateful moment the band has seen more than it's fair share of line-up changes with today's version featuring sole original members Jonah Weingarten (keyboards) and Morten Gade Sørensen (drums). Despite all of the shake-ups Pyramaze has remained a rather consistent band with both "Legend of the Bone Carver" (2006) and "Immortal" (2008) receiving similar high praise as this band's debut album. With guitarist lead Toke Skjønnemand rounding out the band's line-up on "Disciples Of The Sun" and guests like Joost Van Den Broek (ex. After Forever, Star One),
Kim Olesen (Anubis Gate) and Henrik Fevre (Anubis Gate) stopping by to lend a hand the band's forth full-length album is one that should appease fans and newcomers alike! New lead singer Terje Harøy proves his worth well before "The Battle of Paridas" wraps up and from the album's brief instrumental opener, 
"We Are the Ocean", to this album's last call (the sublime "Photograph") there's seldom a dull moment! "Disciples Of The Sun" offers one splendid cut after another and thanks to the production job of Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Epica, Evergrey) everything sounds clean and clear! Making a case for this album is an easy task as both the songwriting and the individual performances of each band member falls remarkably close to phrase "Absolute Perfection"! And thanks to the vast amount of "exotic" ingredients that went into the making of Pyramaze's latest release (heavy rock, hard rock, melodic metal, progressive rock/power metal, U.S and European power metal and even heavy power metal/thrash!) this is an album that keeps on giving with each new spin! "Disciples Of The Sun" was a pleasant surprise on this snow-covered day in dreary old Ohio and it's one release that I plan to come back to soon enough! 

Magic Kingdom-Savage Requiem

AFM Records
2015

Alright kids are you in need of fantasy and enchantment? Well then forget about that overpriced and overrated theme park of the same name. You know the one with that non-metallic mouse as it's mascot? Yeah? Give it the old drop-kick to hell and back as it is utterly weak and pathetic when compared to this neo-classical/symphonic power metal band! Truth be told there is only one true Magic Kingdom and that  one was founded in 1998 by Iron Mask/Arms of War guitarist Dushan Petrossi. Due for release on April 14th, "Savage Requiem" is Magic Kingdom's fourth-full length album overall and the first to feature new vocalist Christian Palin (Epicrenel, Random Eyes, ex-Adagio, ex-Essence of Sorrow). Having come a long way since the release of their underwhelming debut offering, "The Arrival", in 1999, Magic Kingdom is electric on the hour long "Savage Requiem" and that has everything to do with the strong songwriting of Dushan Petrossi and the once in a lifetime performance of new lead singer Christian Palin! Of course Christian Palin isn't the only new addition to this power metal band as "Savage Requiem" finds Magic Kingdom welcoming in drummer Michael Brush (Celestial Wish, ex-Hellbastard, ex-Merciless Terror). And to be fair both Brush and Magic Kingdom's other original member, bass guitarist Vasiliy Molchanov (Iron Mask, ex-Cryme, ex-Shah, ex-Kings of Spades), did more than just show up for the recording sessions of "Savage Requiem". The slick rhythm section that showed up for album number four is way bigger and bolder than usually for these sort of melodic metal recordings and their presence is greatly appreciated! But if we are going to be completely honest about this album's energy source (and why wouldn't we be?) then it all boils down to the combination of lead guitarist Dushan Petrossi and new lead singer Christian Palin. It isn't so much a matter of chemistry between the two members (especially as any argument about band chemistry should start and end with this high-functioning band as a whole!) as it is the way in which Palin's passionate voice gracefully moves inside and out of the stunning arrangements and performances that Petrossi has provided. Enlisting this former Adagio vocalist into the fold proved to be a brilliant move on the part of Petrossi as "Savage Requiem" greatly benefits from having someone as emotionally triumphant as Palin at the helm. And speaking of the brilliance that is this Belgian guitarist, Dushan Petrossi not only wrote all the music and lyrics for Magic Kingdom's newest album, but he also co-produced & mixed it alongside of Angelo Buccolieri! With Dushan Petrossi calling the shots a band like Magic Kingdom just keeps getting better with each new album and thanks to this album's sick delivery I have gained all new appreciation for this savvy guitarist who is now (justifiably) being likened to both Yngwie Malmsteen and Michael Romeo! I gleefully confess that "Savage Requiem" caught me completely off guard as I am far from what you would call a fan of  neo-classical metal! Normally this kind of symphonic power metal is wasted on someone like me, but thanks to the masterful way in which Magic Kingdom strikes a balance between the slick (neo-classical metal, orchestra arrangements, smooth vocals, melodic power metal, etc.) and the sick (fast-rocking solos that are footloose and fancy free(!), snazzy speed metal, hard and heavy power metal that actually kicks it and kicks it wicked fierce!) this album was just too much fun to walk away from! Fans and newcomers alike should find plenty to love about Magic Kingdom's latest, but unlike dear old Walt's Florida getaway this groovy entertainment activity won't leave you dead bloke with maxed out credit cards and a careful of crabby kids!

