There was a moment in Christian metal world where several bands co-exist together. The bands that storming this area included, Rob Rock, Impellitteri, Golden Resurrection, Divinefire, ReinXeed (although they are not really a christian metal band), further to German Pascua band. Along this cross breeding cage, there are two musicians Carl Johann Grimmark and vocalist Christian Liljegren. Both had been around the Christian metal realm with those bands mentioned above.. Taken a name from the famous C.S.Lewis novel, they found Narnia and wanted this band to be at least three styles in their veins: progressive , neo-classical and christian metal altogether. History seen them as successful collaboration, releasing several albums that considered ground breaking in the genre : Awakening (1998) up to The Great Fall(2003). The band suddenly disbanded after T.G.F. which considered their best. A quick reunion was found in 2009 and thus born Course of a Generation (2009), but the band taking a step diverted from their previous styles and also Christian step aside as vocalist replaced by German Pascua.
For seven years later, in today 2016, Narnia reunited the two founders, C.J. Grimmark and Christian Liljegren to released their new, seventh studio album self titled Narnia. Narnia 2016 is a returned to their root, progressive christian metal full of shred guitar works. For example the first song "Reaching for the Top" the drum intro almost mimicking their song "Nothing to Lose" from T.G.F. Reaching for the Top started up with classic four bars guitar riffs then we greet by Christian voices. The song surely set up the elements of Narnia musics : sustained string layers in background, harmony choruses and many muscular progressive power chords. "I Still Believe" is simple melodic metal that easily remember by first time listener and it is, well, very melodic. On "Thank You" the band downgrade the locomotive gears to middle tempo and allowed passenger to enjoy a solemn song that really shine Christian's vocal quality. We also have music video for "Messengers", which a strong song with creative structure, inventive guitar chords and demiurgic song writing.
In speaking about lyric, the Christianity theme is their main inspiration. However a lyrics : ".... man kinds who do you follow, maybe He comes tomorrow...." - Who Do You Follow
is simple yet fit the music well.
In general, Narnia is a strong returned from the band. Song are in extremely high quality. Carl Johann is re-nown guitar virtuoso, his works in this album is in heavenly standard that will satisfy all guitar fans. Is anything, the album is also closely similar to Christian Liljgren other band, Golden Resurrection, just slightly less neo-classical compared to them. If you really into Christian melodic metal, Narnia 2016 is a definitely strong album to have. In short, this is the album for both prog metal, believers and non.
Metal Harem class ********** nine stars out of ten
1. Reaching for the Top
2. I Still Believe
3. On the Highest Mountain
4. Thank You
5. One Way to the Promised Land
6. Messengers
7. Who Do You Follow?
8. Moving On
9. Set the World On Fire
10. Miracle (bonus)
Christian Liljegren - lead vocals
Carl Johan Grimmark - guitars
Martine Harenstam - keyboards
Andreas Johansson - drums
Andreas Olsson - bass
As the universe has known, "The Four Season" is a Baroque musical piece composed by Antonio Vivaldi. Yes, that was in the year of 1723. The works actually not very much "popular" at the time, well if you lived in the era of Vivaldi you probably heard this too often, only later got its "classic" status in the next century. By the year of 2016, The Four Season is already one of the most known, universally accepted, greatest classical music composition by a subgenre of Baroque period. There are endless list of adaptation of Four Season through out the history of music. Finally, of course they naturally reach the world we belong, the power metal world.
Vivaldi Metal Project is the most ambitious works that trying to transform The Four Seasons into power metal version in its entirety. The man behind this project happened to be Giuseppe Iampieri aka Mistheria, who works previously in Bruce Dickinson, Roy Z, Rob Rock as keyboardist and arranger. The link of full description in official website pointed out the history behind this project. In brief, mr Mistheria worked for this project for at least two full years and incorporated at least 130 musicians to make this happen. Vivaldi's The Four Seasons then adapted into power / symphonic metal version. This version is not a notes by notes transcription, but merely a source of inspiration, as the music itself merit a huge portion of original creativity by the band.
As for reminder, here is the full movements of Vivaldi's Four Season :
Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, "Spring" (La primavera) I. Allegro (in E major) II. Largo e pianissimo sempre (in C-sharp minor) III. Allegro pastorale (in E major) Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, "Summer" (L'estate) I. Allegro non molto (in G minor) II. Adagio e piano - Presto e forte (in G minor) III. Presto (in G minor) Concerto No. 3 in F major, Op. 8, RV 293, "Autumn" (L'autunno) I. Allegro (in F major) II. Adagio molto (in D minor) III. Allegro (in F major) Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, "Winter" (L'inverno) I. Allegro non molto (in F minor) II. Largo (in E-flat major) III. Allegro (in F minor)
Therefore, Vivaldi Metal Project simply adopted all those 12 movements into a lyric-completed symphonic metal songs. There are two original songs though, as a prelude and in between the album. The first one is the 1st track "Escape From Hell". However, a sorry from us, these original songs largely going to be ignored as our focus is on the Four Seasons itself. "The Illusion of Eternity" is direct version of Allegro from Spring. The original Vivaldi melodies and passage well preserved, giving this song a world wide familiarity. Those who understand how hard is song writing should praise the the band creativity to be able to do this. The verses and chorus now sounds natural as they were first composed as metal song. The next song "Vita" is lesser strictly following Largo, the song only captured the intro idea but then inserted a nice song into it. This formula repreated in many songs and they were all well fit.
