KAMELOT - The Black Halo

KAMELOT
The Black Halo
SPV Records
8/10





With the band's eighth release, Kamelot displays a refined, highly melodic brand of power metal that is poignantly compelling throughout the entire listen. With The Black Halo, the band melds the power metal genre with Queensryche- influenced songwriting, incorporating smatterings of tasteful electronic elements, giving these tracks a modern edge that seperates the group from the traditional power metal pack.

Punctuated by an excellent job of production courtesy of Sascha Paeth and Miro that is crystal clear, yet punchy and powerful, the sounds of Kamelot burst through your speakers with an assertiveness many groups of this kind simply cannot maintain. The Black Halo is commercially accessible, and it is easy to imagine several of these songs breaking big on rock radio.

Overall, this album has a much darker feel than the band's previous offerings, although the masterful vocal work of singer Khan is strictly focused on creating strong harmonies with an emphasis on melodic overtones. This is an album that imparts a truly epic presence. The songs are larger than life and the best comparison that could be made is that this is Kamelot's "Operation:Mindcrime".

Each song gives way to the next with fluidity, with many surprises along the way, and the amazing vocals of Khan putting an exclamation point on the quality musicianship of the group. Thomas Youngblood shows that he is both a proficient composer as well as a top notch six string wizard, offering up richly dynamic textures on the axe. He places just the right amount of emphasis needed for each song part in order to achieve maximum artistic impact.

Standout tracks include "March Of Mephisto", "Abandoned" and "Moonlight," but each track is an excellent marriage of metal and melody that will give fans of power metal, progressive music, and just plain awesome music in general something to be very excited about in March 2005!

Written by: Powerlord

NIGHTMARE - The Dominion Gate

NIGHTMARE
The Dominion Gate
Candlelight USA
7/10





Nightmare has been producing metal for over two decades now and it can be said that the French group has found a niche over the years. Progressive and power metal-minded metalheads often sing praises of the band’s previous works, but “The Dominion Gate” is doubtlessly the group’s best sounding production to date. The band has stepped up their songwriting since “Silent Room”, which was released by Napalm Records in 2003. Musically, the songs which grace “The Dominion Gate” are ultimately much more articulate and well thought out than Nightmare’s older works. Additionally, the record enjoys the benefit of quality production, the knob turning here being light years beyond the band’s former releases. Each of these aspects add up to an impressive foray into sonic fear, highlighted by a sometimes-disturbing, dark psychology.

Joe Amore’s pipes sound greatly improved as well, possessing a newfound strength that was noticeably absent on the last album. All though the singer’s performance still sounds distinctly European, he is much more convincing, especially on tracks like “ A Taste Of Armageddon” and in particularly on the eerie cut “The Dressmaker.” It is this song that best illustrates the band’s ability for creating textured, dramatic sequences and by all rights, this should be considered to be one of the definite highlights of the record. New guitarist Franck Milleliri makes his mark upon the band’s sound as well, his contributions providing the band’s music with a thicker tone than we’ve heard in the past. The bottom line is that his addition can be pointed to as one of a positive improvement.

An album that is easily the heaviest, most well put together output of the band’s career, “The Dominion Gate” finds Nightmare to be at long last, moving their way up through the power metal pack.

Written By: Digital VonNerdly

LEATHERWOLF - World Asylum

LEATHERWOLF
World Asylum
Massacre Records
8/10





On World Asylum, Leatherwolf manages enough potent hooks backed with solid, heavy-as-hell rhythms to appeal to the sort of metal fan that admires the heavier side of Motley Crue, while showing enough instrumental prowess to lure in the Power Metal crowd as well. That’s a most impressive feat in a day and age where this sort of Metal has become a lost art of sorts.

Considering that the band has had an extended break away from the Metal scene, you can definitely deem this album to be a convincing comeback. Even if Leatherwolf has undergone quite a facelift in terms of personnel, it’s for the betterment, without question. Old farts will recognize the group as being one that just missed out on making an impact in the late eighties faction. Trust me though, in no way is World Asylum a dated-sounding record. In fact, this burly yet melodic take on Metal sounds beats the hell out of the “Maniac Dance” tripe spewed forth by Stratovarius last year, no shit.