Jacobs Moor-All That Starts

Bleedingstar Records
2014

Self-produced by the band members themselves, "All That Starts" is the full-length debut album from Austrian metal act Jacobs Moor. Founded in 2010 by Richard Krenmaier (Speed Limit, ex-Stygma IV, ex-Surrender, ex-Big Heat, Della Street), Johnny Sommerer and Rainer Lidauer (ex-Far Beyond Innocence, ex-Marcin Suder), with both the studio line-up for "All That Starts" and the live line-up of this Vienna-based act listed below*, Jacobs Moor is another relatively new band whose sound and style covers many different genres. Influenced by the likes of Machine Head, Devil Driver, Leprous, Slayer, Testament, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, Pantera and Lamb Of God and being the benefactors of lead singer Richard Krenmaier's all encompassing voice this Austrian stretches modern metal and progressive/melodic power /thrash metal into all kinds of unusual shapes! As dark and oppressive as the music might be at times (and also as gloomy as the band members themselves intended the art-work above to convey!) it's also strangely illuminating making "All That Starts" a record well-worth visiting from time to time. Available pretty much wherever fine music is to be found these days ( iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc), "All That Starts" is a fine start for Jacobs Moor. Especially seeing as it does the band members and the metal community as a whole proud by offering up another much-needed soundtrack for this crumbling world for which we are all to blame...

 * Jacobs Moor's studio line-up included:
   Richard Krenmaier-vocals
   Johnny Sommerer-guitars, bass (except "Faceless Man") and cellos
   Rainer Lidauer-drums

  Along with the following guests:
  Werner Taus-bass on "Faceless Man"
  Günther Maier-2nd guitar solo on "Final Sound"

  Meanwhile the live band features:
  Richard Krenmaier-vocals 

  Johannes Pichler-guitars 

  Rupert Träxler-guitars 

  Stephan Först-bass 

  Rainer Lidauer-drums

Darker Half-Never Surrender

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Though it might just be my first taste of this Sydney, Australia-based quartet, "Never Surrender" is actually album number three for Darker Half. Formed in 2003 (with a debut demo entitled "Rush" arriving the very same year) the band would go on to release an EP in 2006 ("Enough Is Enough") before issuing another demo in 2008 by way of "Promo 2008". In 2009 Darker Half (at the time apparently more of a thrash act then their 3rd full-length release might suggest!) issued their full-length debut album, "Duality", following it up with national tours supporting both Paul Di'anno (ex-Iron Maiden) and Queensrÿche! Now (skipping ahead a bit and all) here it is 2014 and thanks to the fine folks at FullBlast!PR I was able to spend a good part of my weekend in the company of what has proved to be a very talented power metal outfit! "Never Surrender" is one of those enjoyable albums where nature assumes a near perfect balance. The past is taken into account thanks to the presence of early heavy metal bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest (as well as other older influences ranging from Grim Reaper to Merciful Fate) as well as mid-nineties power metal (specifically Germany's Angel Dust!) while the present day aspects of Darker Half's metal is represented in grand fashion by morphing together any number of high class German/European melodic power metal acts (of your choosing!), dividing it by equal portions and then doling it out to each band-member in order that they have the proper mindset/skill-level to deliver high-quality, quirk-free traditional heavy/power hellfire! Listening to this lot tear through "Never Surrender" as effectively as they do makes you realize that there is a excellent reason why Darker Half has emerged as one of Australia's top metal acts! Darker Half is a band that captures your attention early on and between Vo Simpson's maniacal voice and some killer lead solos it holds you tight in it's grip and never lets up! For those who love heavy/power metal with tasty lead guitar work and pounding rhythms a band like this almost certain to provide a daily source of metallic satisfaction! If more and more bands like Darker Half can continue to (sporadically) pop up across this world-wide globe of ours then there is little doubt that the power metal scene as a whole will be in tip-top shape for a long time to come! 

Sinbreed-Shadows

AFM Records
2014

 Featuring within it's ranks two members of Blind Guardian, Marcus Siepen (guitars) and Frederik Ehmke (drums), and having originally gone by the name of Neoshine (with an EP, "With a Neoshine", surfacing in 2005 and a demo, "III", appearing in 2007) Germany's Sinbreed are now on album number two with the exceptional "Shadows". With the band's guitarist/keyboardist Flo Laurin sitting in the producer's chair and producer Markus Teske (Symphony X, Vanden Plas, Neal Morse, Saga and many more) once more taking care of the mixing and mastering aspects of "Shadows" just like he did on the group's (well-received) 2010 debut-album, "When Worlds Collide", "Shadows" ends up as an early 2014 favorite in the field of European-styled melodic power metal/speed metal! With a line-up that also includes former Neoshine member Alexander Schulz on bass and the (spotlight-stealing) Herbie Langhans (Beyond the Bridge, ex-Seventh Avenue, ex-The Preachers, ex-Neoshine) on vocals Sinbreed, in an effort to put some real space between themselves and the rest of melodic power metal/speed metal scene, marches their way through album number two with cuts such as (opener) "Bleed" ("Shadows" first single), the sweeping "Call To Arms" and "Leaving The Road" staking a claim early on that this one will be epic!  Pardon the pun, but closer "Standing Tall" stands tall with it's power metal take on Iron Maiden and even as the band speeds things up on the likes of  "Far Too Long" and "London Moon" they never lose focus on task at hand, creating melodic metal masterpieces! Sinbreed's ability to write catchy numbers along the likes of  "Call To Arms", "Bleed" and "Far Too Long" is head's above the competition and given the stylistic differences offered on numbers like the majestic "Reborn" and the aggressive "Black Death" ( a monster of a cut, "Black Death" is by far the heaviest and most "extreme" number on this disc and it just BOOKS it's way right down the middle of the road!) it's hard not to be pleased by this band's obvious quest towards balance and perfection. Sinbreed has all it takes to be the voice of a new generation of melodic power metal/speed metal bands. That's of course if their voice can end up being heard more frequently then it has been. After all four years between albums is a real long stretch! Based on what's going on with "Shadows" might it just be that the time has come for all involved to push this act to the forefront? One could make that argument and I most certainly would!