Indeed, the best tunes I recommended next are "Sun of God", taken from Allegro in Summer. The piano intro works really well in mixing power metal and Vivaldi, the song as well. "Thunderstorm" is considered the most "head banging" part of Four Season, and this version serve the burden well. Prepared for the thunderstorm of shreds and bombastic works here, along with majestic choruses hired by the band. "Alchemy" also demonstrated that the band and the arrangers do a lot of homeworks to make this adaptation really stand out. This piece of music step further into the progressive metal zone, and if you got Vivaldi, power and prog join together you know the result. The finale is "Doomsday" which the final part of Four Season, taken elements of Winter part but duly played it as orchestra version in the end.
Provided that the musicians involved here are all big names, the outcome is very above expectation. When I first the heard the project honestly there is a shadow of doubt, but this album cast away any of it. Vivaldi Metal Project is a very strong remark from the metal community in paying tribute to classical / baroque music. If you like both world, then this is a must have creation for you.
Metal Harem class : ********** nine stars out of ten
01. Escape From Hell
02. The Illusion of Eternity
03. Vita
- part 1: Darkness
- part 2: Light
04. Euphoria
- part 1: Metamorphosis
- part 2: Into the Game
05. Sun of God
06. Immortal Soul
07. Thunderstorm
08. The Age Of Dreams
09. Alchemy
- part 1: The Abyss
- part 2: Canto
- part 3: Golden Number
10. Stige
11. The Meaning of Life
12. The Final Hour
13. Grande Madre
14. Doomsday
- part 1: Skyfall
- part 2: Doomsday
- part 3: Resurrection
Line Up:
MISTHERIA (Bruce Dickinson, Rob Rock, Roy Z,) - keyboard player, composer and producer
Alberto Rigoni (Bass)
Rick Wakeman
Guests: Mark Boals (Y. Malmsteen), Rob Rock (Impellitteri), Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire/Angra), Edu Falaschi (Almah), Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation), Rolf Pilve (Stratovarius), Michael Lepond (SymphonyX), Michael Angelo Batio, John Macaluso (ARK/TNT), Marco Sfogli (J. LaBrie), Mark Wood (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Andreas Passmark (Royal Hunt), Vitalij Kuprij, Mark Cross (Scorpions/Firewind), Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork), Chris Caffery (Savatage), Dani Loeble (Helloween), Victor Smolski (Rage/Almanac), Steve Di Giorgio (Testament), Anna Portalupi (Tarja), Atma Anur (T. MacAlpine/G. Howe), Tommy Denander (Radioactive) and 100+ other musicians
Sinfonietta Consonus Symphonic Orchestra (Poland), Academic Choir Angel Manolov (Bulgaria),
the “Chamber Choir Ivan Filipovic” (Croatia)
the “Rock Academy Choir” (Croatia)
Into the Legend is the 11th studio album from Rhapsody of Fire. This is their second release after the band parted with Luca Turilli, well, still something to noted there. Luca himself lead another "Rhapsody" band and commend the band goes further into technical symphonic metal as in their latest album. However, Rhapsody of Fire remained in the same water with faithful symphonic metal, as bombastic as they were of course. Into the Legend is also their first album with new bassist, Alessandro Sala. This album span three years after their latest release, Dark Wing of Steel in 2013.
The first track is the album intro opener, In Principio. After composing ten opening tracks with almost the same vibes, this one can be noted for having percussion in the beginning. The second track, Distant Sky, is quite a surprise because this one sound exactly what expected from Rhapsody of Fire. The song resembling their heyday from Legendary Tales, same riff, same bombastic chorus and catchy string attack. If you like that one wait until you listen Into The Legend. The song got heavier and needless to say the song is one of the best produced by the band after so many years. Winter's Rain followed next. This one is rather mid tempo with the band exploring one chord riff into its maximum improvisation. Moving on, we come to the ballad with A Voice In The Cold Wind, where the flute and harpsichord enjoyed their parts alongside with other folk instruments. Another full blast song is Valley Of Shadows, now if you remembered how innovative they are/were in bringing soprano singer , this is that one song. Another ballad song, consisted of acoustic lute in Shining Star, now his duet should be with violin and string. The climax of them all is always the last track. The Kiss Of Life, as usual a 16 minutes finale to celebrated the triumphant of glorious return.
Into the Legend is exactly bring us back to Legendary Tales era. The band did not shy to admit that they do not need style changing episode to succeed and just stick to what their best style. We come to listen what Alex Straropoli capability in leading the band with this album. Kudos to the guitarist, Roberto De Micheli, who rarely do any Turillian licks in his work, which is also what separated this album with their past classics. De Micheli confident in bringing his own style, notably a more heavy metal riffs rather than going too neo-classical. In front of the musician is the fabulous Fabio Lione who executed every song in perfect voice. With this quite bombastic review as well, we can safely say, the legend has back!
Metal Harem class: ********** nine stars out of ten
01. In Principio
02. Distant Sky
03. Into The Legend
04. Winter's Rain
05. A Voice In The Cold Wind
06. Valley Of Shadows
07. Shining Star
08. Realms Of Light
09. Rage Of Darkness
10. The Kiss Of Life
Line Up
Fabio Lione - Vocals
Alex Staropoli - Keyboards
Roberto De Micheli - Guitars
Alessandro Sala - Bass
Alex Holzwarth - Drums
I do owned Kenziner albums from their past. I considered their 2nd album "The Prophecy" as valuable classic neo-power metal of that time. In the early '00, internet weren't really taken the hype, so when Kenziner went into inactivity they were just like lost from the radar. It is only 15 years later they are back with a new album. Kenziner was actually lead by Jarno Keskinen's. A virtuoso guitarist who also performed in a project Virtuocity. By the time goes, all original member of Kenziner were replaced by new forces. The singer choice fell to Markky Kuikka, ex Thaurorod, ex Book of Reflections. His voices is completely different to ex singer Stephen Fredrick though. With this new line up, "The Last Horizon" pull off as serious neo-progressive-power metal release.
