Guitar wizard, Toby Knapp has resurrected Onward after a lengthy break. The passing of original singer, Michael Grant saw the band take an extended break and they now return with album number five, “Of Epoch And Inferno” featuring new singer Robert Van War from Attika. Those familiar with Toby Knapp’s work will have high expectations. Between his albums under his own name or projects such as Waxen and Affliktor, the man cannot be accused of lying idle. Let the six string pyrotechnics begin…
Wow! “Vicious Beauty” is a pure explosion of choppy riffs underpinning pure shred. Hints of Van Halen come in but revved up to maximum velocity. Vocally, there’s a touch of Mille Petrozza nastiness mixed with Bruce Dickinson’s snarlier moments. Notes fly from Knapp’s fingertips like bolts of lightning. Those neo-classical influences shine through but this is no mere fretboard self-indulgence. Each note feels like it has a purpose and as I’ve noted in previous reviews of his work, there’s an innate sense of warmth to the tone that no matter how aggressive the track is, that sense of lift is enthralling. The more mid tempo introduction and slightly Eastern slant give “Picasso Eyes” an exotic feel before militaristic beats give it an exciting push along.
Influences creep in ever so subtly. “Silhouette” has a very Slayer sounding introduction before a slide into a more melodic, Iron Maiden styled affair while Yngwie Malmsteen inspired touches overlay jackhammer riffs. One of the true bangers on this album though is “Neptune’s Revenge”. The staccato riff gives it an edge of brutality whilst elegant guitar breaks keep lifting the track into new territory. The expected epic closing cut, “Onward We Sail” has plenty of early Maiden spikiness combined with melody but always with that lightness of touch in the soloing.
With a run time of 33 minutes there’s no filler on “Of Epoch And Inferno”. Knapp is without doubt the focal point but the band deliver in spades. Perhaps a little more beef in the rhythm section would be nice but this is a minor point. Vocally, Van War more than holds his own and he compliments the album as a whole. Fans won’t be disappointed and metalheads or indeed anyone who appreciates fine musicianship and who salivates at the mere mention of fretboard pyrotechnics will be left with jaws agape. Delivered with passion and atmospherics, this one will leave you shaking your head in amazement. Air guitars at the ready, everyone…
(8/10 Johnny Zed)
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