Darkyra Black-Dragon Tears

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Prior to clicking on this promo I had no idea what to expect. Who or what is Darkyra Black? If I was to simply go by the artwork then I'd probably be guessing something akin to a gothic Duran Duran! As it turns out the gothic part is correct, but the Duran Duran part for like a thousand miles off! For it seems that Darkyra Black, an absolutely stunning beauty(!), is an Australian symphonic metal singer and "Dragon Tears" is the debut offering of Darkyra Black. Make sense so far? Besides the lovely Darkyra Black, whose voice is every bit as sultry and seductive as it is powerful and engaging, the band features drummer Garry King (Jeff Beck, Joe Lynn Turner, Ian Parry) of power metal outfit Achillea, guitarists Betovani Denelli and Paul Jupe (Achillea), bassist Colin Haynes (Achillea) and keyboardest Fab Jablonski (Achillea). As Darkyra Black has provided backing vocals for Achillea it makes sense that all of these members of said symphonic metal/power metal act lend a helping hand on her debut album. Oh, and not only is it a debut album, but It's also a concept album based on a "Gothic interpretation of a geisha like tale that ends in tragedy. Love, loss, lust, betrayal and revenge." Naturally anytime a young act attempts to tackle a concept album there are numerous risks involved. But for a new act to tackle one on their debut recording? That's pretty bold right? To Darkyra Black's credit "Dragon Tears" is a pretty solid undertaking. I've never heard Achillea myself, but I would imagine that some of that band's same symphonic metal and power metal elements show up on this debut album along with generous helpings of  gothic rock, traditional heavy metal, melodic hard rock, epic metal and even progressive rock! In their words the music is "dark, passionate and edgy" and I'd say that that about covers "Dragon Tears"! No, but really this music is dark and a bit mysterious and thanks to some solid guest musicians (George Boussounis-additional keyboards/samples/arrangement, Michael Porfyris -cello, Ilias Sdoukos -viola, Laertis Kokolanis - violin) "Dragon Tears" is different...in a good way! Along with Achillea influences are listed on her Facebook as being Tarja, Edenbridge, Dio, Kate Bush and Nightwish although I'd add in Amy Lee of Evanescence fame as well when it comes to Darkyra Black. If goth-tinged symphonic/melodic power metal with strong female vocals and heavy rock guitars sounds promising to you then "Dragon Tears" is worth checking out. I'll admit I wasn't expecting to like this one as much as I did, but between the skilled musicians involved and Darkyra's enticing vocals this one was easy enough to get caught up in! Solid as a rock for a debut recording, and a concept album to boot(!), "Dragon Tears" is a good start for this Australian vocalist who, with time and some luck, should evolve into a more recognizable name.