With more than 10 years of time, this album just like the compilation of Jarno Keskinen's ideas. Every track has been impressively composed. The main platform is Jarno's virtuoso guitar playing. Then there is strong connections between keyboards to provide the neo classic keys licks. Songs are more progressive than their 15 years ago works, which is more neo-classic and power metal. The first track "Run For Your Life" may not much revealed what potential in this album, as this opener just a simple standard power metal tunes with strong guitar riffs. From 2nd song onward it starts to kick really hard in the ass. "Our Times" is catchy melodic neo-classic song, with very progressive lyric line. The structure and music complexity is escalated, riffs ideas are flying around yet the song itself did not suffered and remained easy to follow. Then listen to "Devour The World" which is amazing composition showcase resulted in rich and dynamic song. "End Of An Era" is also an insane guitar improvisation through out the song. "Keep The Flame Alive" is finally another standard anthem power metal feel. So far we can describe this album as Symphony X, Yngwie Malmsteen and Helloween all mixed at once. Check also track "No Turning Back" in which at their last moment all instrument seems playing tightly together in unison. As said before, all songs are crazy, let's make the last recommendation which is fall on the titled track "The Last Horizon". The longest track on the album, mean an epic eight minutes of blasting progs.
Not much can be said, "The Last Horizon" is killer comeback album of Kenziner. Replay factor are high on this album for its creative song writing. Those enjoy real guitar works in a prog/power setting should quickly grab this album. The fact that the person behind this works was absence from metal for years proved that when you have enough talents, it will not vanished by time. Stunning works.
Favorite tracks: all of them... especially Our Times, Devour The World
Metal Harem class: ********** nine stars out of ten
1. Run For Your Life
2. Our Times
3. Heroes Ride
4. Devour The World
5. End Of An Era
6. Keep The Flame Alive
7. I Am Eternal
8. No Turning Back
9. The Last Horizon
10. Perfect Moment (CD Bonus Track) 192
Line Up:
Markku Kuikka - Vocals (Book of Reflections, Status Minor, ex-Gronholm, ex-Thaurorod, ex-TorneD)
Jarno Keskinen - Guitars (Virtuocity, ex-Let Me Dream)
JJ Hjelt - Bass (Royal Truck, ex-Battagia)
Jukka Karinen - Keyboards (Status Minor, The Magnificent, Thunderstone)
Make Lievonen - Drums (Embassy of Silence)
Iron Mask is somewhat power metal's best keep secret. Well, maybe not so secret because the band actually quite popular right now. But, still they are not utterly popular, yet. The band's commander in chief, Dushan Petrossi is exactly the combo between Yngwie Malmsteen and John Petrucci in regards to guitar fluency. Iron Mask last album Black as Death, in my opinion is very accomplished power metal album, with killer cover artwork. After two years, Iron Mask pulled out new album, Fifth Son of Winterdoom, their fifth album of course. A quick listening comments, I heard some compromised to their power metal roots.
The details is like this, just listen to their opening song, Back Into Mystery. This is clearly rather strange power metal song. It kind of as far AOR - metal. Mark Boals' voices are great, but in this song he is definitely not the right character. The songs is too light for Iron Mask, only after we reach the solos that the song show some bad-ass attempt to heavier the stuff. Fortunately, the second song is the real deal. Like A Lion In A Cage do serves Iron Mask a good shape. Killer neo-classical stuffs in the opening and somewhat good song writing with fitted lyrics. We then get to another strange deviation of power metal, One Commandment is sounds like old Yngwie in his final glory. Iron Mask continued his oriental-influences track with Seven Samurai (remember Genghis Khan in their last album), and its an acceptable one. The longest track, Fifth Son of Winterdoom is a lengthy epic. This has a large portion of Helloween's Keeper of Seven Keys feeling, but still not very convincing to tie listener for ten minutes idle. A lighter Angel Eyes, Demon Soul comes in perfect timing, to released the tension. Rock Religion to follow is also enjoyable track with melodic stuffs in it. Ballad track in Father Farewell. And they seems back to business when Eagle Of Fire to follow, back to power metal. Where Reconquista 1492 is actually can closed the album with enough glory, afterwards we still got another two final tracks.
It's looks like Fifth Son Of Winterdoom is suffered from the band trying out new stuffs. Some of first songs in the album really kind of too risky to put in. But at least the half part of the album did give Iron Mask back to their expertise, power metal with neo classical spices. Mark Boals still serves a good one, except the overly done vocal harmony seems making the album lost its 'heaviness". Instrument wise, sounds like Dushan Petrucci runs his sole show with really over Yngwie-esque, neo classical stuffs. Compared to their previous album Black As Death, I think this is a calmer album. Still lots of flash neo classical solos inside, so listen and judge by your own.
Metal Harem class: ******* seven stars out of ten Iron Mask - Fifth Son Of Winterdoom Buy it HERE - Amazon
1. Back Into Mystery
2. Like A Lion In A Cage
3. One Commandment
4. Seven Samurai
5. Fifth Son Of Winterdoom
6. Angel Eyes Demon Soul
7. Rock Religion
8. Father Farewell
9. Eagle Of Fire
10. Reconquista 1492
11. Run To Me
12. The Picture Of Dorian Grey
Vassili Moltchanov - bass
Dushan Petrossi - all guitars, orchestral
Roma Siadletski
Ramy Ali - drums
Mark Boals - lead vocals
One of strongest name in neo-classical / symphonic metal, here comes again Dark Moor. This time is their ninth studio album, Ars Musica, readily in June 2013. First, I like the cover artwork. It's inspiring, a child playing violin in abandoned rooftop storage room. So, that's the first impression on this album, Dark Moor to once again leading us to their imaginative musical adventure. The styles dominating this release is still the same, symphonic and neo-classical influence metal, bombastic and a guitar shred experiences.