Standout tracks include the soaring “King Of The Ward” and the hugely dramatic cut “The Grail,” where the band places a distinct emphasis on harmony, which pays off quite nicely. “Behind The Gun” is one part Dokken and another Edguy, driving yet tuneful. In the meantime, “Disconnect” takes aim with a classic vibe underscored by an underlying thrash metal ethic that’s instantly enjoyable.

Old school metalheads would do well to check this one out, be it for the ripping solos or the ballsy vocalizations of frontman Wade Black, who many of you may recognize from his time spent in Crimson Glory and Seven Witches. His performance here as perhaps the best it has been in a good long while, his voice being both powerful and authoritative. Consider the addition of Black the most important change in this revamped Leatherwolf lineup.

All in all, World Asylum is a satisfying surprise that will score big with fans of the style, an effort establishing this classic outfit as a band that’s still highly relevant. A great example of an older act that has made moves to reestablish a foothold in the metal world, Leatherwolf proves that they still have what it takes to make heads bang with a vengeance.

Written By: Harvester Crowlee

HAMMERFALL - Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken

HAMMERFALL
Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken
Nuclear Blast
6/10





Over the course of the career of this prominent power metal ensemble, the band has shown an affinity for crafting some of the most majestic sounding metal around. Hammerfall’s overall deeply sound is rooted in the European stylizations from which the genre originated and on their latest effort, the band shows little signs of slowing down, as they have created another solid album of driving music which is, well, powerful.

Often, Hammerfall seems to be holding back a little bit from their true potential in order to make for a smoother production. No doubt, these tracks will go over very well in a festival setting, with memorable, arena style sing-along choruses that are atypical of this style of music in songs like “Secrets” and “Fury Of The Wild”. But occasionally, Hammerfall sound a bit dated. Their riffing, however listenable is reminiscent of eighties bands and for whatever reason, they stick to this format throughout the record, never branching out or expanding the boundaries of the art form.

The production on this record is slick and tight, aiming for a compact, classic metal feel and succeeding in the attempt. The riff which kicks off “Fury Of The Wild” sounds eerily like Judas Priest’s “Electric Eye”, and those that favor that type of song crafting will no doubt find something to enjoy here. The album is full of great solos, without too much overplaying, and these skilled leads do much to emphasize the tracks overall forcefulness.

Nostalgic and tuneful, “Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken” is a good album, simply not a great one. If you are looking for familiar metal sounds executed in a capable manner, you might find this to be an enjoyable listen.

In the end, Hammerfall are a group that has found its niche and are sticking to it, which is more than admirable, but you will find the group breaking no new ground with this release.


Written By: Bobby Orckiller

AXENSTAR - The Inquisition

AXENSTAR
The Inquisition
Arise Records
8/10




Bringing you metal that is energetic, stirring, and at the same time commercially alluring, Axenstar have taken equal parts Europe and Blind Guardian in order to craft their powerful style. “The Inquisition” finds the quintet reaching for the horizons of power metal on the forward-driving “The Fallen One”, with Magnus Winterwild delivering a solid vocal performance that suits the group’s urgent melodies.

Twin guitar harmonies assist in making “Under Black Wings” a particularly enjoyable cut, with the tandem of Thomas Eriksson and Peter “Peppe” Johansson proving to be a vibrant combination.

Winterwild also provides keyboard accompaniments that flesh out the group’s sound and proves himself to be a talented player, with shining moments such as the brief piano solo which graces this cut. Bass guitarist Magnus Ek takes cues from Burton as well as Harris and due to this record’s excellent production, his instrument cuts through the mix, properly displaying his impressive achievement on the thumping “Salvation.”

Eriksson’s leads are invigorating, well placed and executed with a great degree of precision. Many of the group’s more bombastic, resonating song parts are reminiscent of Metallica, you’ll find these heavy accents scattered through blazing tracks “Inside Your Mind” and “The Burning”, while numbers like “Drifting” show that the band can pull off a affectionate acoustic ballad with flair as well.

A remarkably good quality of production gives these tracks an edge that makes the music shimmer, the notable routine of each individual constituent bursting through a mix that seems as perfect as possible.

