Here we have the debut from a new Metal band formed by Rivera/Bomma guitarist virtuoso Rod Rivera and technically minded bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X, Ross The Boss, Them, Midnight Eternal etc. etc.). There’s some serious musical talent within those two already, but the line-up is augmented and enhanced by Tony Stahl (Livesay) on Keyboards, Dan Prestup (also from Midnight Eternal) and completed by the excellent Will Shaw, who many will know recently from his fabulous vocals on the last Heir Apparent album.
The music is Heavy Progressive Technical Power/Speed Metal in the main, with much to impress seasoned musos as well as discerning fans. On the heavier tracks there’s plenty of chunky riffs and dazzling lead-work over intricate bass and powerful drums that implement interesting time-changes and mood-shifts. The vocals are impressively varied and together with the music evoke elements of Symphony X (naturally), Serious Black, Pagan’s Mind and DGM alongside an Impellitteri flavour in some of the guitar-work and Nocturnal Rites in some of the vocal lines and delivery. The lyrics lean towards the Christian (also not surprising given the Rivera’s other band), but generally quite subtle and more all-encompassing.
This is predominantly a Metal album, undoubtedly, but throughout the album the songwriting isn’t afraid to draw on Eastern influence, Western hard rock, Blues and even hints of jazz occasionally, all mixed in impressively and seamlessly. For instance, the blues-flavoured ballad-ish track ‘Reach For The Sun’, complete with electric piano/hammond intro is a bit of a curve-ball, but there are so many subtle, yet diverse flavours on “Deadrisen” that this shouldn’t be a surprise. Nor should a because-we-can cover of Metallica’s ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’, which I’m sure will be a useful way into the band for some people. Of course, yours truly is more a fan of the galloping Metal displayed by “Chains Of Time” and “Destiny” with their Melodic Power Metal leanings and anthemic choruses, but that’s the beauty of this album – if you are a fan of Progressive, Technical, Power Metal, with plenty of hidden surprises then Deadrisen have much to offer you.
(7.5/10 Andy Barker)
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