The intro, fully orchestrated Ars Musica, is a promising start, readily to spoiled symphonic-head with a guarantee bombastic power metal. Prepared for upcoming blast, is First Lance of Spain. The intro riff + orchestration layer is one of Dark Moor's best trademark for nearly 20 years. So Alfred Romero come in front of the mic, together with ex-Kamelot Roy Khan, he seems to share the same voice timbre, a standard in power metal. Coming more anthemic is This is My Way, for a second this is sounds like a metalized AOR tunes. Which is making this even more emotional effect for the song. Interestingly, this approach continued to The Road Again. Is this the new, rather tame, melodic metal of new Dark Moor? Only now, the intensity slowly rise again, until we met The City of Peace, which is again a melodic metal with good song writing. Gara & Jonay comes as a ballad, where a piano charmingly accompanying Alfred Romero in the style of '80 metal ballad. Now that we passed five 'slower' tempo songs, Living in a Nightmare is put the pace back to metal. As in tradition, Dark Moor throw in a neo-classical licks to their arsenal, something like Rimsky-Korsakov's Bumblebee - like melody. The next song, El último rey comes with native language lyric, an opera house feel. We then have the last song Asturias in a good neo-classical, Phrygian theme, instrumental climax. Two more bonuses tracks with different music theme and we finished.
Sure we can count Dark Moor for the loudest symphonic metal. But I feel Ars Musica is a bit of leaning to their melodic part, as half of the album seems like a calm down. Ars Musica still feel much more bombastic than to their last album, Ancestral Romance. Ars Musica having wider variety for good, especially with acoustic version of The Road Again (which I am reminded to DragonForce's Season). Not an album you would like to skip, if Symphonic Metal is your stuff.
Metal Harem class: ********* nine stars out of ten
1. Ars Musica (2:05)
2. First Lance of Spain (4:57)
3. This is my Way (4:09)
4. The Road Again (4:32)
5. Together as Ever (4:43)
6. The City of Peace (4:00)
7. Gara & Jonay (4:16)
8. Living in a Nightmare (4:12)
9. El último rey (5:07)
10. Saint James' Way (3:59)
11. Asturias (5:22)
12. The Road Again (Acoustic Version) (Bonus Track) (2:37)
13. Living in a Nightmare (Orchestral Version) (Bonus Track) (4:11)
Alfred Romero - Vocals
Enrik Garcia - Guitars
Roberto Cappa - Drums
Mario García González - Bass
Record Label: Scarlet Records
Dark Moor with their latest symphonic metal album, Ars Musica, album review
This is a self cover studio album by Japan neo classical power Galneryus. The record is to celebrate their 10th anniversary. After a successful 2012 album Angel of Salvation, Galneryus keep their one album per year productivity by releasing full studio album almost less than a year after, new album called The IronHearted Flag Vol.1: Regeneration Side. As mentioned, this is a compilation of materials from their first singer Yama-B, and current vocalist Masatoshi "Sho" Ono re-take the tracks.
Observed how metal community received Galneryus' J-Power Metal albums, the band seems consistently honored with high ratings. With this an album full of Galneryus best cuts is easily welcome collection. Most songs are great work of their past port folio. From neo classical shred right from opener Braving Flag, go to standard heavy metal numbers such as Shiver, these will give you brief idea how their ten years of works looks alike. Sho's vocal fit Galneryus styles, he is clean and high screamer, melancholy type fit those Asian J-Metal style. Yama-B on other hand is western heavy metal type, heavier and operatic. If you got Galneryus past catalog, just played it side by side. The arrangements not changed a lot and almost notes-by-notes re-cover. Check Fate of The Sadness for a '80 American speed metal flat song combined with Yngwie Malmsteen neo classic licks, or gone epic with The Flag of Reincarnation. My Last Farewell will sounds as one of anime soundtrack you familiar with.
Every songs are tight musical endeavor. Galneryus always a high skilled talented musicians. Their music is not for amateur to learn even though their power metal idea is simple. As heavy as the music the song always singable with clear notes direction. The IronHearted Flag volume 1 is a collection of 'easy' listening neo-classical metal tunes. Best for re-introducing the band.
Metal Harem class: ******** eight stars out of ten
Galneryus - The IronHearted Flag Vol. 1: Regeneration Side 2013
Buy it Here at Amazon
01. Braving Flag (5:28) - from Beyond The End Of Despair...2006
02. Rebel Flag (4:23) - from The Flag Of Punishment 2003
03. Point Of No Return (6:10) - from Beyond The End Of Despair...2006
04. Fate Of The Sadness (6:56) - from Advance To The Fall 2005
05. My Last Farewell (5:06) - from Beyond The End Of Despair...2006
06. Shiver (7:12) - from Beyond The End Of Despair...2006
07. Quiet Wish (5:48) - from Advance To The Fall 2005
08. United Flag (5:50) - from The Flag Of Punishment 2003
09. The Flag Of Reincarnation (9:05) - from Reincarnation 2008
10. Silent Revelation (6:43) - from Advance To The Fall 2005
In my mind, Yngwie Malmsteen’s last significant album is
Alchemy. And that was back in 1999. That is, all the albums beyond this point
seems sub standard, musically and production, to his previous achievement. The criteria is,
albums up to Alchemy are still have a “proper” neo-classical originality that
defined Yngwie stand on the genre. Then start from War to End All Wars,
everything sounds just like a repetition. It’s still ok actually, because in
Yngwie Malmsteen team, we almost always get the second frontman that lift up
the album when Yngwie himself can’t make it. Starts from singers, Mark Boals,
Tim “Ripper” Owen, and Doggie White which provided historical recording to the
2000s era. Not only that, keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Attack! , Perpetual
Flame), and Opeth’s Joakim Svalberg (Unleashed the Fury) are actually a big
names that saves some of the balls. Just to say, that beside Yngwie’s musically
deadlock , there are still left room for fans to enjoy. Now, here the things….