Silent Force-Rising From The Ashes

AFM Records
2014

So it's been almost seven years since fans last heard heard from Silent Force? That's what the promo material for "Rising From The Ashes" let's us know. That doesn't surprise me all that much seeing as founding member/guitarist Alex Beyrodt (Missa Mercuria, Primal Fear, Sinner, Voodoo Circle, Mat Sinner, ex-The Sygnet, ex-Wild Axes) is involved in so many different outfits/projects all at once. Still, this is only my second time covering one of his acts. About the closest I've come to covering Beyrodt in the past has been with his part-time project Voodoo Circle (Where he showcases his love for the likes of Whitsnake, Rainbow and Deep Purple!), but I do know his name as it routinely pops up in heavy metal discussions. With Silent Force's last album, 2007's "Walk The Earth", having been recommended to me on more then one occasion in the past (See the earlier reference point to heavy metal discussions especially the sort involving good melodic metal bands to check out) I was a bit curious to hear what "Rising From The Ashes" would have in store for me. Now led by Michael Bormann (PowerWorld, Redrum, ex-TAX, ex-The Sygnet, ex-Biss, ex-Bloodbound, ex-Letter X, ex-Bonfire) the band also currently features Alex Beyrodt's Voodoo Circle band-mate Mat Sinner (also of Primal Fear and Sinner) on bass, keyboardist Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge of Forever, Gianluca Ferro, Brunorock, Hardline, Moonstone Project, ex-Eden's Curse, ex-Fury N Grace, ex-Strings 24) and additional original member/drummer André Hilgers ( Lingua Mortis Orchestra, Rage, Sinner, ex-Ninja, ex-Nuclear Blast Allstars, ex-The Sygnet, ex-Universe, ex-Axxis, ex-Empire, ex-Razorback, ex-Vanize, ex-Mendacious Messiah, ex-Noisehunter (live), ex-Regicide (live), ex-Bourbon $treet). Replacing the well-traveled DC Cooper with someone like Michael Bormann sure sounds good on paper right? Well, it sounds even better in practice! And together with the exceptional guitar playing of Alex Beyrodt its a win-win combo. Although I'd hesitate to call this strictly melodic metal, which is how it was sold to me in the past, there is more then enough melodic merriment going on to appease fans of said genre. Given the call I would probably opt for "melodic power metal" instead, but even then there's more going on here then one mere title description could fully relay. But, that's neither here nor there so I'll just state the obvious. This is good, well-played and well-crafted, power metal that features enough melody to keep it grounded, but with its heavy "Let it rip fellas!" mentality you couldn’t reasonably expect to keep it grounded forever!

Distant Past-Utopian Void

Pure Steel Records

2014 

"Utopia Void", which is due out in the later part of next month, is the latest release from Swiss heavy metal band Distant Past. Formed back in 2002 by Emerald's Adriano Troiano (bass and keyboards), originally under the name Evil Eyes and with two of Adriano's high-school friends in tow (guitarist Alain Curty and drummer Kaspar Zwirner), the band's first album was issued in 2003. Since then (the group's release of their debut album, "Science Reality") the band has seen it's fair share of line-up shake-ups with only Troiano and Curty remaining from the early days. With "Utopia Void", which has some oddly sinister album art adorning it, this Swiss band now features the services of former Emerald lead singer/guitarist Jo Julmy (lead vocals) as well as guitarist Christof Schafer (ex-Orpheus) and drummer Jan "The Onion" Zwiebel. While the group is primarily looked at as a progressive/melodic heavy metal band this album finds a group more then willing to stretch past any such preconceived notions.Opening number "A Day of Darkness" carries a serious torch for all things 80's metal (as do the numbers "Kingdom of Shadows", "Helpless" and "The Illusion") while the band tackles Black Sabbath on the (Ronnie James Dio-tribute number) track "Touched by the Gods" and even Megadeth-like thrash with "On The Edge". At almost sixty minutes in length this one is a sure-fire winner and a good sign that 2014 will indeed be a good year for heavy metal! 

Royal Hunt-A Life To Die For

Frontiers Records
2013

Released here in the U.S. earlier this month, "A Life To Die For" is the latest album from Danish act Royal Hunt. Following in the footsteps of the similarly-titled "Show Me How To Live", which previously saw the return of vocalist DC Cooper (Amaran's Plight, Missa Mercuria, D.C. Cooper, ex-Silent Force), this release makes album number twelve for a band that has seen countless line-up changes since first forming back in 1989. With sole surviving/original founding member keyboardist/guitarist André Andersen serving as producer (and doing a splendid job at it for what it's worth!) the band, which is rounded out by lead guitarist Jonas Larsen (ex-Barock), bassist Andreas Olsson (7days, Rob Rock, Stormwind, ex-Narnia, ex-Wisdom Call, ex-DivineFire, ex-Harmony) and drummer Allan Sorensen (Cornerstone, ex-Narita, Scarlet, ex-André Andersen, ex-Prime Time), has released an album that proves that wine isn't the only thing that gets better with age! "A Life To Die For" starts where 2011's "Show Me How To Live" left off and improves upon that album's solid melodic/progressive heavy metal by bringing in more symphonic elements and even a large choir! While I'm on record as saying that such additions usually detract from a metal album's overall appeal, which (to these old ears of mine) is usually true 75% of the time, here at least is one example of how to do it so that it actually enhances the metallic nature of your sound. With the way in which this band frames (what is otherwise) these classical elements it merely shines an extra spotlight on Royal Hunt's powerful melodic progressive metal. Yes, in regards to "powerful" and "melodic" that could be looked at as a oxymoron. Then again if you've ever heard the Danish act then you'll understand what I'm getting at. Sure, melodic metal lies at the very heart of this band and given how much the keyboards are employed in Royal Hunt that will likely never change. Even so lead guitarist Jonas Larsen gets his chance to shine and his playing often times adds a powerful edge to what is without a shadow of a doubt some of the best melodic power metal out there! As André Andersen employees flashy keyboard passages Jonas Larsen takes the listener on a journey of new discoveries! And by that I mean the great discovery that power metal can be as grand as it is empowering provided you have all the right set of players in place! Well, that and then the fact that there are still power metal outfits out there in this world of ours who haven't forgotten that power metal should be A) Powerful and B) Dead serious heavy! Royal Hunt falls into both of those categories even as they employee a small army of classical/orchestra personnel and a large choir! And while the album alone is a must for royal Hunt fans it gets even better when you realize that album number twelve from this Danish act includes  bonus DVD! Shot during the band’s last tour, the DVD features live music and interviews and it serves as the proverbial "cherry on the top" of this treat! For Royal Hunt fans this one is a given, but I'd also implore fans of melodic/progressive power metal to give this album a chance. Just between the skills of vocalist DC Cooper (who sings with some serious passion here!), guitarist Jonas Larsen and keyboardist/producer André Andersen there is plenty to love and appreciate about "A Life To Die For" and yet the whole band is top-notch and each and every song is well-written and planned out! If you've never had the privilege of hearing Royal Hunt before then this is as good of a place to start as any!  

