This Greek band formed only a couple of years ago, this being their debut release. In the vein of the PR material, expect some cracking heavy metal. Yes, there are high-pitched vocals, many signature arrangements and after a few listens you get a solid heavy metal release supported by a great album cover piece.
Now when you lead the promo with high-pitched vocals as a marketing point, this makes me wince a little. Too much, well, is just too much. Thankfully, we have a margin of restraint and it’s not something you may associate with the Three Tremors for example! ‘When Death is Near’ is a slower track, it has some hallmarks of the Queensryche gallop with a touch of the most revered era. ‘Dressed to Kill’ opens with anticipation, then when the main song starts it holds some majestic sounds. You really hear the Geoff Tate influence, perhaps a little bit of James Rivera of Helstar. I suppose Helstar are a good reference point for the music if you are searching for some comparable sounds. ‘Vampire’s Kiss’ has a mix of the two bands I mentioned earlier. It gains striking atmosphere when slowed down, and the pacier sections provide a proper metal workout, transporting the listener to a time when this was all the rage. Not that it is not now, but to me it takes me back to my younger years. ‘Into the Werewolf’s Lair’ is the fastest track to date, with the same hallmarks but the injection of more ferocity may be one for Riot City and similar fans to take note of. More elegance transpires with ‘Judge Steel’, which takes more of the progressive approach of earlier Queensryche to the maximum.
As you travel through the release, you will not find anything too oddball, its strong heavy/power metal with a touch of magic in the lyrics to expand the release a little more. The atmosphere and song arrangements are nice and varied, these keep you entertained. Overall, this classy metal album has some sterling moments that shine bright when required.
(8/10 Paul Maddison)
Leave a Reply