Our Yngwie is back. We have the new
album here, Spellbound out December 2012. Some good news, but straightforward,
this album is not yet a comeback. Even worse, now the elements I mentioned before
is half gone. There is no “proper” singer for this album. Tim Ripper was
reportedly can’t attended the recording session for some reason. What’s now is
an album that majority an instrumental tracks, and with Yngwie Malmsteen
himself filling the vocal, something he had done before.
The first two tracks are instrumental, which is always a
“good news” for those who just enjoy his legendary neo classical licks.
Spellbound come with one of Yngwie most memorable keyboard riff in decade. Then
come High Compression Fugue, which is .. a fugue of two guitar melody line overlapping
musically. Nice one on these. Let Sleeping Dog Lie (or whatever the proper
title meant too) is blues thing. Yngwie always fond of blues and his style is
actually original to Jimi Hendrix era, although the blues man will dropping
jaws complain his over done in speed and licks. And the virtuoso himself
providing the blues vocal. On the instrumental songs, Iron Blues is stand out.
It’s spare us from the jungle of neo classical licks we too familiar with.
Majestic 12 Suite, is a long suite characteristic with Baroque and
orchestration. Poisoned Minds is the heaviest track close to what we familiar
in trilogy era, with a needed of high pitch screamer to fully the singing duty.
Requiem For The Lost Souls is actually fit to end this album, as we still looking
for miracle to bring back our lost neo-classical idol.
What needed is a riff as easy as what done by millions of
Yngwie copy cat. Then a suitable vocalist to finish the line. As simple as
that. Instead, Spellbound is the another continuation of self-done band. Even a
musicians as good as himself can’t fix this alone, as it goes for decade long
now. This album serves as parade of neo classical guitar instrumental showcase,
if you disciples of hell belly shred, this got elements to enjoy.
1. Spellbound
2. High Compression Fugue
3. Let Sleeping Dog Lie
4. Repent
5. Majestic 12 Suite 1, 2 & 3
6. Electric Duet
7. Nasca Lines
8. Poisoned Minds
9. God Of War
10. Iron Blues
11. Turbo Amadeus
12. From A Thousand Cuts
13. Requiem For The Lost Souls
Lineup:
Yngwie J. Malmsteen -Lead Guitar / Bass / Keyboards / Lead
Vocals
Japan frontline neo classical metal band Galneryus just released their 2012 album. For Asians artist, pulled out an album per year is the common pace of production. Year ago Galneryus gave us Phoenix Rising, a rather step away from their neo classical metal. In Angel of Salvation, our 2012 album, they are back.
Reach To The Sky is the opening act, an instrumental overture that equal to soundtrack of a film. The Promised Flag then followed up in full speed power metal. The song marked the very close comeback Galneryus to the neo classical platform. Lonely As A Stranger for a rather heavy metal feel and Hunting For Your Dream is a sample of Japanese power metal where the singing style completely different from European or USA counterpart.
Finally, Angel of Salvation is the main act. Fourteen minutes epic, the theme is directly borrowed from Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major op.35. Guitarist Syu transcribe the guitar solos using the same notes Tchaikovsky. The legend told, Tchaikovsky once asked the best violinist in time, Leopold Auer, but Leopold rejected it for a reason beyond human playable.
Masatoshi Ono the lead singer done his J-metal 'melancholy' style, perfectly required for Galneryus. Needless to say, all musicians in this band is all qualified to speed up the song whenever they need it. Although producing album in each coming year, Galneryus came with enough creativity and fireworks to compete with their European shred neo classical metal band. If you like shred material inside metal, and Tchaikovsky, this is a stunning album yet you need to collect.
1. Reach To The Sky
2. The Promised Flag
3. Temptation Through The Night
4. Lonely As A Stranger
5. Stand Up For The Right
6. Hunting For Your Dream
7. Lament
8. Infinity
9. Angel Of Salvation
10. Longing
Masatoshi Ono - Lead Vocals (ex-Fortbragg)
Syu - Guitars (Alieson, Spinalcord, Masaki Project, ex-Animetal, ex-Valkyr, ex-Aushvitz)
Taka - Bass
Yuhki - Keyboards (Alhambra, Ark Storm, Katsu Ohta, Yuhkinen, ex-Prophesia)
Junichi Sato - Drums (Katsu Ohta, Mephistopheles, Spinalcord, ex-Concerto Moon)
Angel of Salvation in Epic borrowed Tchaikovsky's theme
A combination of metal and Japanese anime? You bet that already has a long history on it. Japan culture is colonialism through Asia and went far to USA. For a mutual retaliation, USA export the music, included heavy metal to the rising sun islanders. The Animetal USA is direct tribute to Animetal Japan, band that specialist cover anime song into metal version. If you fans of anime, tokusatsu and other Japan craziness, Animetal is part of collectibles you should already aware. Just a tribute is not enough, forming the Animetal USA is none other than Chris Impellitteri , Mike Vescera and supported by Rudy Sarzo and Jon Dette (Testament, Slayer etc.). For Impellitteri, he is/was part of western shredder that linked very much to Japan fans. Same as Chris is Marty Friedman who was also part of Animetal doing the arrangements. For Mike Vescera, his years with Loudness should exposed him enough background knowledge on the materials. Both name is a good choice to aims both Japanese fans and non-Anime fans.
