It’s almost 20 years now since Italian Power Metal band Trick or Treat came into existence, united in their admiration for a certain iconic Pumpkin-brandishing German Power Metal band. “Creepy Symphonies” is the band’s sixth album, and their second in their new home at Scare-let Records. Possibly the most known member in their line-up, is vocalist Alle Conti. Trick or Treat is effectively his main band, having done plenty of time in Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody and most recently as frontman to Twilight Force (as Allyon). Listening to Trick or Treat, it’s obvious how he got both jobs, as his stunning vocal delivery is ideal for Twilight Force and any incarnation of Rhapsody, as well as fitting perfectly with Kiske-era Helloween or Freedom Call.
That Freedom Call style ‘Happy Metal’ vibe is the main theme of Trick or Treat’s music, and this time around the band aren’t sticking to one lyrical topic. Hell, they even manage to tackle lyrical themes like cyber bullying, the environment and social media addiction and make it all sound so irrepressibly upbeat! Granted, they also give word-time to comic books, kitsch horror and Peter Pan syndrome to balance it all out. The band certainly make it hard to be cynically miserable about their music and have an almost irritating ability to lift your mood and entertain whether you are receptive to it or not. This isn’t a Twilight Force style Power Metal galloping rampage however, Trick or Treat aren’t shy of a ballad or two, and just like their German idols, the band mix in a variety of styles and tempos, sheltering nicely under their Power Metal umbrella.
The cynical out there might merely brush the surface here and say there’s a hint of superficial, dispensable frivolity about this album, but more importantly this is a seriously talented band bringing some escapism and happiness to a darkened world. Besides, it takes special musical minds to write such a memorable, compelling, multi-layered Metal 12-minute epic track in the vein of ‘Seven Keys/Halloween’….and then call it ‘The Power Of Grayskull’. Yes that’s what it’s about, but why not eh? “Creepy Symphonies” has that aforementioned way of lifting your spirits regardless of whether you want it to or not, like only Helloween, Freedom Call and a handful of others over time have managed to do and I thank Trick or Treat for continuing that fine tradition so admirably.
(8/10 Andy Barker)
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