Iron Mask-Fifth Son Of Winterdoom

AFM Records
2013

For the record I had not planned to review this album. In all honesty if a CD copy had not ended up in my mailbox (along with Epysode's "Fantasmagoria") I'd have skipped it all together as this Belgium act's last studio-release, 2011's "Black as Death", didn't exactly floor me. It wasn't as if it left a bitter taste in my mouth or anything. I just didn't find it all that exciting. Still, I swore to myself that I would leave any preconceived notions at the front door and give "Firth Son Of Winterdoom" a fair chance. "Sink or swim Iron Mask" I said to myself before tearing the plastic off of the CD and slipping it into my home stereo. Iron Mask, which was formed back in 1998 by guitarist Dushan Petrossi (also of Belgium power metal act Magic Kingdom), came out of the gate (somewhat) strong  with the rock-tinged track "Back into Mystery". Interestingly enough it's numbers like "Back Into Mystery" and the excellent "Angel Eyes, Demon Soul", which both feature rock and roll like arrangements, that help to give this album that little extra something. These guys definitely thought outside the box on these tracks (as well as on the cool Dio-ish "Rock Religion") and I'll gladly give them their due respect for that! Now, besides Dushan Petrossi (who handled all of the electric and acoustic guitars on "Fifth Son Of Winterdoom" as well as being credited with keys, orchestral samples and bass guitar) the musicians involved on Iron Mask's album number five include Petrossi's fellow Magic Kingdom member Vasiliy Molchanov (also formerly of Cryme and Shaw) who is also credited with bass along with drummer Ramy Ali (Evidence One, Freedom Call,  Kiske/Somerville, Roger Staffelbach's Angel of Eden, ex-Frontline, ex-Getaway, ex-Justice) and vocalist Mark Boals (Holy Force, The Codex, ex-Royal Hunt, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, etc.). Meanwhile guest musician Andreas Lindhal (of Denmark's Wuthering Heights) is credited with background keys and keyboard solos. Looking over my past notes for the "Black as Death" review it appears as if this is the second full-length Iron Mask release to feature lead vocalist Mark Boals and drummer Rami Ali. As far as how it stacks up to their last album I'd say they don't really compare as this one surpassed my expectations.The group seems to have taken a much- needed step forward musically although I will come clean and say that there was one aspect of the new Iron Mask LP that had to grow on me. At first it just seemed as if there was something about Mark Boals voice that didn't sit well with me. It's only after listening to "Fifth Son Of Winterdoom" a few times that I slowly started to appreciate his voice perfectly suites this kind of melodic, neo-classical power metal. It took me repeated listens to come to that point though and I'm not sure why my first listen and my last listen left me with two vastly different opinions. As I listen to it now the song "Eagle of Fire" is playing in the background and Mark Boals voice just seems to blend right into the kind of splendid power metal that fans of Dio would love and appreciate! That just goes to prove that sometimes it's better to give an album a few spins before you come to any rush judgements. Anyway, as far as getting back on track and talking about the musical direction here on Iron Mask's latest it does seem as if this time around the group is much more focused. "Fifth Son Of Winterdoom" just strikes me as so much diffrent and vastily improved then the group's last studio-album. Of course this one is two years in the making so maybe that has something to do with it? Whether that was the key or not Iron Mask seems to be right as rain with this full-length delight. For the most part (other then some fine, rock-drenched and skillfully assembled for ultimate enjoyment, power metal moments) it really is neo-classical power metal for the most part as far as what direction this release takes. It's all about doing what this bunch does best. As they run straight down the list with back to back tracks such as "Like A Lion In A Cage", "Only One Commandment" and "Seven Samurai" it becomes all too clear that Iron Mask has really risen the stakes and now their all about giving their A game for fans. Now the title cut, which is over 10 minutes long(!), might not make it for a lot of people (and I do have to say that from start to finish this was one track that had me contemplating hitting the skip button) as it comes across as a little overblown. But, when there are tracks like "Reconquista 1492" and "Run To Me" (where the listener is treated to everything that guitarist Dushan Petrossi has to offer and his skills are nothing short of spectacular!) it's hard to complain. Whether he is doing his best to pay tribute to the greats like Dio and Iron Maiden or digging out solos that make you envision Blackmore's Nights his playing is beyond golden! With that said it's the interplay between Dushan Petrossi's guitar playing and the lead vocals provided by Mark Boals that really gave me pause to consider how much I actually enjoyed this album! The two of them together give Iron Mask's latest a shiny, glossy feeling and make you truly appreciate the many interesting twists and turns that "Fifth Son Of Winterdoom" provides the listener. In addition to the drop-dead serious rockers and epic power metal moments mentioned above, which are really spectacular folks, the album does have more reflective moments like the powerful and sad ballad "Father Farewell". Petrossi wrote this song for his father who sadly passed away last year and it's the heartfelt pain of "Father Farewell" that makes this one track stick out from all the various rockers and power metal moments. By the time the epic "The Picture Of Dorian Grey" closes out Iron Mask's latest you're likely to find yourself a bit spent as there is just so much going on! At a little over an hour it is admittedly a long release, but with repeated listens I found new things to enjoy and little things popped up that I had noticed before. Chances are it would be the same for anyone who really takes the time to truly listen to this release. If you are a fan of neo-classical power metal then do yourself a favor and pick this one up. These guys deliver the goods on "Fifth Son Of Winterdoom" and this is one release that I'm more then happy to admit that my conceived notions were dead wrong! 