Any proper power metal fan cannot deny that Axenstar are one of the most original artists in a genre which has lately been stagnant with same-sounding acts. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, “The Inquisition” is a fantastic record.


Written By: Harvester Crowlee

ANTIQUUS - Ramayana

ANTIQUUS
Ramayana
Independent Release
2004
7.5/10




Very similar in nature to early Iced Earth and Jag Panzer, Antiquus favors adequately epic songwriting flavored with a progressive bent.

Despite the bizarre cover photo, which is a painting of an Indian woman with trippy-looking swirls, this record is much more enticing than one would expect. While this album could stand a bit of tweaking from the perspective of the mixing desk, the powerful, melodic vocals of vocalist Jesse White and the intensely talented guitar harmonies expressed by Jeff Dormer are worth the price of admission.

"Tanlin Bridge" offers plenty of powerful, traditional heavy metal sounds, while the six-part title track is highly ambitious and could stand as an EP in its own right. Look to the eleven-plus minute "Battle Of Eylau" for some brilliant Spanish guitar overtones and a highly dramatic ambience, making it the centerpoint of this worthy release.

And to think, these guys are from Canada. Cheers, hosers!


Written By: The Thrash Commander

KATAGORY V - The Rising Anger

Katagory V
The Rising Anger
Nightmare Records
7.5/10




This Salt Lake City outfit focuses on the type of melodic metal that was first popularized by bands like Fates Warning and Crimson Glory. On “The Rising Anger,” the group straddles the line between hard-driving melodic rock and modern power metal. “Liberated Minds” offers plenty of great guitar licks, all the while making the vocals of Lynn Allers the center point of attention. The off-time china boy crashes by drummer Matt Suiter gives the song a bit of finesse on “The Elitist,” his performance bringing much to the table in terms of natural skill.

Katagory V has the ability to shift gears convincingly. From forward-driving melodies to dream-state streams, the band tackles a variety of musical themes, while maintaining a consistent melodic quotient. With so much attention being placed on European progressive/power metal acts, it can be easy to forget that a good number of American artists still embrace classic metal themes, but it’s true. Consider Katagory V as being right up there with the rest of the pack. This quintet has an affinity for strong melodies and definitely fit into the thinking-man’s metal category.

Production-wise, the record is sound, but could use a tad more heft. Having said that, the mix is still very workable and does much to showcase the respective abilities of the individual band members.

You’ll hear touches of Dokken in songs such as “Will You Remember,” but Allers’ voice is deeper and more on an even keel. Bassist Dustin Mitchell employs some slick fills here and there in the band’s music that separate him from the bass drum and allow him to show a bit of his own musical prowess. Meanwhile, Chris Morell and Mark Hanson are a good team, doubling up at times for impact and during others, forming a nice counter-balance of strength and harmony.

“The Rising Anger” is a good showing from a band that obviously has a lot of musical talent. Fear not, there’s plenty of headbangable material amidst the melody. For those who admire bands like Savatage, this young act should be considered as being of note.


Written By: The Thrash Commander

IRON FIRE - Blade Of Triumph

IRON FIRE
Blade Of Triumph
Napalm Records
4/10




“Blade Of Triumph” sounds rushed from the start, signaling dread for Iron Fire, a band that made a good showing last time around. On this album, the vocals are way too high in the mix, a fact that’s immediately evident and one which becomes painfully difficult to deal with as the album progresses.

Certainly, there’s enough good songwriting on “Blade Of Triumph” to satisfy most power metal mavens, but the vocals are much too obnoxious to allow the strong guitar performance to shine through. At other points during the record, “Bloodbath Of Knights” in particular, certain melody lines are pushed up in the mix to compete with the too-loud vox, making the entire affair sound rather messy and un-listenable.

Over-saturation of effects, particularly contrasting reverb plates further confuses matters. But poor production isn’t the only thing holding this record back – the music is simply too paint-by-numbers, lacking the eloquence or advanced songwriting qualities necessary to compete in today’s power metal scene.

Dated, redundant angles cause songs such as “Dawn Of Victory” and “Steel Invaders” to suffer terribly, resulting in a subpar effort that’s not worthy of even passing interest from most well-attuned followers of this style of metal. A real power metal producer would greatly help matters, at very least; a remix of this entire record is in order.