For all of the songs, the background knowledge is necessary for fully enjoy it. The songs that made the most interest to me is the anime / tokusatsu that I really familiar, to their original openings and soundtrack. Kamen Rider and Goranger in track 3 Hero Medley is completely killer. Goranger is the first Super Sentai show starting late '70s,. To get the picture of Goranger, it is a rainbow colors super hero team that literally franchised to USA in a name of Power Ranger, starting in early '90s. Dragon Ball Medley is part of teenage-hood memory. Then the real good stuff, that the original version also totally killing by Animetal, is Magic Knight Rayearth OP. Girl's Anime Medley is a fun part, considering how girly the material is for, but Mike Vescera singing Sailor Moon theme is totally awesome. Then the nostalgic Macross theme is also chilling, the series is part of outer space anime together with Gundam that form a sub-genre in anime. For Gundam, I hope get covered in the next project. For a recent soundtrack is Touch, One Piece and of course Naruto in Rock Lee's character theme.
Chris Impellitteri lead the guitar, together with the bassist and drummer nailed each his riff and solos into first class action of power / heavy metal. The solos in the Hero Medley was really Impellitteri standard of neo classical shred. In fact, Animetal USA is overdone most of the composition, turning them into more western power metal standard. Gone is the addition of brasses, old Japan style pumping bass line and the tenor singing that actually what memorable in the original versions. But again, this is totally awesome project, so much fun to dig in if you are anime literates fans. For non-anime / otaku, you lost half the excitements and the project will only serves you as regular power / heavy metal album. Specific market for Animetal USA but I bet the crowd are enough to make this project keep going.
In the light of my introduction to ReinXeed come in the project band Golden Resurrection. In this band, Tommy ReinXeed collaboration with Christian Liljegren, a singer behind Narnia and Divinefire. And if you deep enough on this scene you are right, this is Christian based team. The album Man With A Mission was released in year 2011 and simply words the spiritual idea behind the gospel. The style sung by the band still roots in power metal, and as Tommy grab the guitar as his main duty, the neo classical shred is in bigger rule here.
As in many ReinXeed involved projects, The Light Overture is tranquillity to the album. Man With A Mission begin then with raining keyboard notes backing a guitar riff, the song serves hundred percent on the message of the gospel. Christian Liljegren heavy voice is the standard in this business. Orchestration are heavily done. Identity in Chris, Finally Free and Flaming Youth are example of neo classical influences, with Tommy doing licks in harmony with harpsichord sound done by keyboardist Kenneth Lillqvist. This is pen ultimate in the instrumental track Metal Opus 1 in C#m. There also different mood, a rather heavy metal feel used in Golden Times, Standing On the Rock and live Are You Ready for The Power.
Golden Resurrection power metal in pretty similar course to ReinXeed’s symphonic approach rather than to Divinefire or Narnia. Christian’s voice conquered all notes with his standard and main feature on this album. Lyrics are heavily in gospel theme that required precaution for listener of different faith, but fans of Christian metal should celebrated this wholehearted. As their social site indicated, the band are staring recording new material as per July 2012. We shall expected fresh blood from the duo late 2012.
Metalharem class: ******** eight stars out of ten
Golden Resurrection – Man With A Mission 2012 Buy it here
The Light Overture
2. Man With A Mission
3. Identity In Christ
4. Golden Times
5. Finally Free
6. Generation Of The Brave
7. Standing On The Rock
8. Metal Opus 1 in C# Minor
9. Flaming Youth
10. Are You Ready For The Power
11. Point Of Know Return (Kansas tribute) [digital release bonus track]
12. The End Of The World (Gary Moore tribute) [digital release bonus track]
Christian Liljegren - Lead & backing vocals
Tommy ReinXeed - Guitars,vocals, keyboards & orchestration
Steven K - Bass & Backing vocals
Rickard Gustafsson - Drums & backing vocals
Kenneth Lillqvist - Keyboards & backing vocals
Luca Turilli's Rhapsody - Ascending to Infinity 2012
album review
Rhapsody of Fire had been friendly split into two bands, so this is Luca
Turilli’s Rhapsody take the lead with his newest, hmm.. symphonic album,
Ascending into Infinity. If you think you already listen to the tunes before you heard
this, hold on! You might, but I assure better to prepared one of the best production
from Luca. Not sure what prevented Luca to not achieved back his high standard
of neo classical symphonic works in Rhapsody, but after this split, this album
put back Luca in the map. It’s really set the balls high again for every
follower that trying to composed in this genre. Total orchestration and intrigue melody composition trademark by Luca.
The
symphonic intro already success in capturing the attention. Apart from the most
cheesy speech, the vocals works in Quantum
X really set the mood to the world of Luca Turilli. And from this point it
is guarantee high quality symphonic metal start by Ascending to Infinity. Killer neo classical lick that Luca always seems to invent one after another. The song is the album flagship,flamboyant song required lots of resources, the choirs, orchestration etc. Dante's Inferno and Excalibur are fresh Rhapsody-style song with nice riff. Dark Fate of Atlantis already release in video music version. Every Luca Turilli's work always closed with an epic and this duty fall to Of Michael the Archangel and Lucif3r which is 16 minutes work. Overall I really enjoy Tormento e Passione for its duet operatic singing. Then the Michael Kiske resurrected in bonus track, March of Time.
So, Luca Turilli proved there is plenty of room available for two Rhapsody. Although being in the game for more than 10 albums, Ascending to Infinity still have the moment where fresh tune being in play. Singer Alessandro Conti gives many potential song become real. Drummer Alex Holzwarth also join Luca side and help each other, in the wikipedia entry, this collaboration give this album the 11th studio album of Rhapsody. Little truth we may known at this moment. So, we welcome another team who take the genre into its respective place, Luca Turilli's Rhapsody is no waste of time in forming new band. This album is real deal.
