After a self-released EP in 2018, Cruz Del Sur have now waded in and unleashed American Power Metal band Adamantis’ first full length album “Far Flung Realm”. It’s an album with its feet firmly fixed in the finest Power Metal traditions of the last twenty years or so, full of fantastical escapism, twin guitar and epic delivery. The rough n’ ready bar-room Biker/Groove Metal image of the band is almost at odds with the well-polished, intelligently arranged, finely honed Power Metal that the band actually deliver. I don’t mean any offence, quite the opposite, it’s really nice to see some down-to earth, honest Americans doing just as good a job as big-shirted Italians or matching leather costumed Swedes (yeah, you know who I mean…).
And after all, it’s not a million miles away from Iced Earth’s look in recent times, who are sometimes evident in Adamantis’ sound (dragging the review back towards the music finally…), along with maybe a little of fellow countrymen Vicious Rumors on occasion, but more prominent is the European influence, with a good dose of classic Hammerfall, Stratovarius, Iron Fire, Primal Fear and even Running Wild in the bands attitude, presentation and delivery. The vocals are mid-to-high and expertly delivered, the guitars are intricate, as well as being meaty and chunky with great riffs and lead-work vying for attention, whilst the rhythm section matches them perfectly for power and dexterity. The lyrics are intelligent and the songs well crafted and interesting – what more could any Power Metal fan wish for?
There’s a good variation in Power Metal styles throughout the album, from the classic US Speed Metal Influence, through the NWOBHM influenced straight-edged Heavy Metal into the fantasy-based galloping European Power Metal – all executed with unyielding commitment and professionalism. This is impressive stuff for a debut from a band pushing forward their own identity whilst being respectful to the raft of influences that have gone before. This album was such a pleasant surprise – and stick with the look guys, it carries plenty of weight and works a damn sight better than big shirts anyway!
(8.5/10 Andy Barker)
Leave a Reply