Armory-Empyrean Realms

Metavania Music
2013


Towsend, Massachusetts-based Armory, who should not be confused with either the speed metal band Armory from Sweden or the thrash metal band Armory from Whittier, California,  are a power metal outfit that was formed back in 2001 by guitarist Chad Fisher (Soul Remnants) and guitarist/ (studio) drummer Joe Kurland. Joining the pair of Chad and Joe (who, collectively, deliver epic guitar solos that are as finely-crafted as they come!)  are vocalist Adam Kurland, bassist Tom Preziosi (Forced Asphyxiation, Soul Remnants, ex-The Year Of Our Lord) and keyboardist Peter Rutcho (Who, according the the Metal Archives, was both the engineer and the session keyboardist for the group's 2007 debut-album, "The Dawn of Enlightenment.", before joining the band as a full-time member. He is also involved with Vomitron who also make their home at Metavania Music!). Meanwhile live drums as handled by Tom Vieira (ex-Frozen and ex-Soul Remnants) who is listed as a full-time member as well. Now, other then a 2004 demo version of "The Dawn of Enlightenment" (with, reportedly, programmed keys!) this is it as far as releases go for this 12 year old band. Of course that's not to say that the nine-track "Empyrean Realms", which clocks in at over fifty minutes in length!, isn't enough for this (nearly-teenage) U.S. metal act. With it's mixture of (melodic) power metal (which is both American and European in style!) and 80's U.S. traditional metal "Empyrean Realms" is everything that a sophomore release should be while simultaneously helping this Armory out by making a claim that they deserve to be noticed and noticed now! There are many key points that should end up helping that argument out. Among them is the pleasant discovery that this album, which again is over fifty minutes of premium power metal!, is filled with epic arrangements which have been carefully & lovingly constructed in order to give fans the best possible product that Armory can deliver! According to the promo material that accompanied the fine CD that I have in my hands, which comes with a professional booklet with pictures and song lyrics, the material on "Empyrean Realms" was worked on for several years and, having listened to this one now two times through, it's easy to see that these guys put a lot of time and thought into these nine-tracks! Here we find melodic power metal that is performed with near surgical precision by a convoy of musicians who have become artfully-skilled in the delivery of  (nearly-flawless) power metal. Self-produced by the band members themselves and issued on Joe Kurland's new created label, "Empyrean Realms" is a release that sounds clean, focused and as if it's ready to leap right out at you! While the fear may linger for some that this is nothing but performance-art that has sacrificed passion at the expense of playing technically-sound (but  god-awful boring!!!) Euro-style metal that simply isn't the case here. And believe you me no one is more thankful for that then I am! I love power metal, but the European variety can be a bit, eh, "fluffy"! For this act though there's just more to the picture. Melody is a keen ingredient here and there's simply no way of overlooking the technical achievements of a band like this. But, the sense of comforting melody present on the group's new album is simply another side of the coin for Armory. This is also an album that seems as if it's been super-charged by the Energy Bunny or something as the metallic-edge that this band has infused their material with is more then worthy of the title "power metal"! These guys are metal in heart and spirit even if it's sometimes hidden underneath some flashy keyboard arrangements! Something tells me that if this band keeps putting out material like this then people will have to stop what their doing and acknowledge just what Armory can and does bring to the scene.