01. Quantum X 02. Ascending To Infinity 03. Dante's Inferno 04. Excalibur 05. Tormento E Passione 06. Dark Fate Of Atlantis 07. Luna [Alessandro Safina cover] 08. Clash Of The Titans 09. Of Michael The Archangel And Lucifer's Fall 1 - Alma Mundi 2 - Fatum Mortalis 3 - Ignis Divinus 10. March Of Time [Helloween cover][bonus]
As a fan of power metal, I welcome a band that reviewers universally compared them to Rhapsody of Fire. Coming from Milan, Derdian is in the homeland of epic power metal in the style of Italian. To be more epic, all their releases so far is a continuation fantasy concept album called "New Era". In 2010, the third edition was released, New Era Pt.3 The Apocalypse. I must say I skipped the first two editions due to time constraint and only listen to their latest.
Being aware of some criticism on the album for its cheekiness, less originality or too Rhapsodian, I completely off guard and blown by their offer on this album. The album offered as much as epic moment right from the first notes on their intro, Preludio. The Spell is the first vocal lyric, goes in with a good mood of any power metal song. This song also provide nice interlude that utilized folk feel odd tempo to counter the issue about easy predicted tunes, a casual problem in power metal. But the real epic comes from second song, Battleplan, a powerful song with its familiar Rhapsody scale and groove. This continue with Black Rose, which has a beautiful song writing melody. The piano scroll here gives an unique and memorable momentum, this dispels the myth that this album doesn't have any memorable melodies.
Her Spirit Will Fly Away back to fast double pedal song. Again, the song is able to raise the mood and has interesting song development with addition of female operatic voice in the middle. Dreams is most likely gives Luca Turilli fans a dejavu with its Italian scale of power metal. Everything went high in the rest of this album. Burn is the late epic song pop in. Forevermore is an intermezzo with female voice as leading singer to its power chorus. The whole epic then close with two neo classical composition, Presagio and The Apocalyspe which is half instrumental composition.
This whole power metal moments then perfected by how beautiful the tunes and sound engineer put in this album. The guitar tunes sounds most crystal clear and screaming. Keyboard layering here is notable. This is the area that will defined how far they can jump out of Rhapsody-like sound. In many moments, the keyboard choose to use the piano sound as duelling voice against the guitar, which is quite memorable here. Marco Garau the keyboard wizard also created many creative moments, as in intro of The Prophecy that will surely very memorable. The singer, Joe Caggianelli is able to raise the moment with his voice. Unfortunately Joe departed from this band in February 2012. Whole band musicianship is top the game.
So, what happens here is the whole hour of epic melodious power metal. I can't find anything that prevent me from not enjoying this album. Forget originality issue since this is power metal, dude. But Derdian with its dedicated musicians gives another great contribution to the genre. Do not believe other critics or reviewers before you listen to this. I will wait their release without hesitation, a rating 8/10 is worthwhile.
1. Preludio
2. The Spell
3. Battleplan
4. Black Rose
5. Her Spirit Will Fly Again
6. Dreams
7. Divine Embrace
8. The Prophecy
9. Burn
10. Forevermore
11. Revolt
12. Presagio
13. The Apocalypse
Joe Caggianelli - Vocals
Marco Garau - Keyboards
Henry Enrico Pistolese - Guitar, backing vocals
Dario Radaelli - Lead guitar
Marco Banfi - Bass
Salva - Drums
Book of Reflections is a solo project by Lars Eric Mattson. If you don't know this guy who happen to be a near god guitarist, you should read this review carefully, lol. Lars was entering the shred scene back in the 80s Shrapnel year, as one of Mike Varney's axemen. Released several shred solo albums (the last full instrumental was Earthbound, 2005), this Book of Reflections project is focus on vocal neo classical metal, but actually, it is more a one third singing and the rest are soloing, at least found in this album.
No epic intro available for the opening, instead the shred just can't wait and come in in 0.0842s. Although it's cool, but I think at least a 0.5s intro note will make it more polished, at least from editing point of view. All songs are too cool, the album just feel created to blow your head away, with solo and solos. Two singers are in action but seems a supporting cast only because after minutes of musical opera, the voice different is almost unrecognizable. Most of song are actually very familiar power metal formula, but most of the time you just can't wait for the lyric to pass and again, more like a guitar music with vocal as the interlude. Highlight blitz guitar are in Until the Day and Rise Up! In fact again, they almost share the same neo classical licks here and there. And for sake of God, there exist Gate of Oblivion, a (surprise) full instrumental song.
This is a luke warm water heavy/power metal album if you didn't like too many shredding time, but is there such metal fans who didn't enjoy extensive solos here? The keyboard works, also by Lars, get the same intensity as the guitar. The album is heavy in progressive feel and the singer serves mostly as the other half of attraction. Sound mixing wise, I feel the album tunes is a bit out of ordinary, with too machine sound overall. Nevertheless, a very very enjoyable time for any guitar shred lover.
1. Until the Day 04:44
2. Dance With the Devil 05:08
3. Angel Shed a Tear 04:13
4. Bleeding Dry 05:32
5. Rise Up ! 04:41
6. Crashing Through 04:11
7. Somewhere Else to Be 05:28
8. Gates to Oblivion 06:27 instrumental
9. Keep Us Afloat 04:35
10. Without My Angel 04:45
Fantasy art style album cover for Book of Reflections
There are several interesting guitar shred album released by axeman of famous metal band in 2011. But Stephan Forte's The Shadow Compendium is one of my most anticipated guitar album. He told us about this project much time behind ... and make us await. Being in progressive band, Adagio, Forte need to released his other guitar energy on his other project such as his private album. Not much to say, playing virtuoso in neo classical style in late 2011 years, need great nerve and creativity to not repeated the same guitar "licks" from this exhausting genre.