Hardly a triumph for Iron Fire, this record is a major disaster from beginning to end.


Written By: Harvester Crowlee

MAGNUM – Princess Alice And The Broken Arrow

Magnum
Princess Alice And The Broken Arrow
SPV
6/10




Although the greatest firepower from Magnum surfaced way back in 1985 with “On A Storyteller’s Night,”, this British heavy rock act has chomped away at the bit, this latest offering being their thirteenth studio effort overall. The group’s veteran status is apparent throughout “Princess Alice And The Broken Arrow,” but even in consideration of this record’s well-arranged and solidly executed tracks, Magnum lacks the punch that causes this type of music to be utterly mind-blowing.

Songs like “Like Brothers We Stand” delve into the psychedelic, blues-based rock of the late sixties and early seventies, comparison artists including bands like Deep Purple. Being quite frank, this is music that those approaching the age of sixty would embrace most warmly, but Magnum lacks the ammunition to connect with the younger crowds.

Nevertheless, there’s plenty of good songwriting and aural emotion happening here. Although “Out Of The Shadows” and “Dragons Are Real” sound like they already have one foot in the grave, there’s enough pure musicality and enjoyable melodies here to attract a certain audience.

Call it “Instant Oldies” or call it plain retro, but “Princess Alice And The Broken Arrow” is likeable enough to find favor with those who still believe in Bad Company.


Written By: Harvester Crowlee

EDENBRIDGE - The Grand Design

Edenbridge
The Grand Design
Napalm Records
9/10




You really have to admire the sheer amount of talent that Edenbridge brings to the table. Rarely are listeners treated to such a fine degree of both songwriting and execution as they’ll experience in hearing “The Grand Design.”

Top-notch arrangements, a strong emphasis on ornate vocal harmonies and an adept attention to the minute nuances that truly make a song great are strewn throughout “The Grand Design.” From the majestic balance attained by “Flame Of Passion” to the soft-spoken ambience of “The Most Beautiful Place,” Edenbridge is attuned to that which births drama within music, the group’s perception of what makes a great song being far above average.

Chalk it up to experience. “See You Fading Afar” is one part Eidolon, another Leaves’ Eyes, slick yet strength-laden, honed and gleaming. When this track picks up the pace, it’s a definite headbanger, marked by an epic, well-executed chorus. Film-score quality and sweeping orchestration seal the deal. Lend an ear to the slickly laid out rendition of “For Your Eyes Only,” included here as a bonus track. Few metal acts of today are at once so eloquent, so vibrant and so purely sensational, making “The Grand Design” a career-defining work of blockbuster proportions.

Those intrigued by the sounds of Rhapsody, Epica and Aina will find “The Grand Design” to be a wholly satisfying entertainment experience.

Written By: Harvester Crowlee

ANGRA - Aurora Consurgens

Angra
Aurora Consurgens
SPV Records
8/10



Enough nuclear powered, progressive thrashing exists on “Aurora Consurgens” to illuminate any major city as Angra completes a one-two punch of highly impressive albums. This time around, metalheads are treated to a nice mixture of Megadeth and Helloween as the band consummates the shred-tacular “The Voice Commanding You.” Filled with energy, melody and plenty of killer riffing, this cut stands as a definite highlight of “Aurora Consurgens” and typifies what you can expect from this highly competent, much-revered outfit this go-around.

Frontman Edu Falaschi once again shines with a powerful, intensely melodic vocal presence and axemen Rafael Bittencourt and Kiko Loureiro prove their worth whether attacking a line of hyperspeed Malmsteen-shredding or warm acoustic reverberation. Progressive-minded metallers will find pure metal bliss in the wonderfully arranged “Ego Painted Grey” and the echoing, lick-laden “Window To Nowhere.”

In terms of South American metal acts, Angra tops every single band that doesn’t bear the name Sepultura – it’s high time that this excellent group gets the North American exposure they so rightly deserve. As fine candidates for Gigantour 3, this imaginative bunch is currently enjoying the prime of their career.

No self-respecting power metal aficionado can ignore an act of this caliber as Angra once again shines star-bright with “Aurora Consurgens.”


Written By: Digital VonNerdly