Originally founded in 1997 as a covers band, then subsequently re-grouped in 2008 (after a short reunion around 2003), Cyclophonia are another epic power metal band fromNorway. There are ever present comparisons in the melodies to Finnish powerhouses Sonata Arctica, leaning towards the vocal phrasing, the remainder of the music is what you would expect from such a band in this scene. Thankfully, it’s not computer music, there are bare bone riffs, slower moments, in some of the higher areas of the arrangement the vocals from one of the two singers (Andreas Angell and Kai Joar Kristensen are credited with vocal duties on the album) fall off the edge and lose their power and strength. ‘The Hero’ sets a high standard, this is the stand out song for me in this release, laden with time changes, light and shade and a respectable level of musical talent. Other notable songs include ‘Screams in the Night’ that in itself has all the hallmarks of a sound often credited to Helloween. Essentially traditional metal sped up and sprinkled with epic vocal lines, similar to early Insania.
The more you listen to this album, the more you “get it”. ‘Impact is Imminent’ would suggest an instant hit, I say it is not, but the album certainly grows on you, it’s even gained half a point more for this reason from my initial few reviews of the tracks and album.
All in all, a little wobbly in places, but solid enough music, it’s just not got enough defining features to set the band or this album apart from the rest of the Euro power metal pack, but it still remains upbeat and marginally refreshing.
(6/10 Paul Maddison)
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