Tales Of Pain-Into The Labyrinth

Self-Release/Independent
2013

Tales Of Pain, a four-piece Mexican (tried and true) heavy metal/melodic power metal band, was first conceived of back in April of 2009. At first it was all about friends just having some fun and bounding over a (obvious) shared love of bands like Iron Maiden, Helloween and Metallica. Over time though the four musicians, who are lead "Into the Labyrinth" by the highly effective vocals of guitarist Siaska Di Borja, decided to buckle down, fine-tune their craft and, no doubt spurred on by the fact that they already had quite a bit of talent on their side (as well as natural charisma and youthful enthusiasm-two things that can't be learned as you've either got them or you don't!), see where things would lead to. And man alive let me tell you what folks. We should all be very grateful that Tales Of Pain, hailing specifically from Villahermosa, Tabasco, did decide to take things as far as they could go. Especially seeing as "Into the Labyrinth", a 9-track combination of (fine as wine) traditional heavy metal and melodic power metal, is quite the inspired release! While I'm not exactly sure if this is the group's first attempt to put things to tape or not (although I assume it is) I will say that if it is then "Into the Labyrinth" is a very splendid introduction indeed! With numbers like "Dark Decay" honing in on 80's metal, before heating things up some with a bit of heavy thrash,  and a cut like "Alive", with it's majestic approach to epic metal, moving Tales Of Pain from a fresh-faced, up-and-coming band to "top of the pops" territory this one band that should benefit from today's technical age. In the past a band like Tales Of Pain would have had a hard time even moving up past the tape-trading market and into the land of independent labels. Things have changed though (as far as getting your music out there to a world-wide audience and placing it into the right hands in order to get a record contract) and in the case of Tales Of Pain they can easily use that to their advantage. Still, when it comes to this heavy metal band, which also features guitarist Eddie Maciel, bassist Daniel Arias and drummer Beliel Canto within it's ranks, I'd love to cut through some of the burdensome "red tape" for them. I'd strongly urge any and all PR friends/contacts of mine to listen to "Into the Labyrinth" for yourselves and hear why I'm so excited about what these young guys have accomplished (sound-wise) in such a short length of time! Maybe this isn't quite music built for rocking out to, but (technically-speaking) Tales Of Pain have built a behemoth of an album  riff by bloody riff! For a young band that has barely cracked the ceiling of  the underground scene, which means of course that ( and may the gods of all things loud and proud bless them for this!) they are probably playing to crowds of no more then 200 or so, this kind of dedication and achievement is even more impressive! So yes, if I was in the PR field I'd grab this band right here and now while there is still fire in their belly. For everyone else though here's another example of  what is (more or less) metal magic in all it's glory. "Through The Looking Glass", which is cut number seven, is the sound of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest converging at that exact spot in history when Queensrÿche used to be good (God, does anyone else remember that or is it just my imagination getting the better of me?). Elsewhere the band puts all of it's chips on the style, sound and even swagger of Helloween and, if I had to put my money where my mouth is, I would wager that for the bulk of heavy metal fans that is where they would get the most pleasure out of this 4-piece band! With Tales Of Pain quite effectively merging these various different elements (from melodic metal to nearly progressive metal a lot of ground is covered on this release) into one new character I'd expect great things out of this young band as the sky is very much the limit! Find out more about Tales Of Pain, and how freaking straight-up boss their sound is, at their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tales-of-pain/139613849406379

Hibria-Silent Revenge

AFM Records
2013

Looking for modern power metal? If so Brazilian Metal band Hibria should suite your tastes. Founded in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul / Brazil back in 1996, with their 2004 debut album, "Defying The Rules", receiving (well-deserved) high-praise from both the public and the press (including here at Heavy Metal Time Machine),  Hibria's latest release is the very definition of modern power metal. Lead by a talented front-man in Iuri Sanson (no complaints when it comes to his set of lungs) the band has become well-loved in their native country as well as in Japan where they take their dedication to bands seriously. It's easy enough to understand why this sort of band would inspire that kind of blind allegiance as power metal like this remains highly respected outside of the states. You'd think that a band like this would also be embraced by Europe, but maybe it's simply a case of there being way too many good native bands there that a band from Brazil just can't break on through. Either way this band who, in addition to their lead vocalist, is down to just one other original member in guitarist Abel Camargo offer up technically sound modern power metal that is just fine and dandy. Why then does it strike me as being somewhat blah? There is the truth of the matter (that I'm not a big fan of European-style power metal), but this band, while you'd think they would be making waves in Europe, are more traditional power metal then the usual likes you'd expect to see signed up to AFM Records. But, the band has what I'd describe as more skill then style. Or at least on this album. While I did not review their debut album personally (that was all Metal Mark) I've heard it and it sure seems as if something happened to the band between album number one and this release, album number four. It's like the independent spirit is gone for these guys and it's been replaced with a modern sound and a modern production that on one hand is improved, but on the other hand it's all flash and no substance.  Fans of modern power metal could do much worse then this release, but if you're looking for more of an urgent and hungry sound then I'd hunt down their debut.