To add more spices, this album also included jamming partner in crime, other crazy guitarist such as Jeff Loomis (who going to put out 2nd album soon in 2012), Glen Drover, Mattias IA Eklundh and others. Notable are the opening track, The Shadows Compendium, is a track in heavy harmonic minor thing. De Praestigiis Daemonum is more progressive in scale, Forte duet with Mattias Eklundh here. But we soon arrive on third tracks Spiritual Bliss, where the guitar take on spiritual stand and calm down the tempo and the music more ambient. This continue with the fourth title, Duat, back again to 200 bpm thing and double bass drumming.
Propechy of Loki XXI is intrique piano + guitar shredding track. And the album ended calmly with, perhaps, the only suspected filler of the album. So, the album is a bit complicated in melody, and something unusual melody, slightly ala Vai but in neo-classical metal style. The straight forward guitar shred tracks are only half of the album. This album will take up your time until you are too familiar yourself and love it. Highly recommended and absolutely must have for guitar lover.
Stephan Forte - The Shadow Compendium
buy from Amazon here
01 - The Shadows Compendium (guests: Jeff Loomis / ex-Nevermore & Franck Hermanny/ Adagio)
02 - De Praestigiis Daemonum (guest: Mattias IA Eklundh / Freak Kitchen)
03 - Spiritual Bliss
04 - Duat (guest: Glen Drover/ ex-Megadeth)
05 - Sorrowful Centruroides (guest: Derek Taylor /Solo artist)
06 - Prophecies Of Loki XXI
07 - I think there’s someone in the kitchen (guest: Daniele Gottardo/Solo Artist)
08 - Improvisation on Sonata no. 14, c # minor - Op. 27 no 2
excellent cover graphic design and artwork by Ludovic Cordelières
If you looking for new release this week, Iron Mask's newest album , their forth, Black as Death maybe tempting your eyes to pick it up. That's because their cover album is great, and not coincidence the material put inside is great as well.
This is my first time listening to Iron Mask (and mainly due to that excellent cover album design), but soon I found out the guitarist sounds familiar, that is Dushan Petrossi. Petrossi is also guitarist in another band called Magic Kingdom. As in many metal personalities in Europe, they tend to polygami-ed many bands for their musical aspiration seems not enough just to put under one flag.
When I read the past music of Iron Mask, they should sounds neo-classical metal. But Black as Death maybe sounds too power metal and too heavy to expect something like earlier Yngwie Malsmsteen material. Especially with two ex-Yngwie vocalist on the album, the mentioning of Yngwie is justified. Because not only Mark Boal and Goran Edman (guest vocal on track "Magic Sky Requiem"), Yngwie ex-keyboardist also present, Mats Olausson.
After the opener, Black as Death is the real opening track with heavy and powerful "Black.... as Death". But then there is Broken Hero with epic intro and mid tempo semi ballad power track. Feel the Fire is the one more closer with neo classical guitar shred intro and its harmonic minor ala Yngwie. Genghis Khan is an obvious oriental scale track, the intro utilizing something Chinese Erhu (one string violin) and Pipa (guitar). Excellent track and a rare one in metal.
God Punished, I Kill open with Gregorian chant, and I can mention all the rest tracks of the album, it seem every tracks is great. So I will just concluded a give the damn album as 9/10 points.
01. From Light Into The
Dark 02. Black As Death 03. Broken Hero 04. Feel The
Fire 05. Genghis Khan 06.
God Punishes, I Kill 07. Rebel Kid 08. Blizzard Of Doom 09. The
Absence 10. Magic Sky Requiem 11. Nosferatu 12. When All Braves
Fall
Line-up
Mark Boals - lead vocals
Dushan Petrossi - all guitars,
orchestral samples
Vassili
Moltchanov - bass
Mats
Olausson - keyboards
Ramy Ali - drums
Oliver Hartmann - backing vocals
and choirs
Roma
Siadletski - extreme vocals
Goetz "Valhalla Jr." Mohr - guest vocals on
13
Goran Edman - guest vocals
the winning album cover graphic design , design by Genzoman
Symphonic power from Japan, Galneryus, is schedule to release new album Phoenix Rising on October 5th, 2011. I've been listening to this band for a while and yet they impressed me a lot. Their style is original with strong Neo-classical (Baroque) elements. Guitar part are awesome and the vocal did get good part, albeit some accent you can heard from the Asian.
Phoenix Rising (2011) 01. The Rising 02. Tear Off
Your Chain 03. Future Never Dies 04. Spirit Of Steel 05.
Scars 06. The Wind Blows 07. T.F.F.B. 08. No More
Tears 09. Bash Out! 10.
The Time Has Come 11. The Phoenix
[disc II: bonus]
12. Against
The Wind [Stratovarius cover] 13. Rock You Like a Hurricane [Scorpions
cover] 14. Secret Loser [Ozzy
Osbourne cover] 15. 1789 [Silver Mountain cover] 16. Kiss Of
Death [Dokken cover) 17. Never Die
[Yngwie J. Malmsteen cover] 18. Street Lethal
[Racer X cover]
[disc III:
limited edition dvd]
19. Cry For The
Dark 20. Silent Revelation 21. Whisper In The Red Sky 22.
Struggle For Tth Freedom Flag
Mini Review Phoenix Rising:
The music looks like change a lot, from their regular Neo Classical now into more Speed Metal as per song 1 "Pheonix Rising". There are still many epic moments as in "Future Never Dies" opening neo classical riff. "The Wind Blows" is a great metal ballad as well "No More Tears". And the closing is done by "The Phoenix" an instrumental tracks. Great albums again by Galneryus. Rate 4.5/5 !
.jpg)