Alloy Czar-Awaken The Metal King

Arkeyn Steel Records
2013

Earlier this week I covered Xcel's "Deliver This Dream" and now, with fellow Arkeyn Steel Records label-mates Alloy Czar also getting the royal treatment, it looks as heavy metal fanatics will be busy emptying their wallets! With "Awaken The Metal King", which collects Alloy Czar's recording output into one neat and tidy package, Arkeyn Steel Records is catering to collectors as much as metal fanatics as these demos have appeared on numerous want lists over the years! What's so special about this Denver, Colorado band then? Part of it is has to do with the fact that Bob Parduba (lead vocals/guitars) went on to briefly front Jag Panzer. He sang on their 1987 album, "Chain Of Command", and, as excellent as he sounded fronting that fellow Colorado act, he sounds even better here! To say he has a unique voice is putting it mildly and I've struggled to put my finger on just the right description of his vocals. The best I came up with, and trust me it sounds better on tape then on paper I do realize, is that he sounds like a really cool heavy metal version of Robert Smith of the Cure! You'll have to trust me though it works, especially when your band plays a very sweet brand of melodic heavy metal that has drawn comparisons to everyone from Jag Panzer to Fifth Angel! Those are two "big" names to live up to, but the band, which also included guitarists Charlie McCormick and Billy Mitchell (who also played keys for the band), bass player Scott Wilson and drummer John Beaird, ends up giving heavy metal fans a serious thrill ride thanks to cuts like the killer "Taking the Lead" (which appeared on a regional sampler called "KPKE Colorado Rocks" back in the day!). For a band that was formed back in the late seventies, and released these demo cuts in the early eighties, the music holds up incredibly well! Credit must be given to the excellent re-master job by Kostas Scandalis as songs like "Black Monday", "Slayer", and "Stalker" sounds almost crystal clear. Speaking of "Stalker", which has an almost classic rock vibe to it, the combination of Uriah Heep keyboards and Judas Priest like guitars has to be heard to be fully appreciated! The promo might recommend this one to fans of Jag Panzer, Queensrÿche, Heir Apparent and Lethal, but a cut like "New Love" could easily appeal to fans of Stryper and Dokken. In a way the guitar work in "New Love" reminded me of Kansas and it's worth noting that whether it's a softer number like that or a heavier track, "Take The Lead" for example (which to me sounds like early Mötley Crüe meets Judas Priest), Bob Parduba handles everything with ease. Now, while the band did have some early regional success, they never made it past the demo stage. One has to wonder why? On the strength of these 8 tracks Alloy Czar were most certainly heads and shoulders above a lot of what passed for hard rock and melodic heavy metal back in the early eighties. Thankfully Arkeyn Steel Records is giving this band the same royal treatment as Xcel got. This limited edition release (1000 Hand-numbered CDs) will come with lyrics, unpublished pictures and a bio of Alloy Czar. I'd certainly recommend, highly in fact, "Awaken The Metal King" to not only fans of  Jag Panzer, Queensrÿche, Heir Apparent and Lethal (per the promo material!), but for those who appreciate Houston, Texas act Mania ( "No Lullabies"), early Mötley Crüe (same gritty edge without the sleaze though and a bit more "metal"!), Lizzy Borden, Fifth Angel, Dokken, Leatherwolf and Nitro ("Lethal + II"). As with Xcel's "Deliver This Dream" I wouldn't twiddle your thumbs either because, while a 1,000 copies might sound like a lot, there are a TON of fans of this cult act who will be snatching this demo collection up!

http://www.arkeynsteel.com/metal-store/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=196&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=9999

Artizan - "The Death Of Me" Single

Pure Steel Records
2012


Melodic heavy metal/power metal band Artizan have offered up this advance single/video as a sneak peek of their new album, "Ancestral Energy". Founded in 2008 by former Leviathan drummer Ty Tammeus the band issued a 2009 self-titled EP and 2011's "Curse of the Artizan". If the new album proves to be as good as this new single then chances are it will be a warmly-received album. The new single, "The Death of Me", finds this Jacksonville, Florida band playing a fine brand of metal that combines elements of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Savatage and early Queensrÿche. The band's forthcoming album was recorded at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida with the one and only Jim Morris in producer's chair. With former Iced Earth vocalist Matt Barlow said to be making a guest appearance on the title cut for "Ancestral Energy" this album sounds very promising. The new album will be released on Pure Steel Records sometime in April of 2013.








http://artizanmetal.com/news.html

Mob Rules-Cannibal Nation

AFM Records
2012

Germany's Mob Rules formed in 1994 and released their well-received debut album, "Savage Land", in 1999. The band have so far managed to release 7 full-length releases, 2 EPs and a live album. The newest albums finds vocalist Klaus Dirks sounding as good as ever while the rest of Mob Rules rolls out melodic power metal that, mercifully, does not get caught up in the typical trappings of European power metal. In fact, if anything, Mob Rules lays down a hard hitting onslaught of melodic power metal than embraces elements of hard rock, traditional heavy metal and progressive metal. All of that of course falls under the blanket of melodic power metal and yet, thanks to the fact that the band finds it's "groove" early on, the music feels right at home. Mob Rules has been a band that, seemingly,  was to be found sitting on the outside of the genre. While their ability to forge power metal that is melodic and, yes, somewhat symphonic in nature in not in question what will the band do to stand out? Having the sense to explore new elements will help these guys in the end as the German power metal scene remains packed to overflowing with similar sounding groups. If Mob Rules can continue to craft power metal that is full of melody and style (since that is the popular thing these days for any German power metal hoping to make a go at it) but, add in a full-fledged injection of REAL heavy metal then the sky could be the limit.