When I first read the news that Matthew Barlow had returned to Metal music and joined Pyramaze I was ecstatic. This combination could only result in something spectacular. Though he left the band and re-joined Iced Earth a few short months later it doesn't change the fact that Immortal marks Matthew Barlow's return. What he does for Pyramaze is give them a darker edge and a major kick in the right direction. He suits the band perfectly and it is a real shame that this may be the only Pyramaze album with Matthew Barlow as frontman.
An atmospheric intro sets the stage for something big. Yet as Year of the Phoenix speeds off and an ear splitting "I'm back!!" scream pierces the air, it is set back by a weird sounding Barlow, speaking in a deep guttural voice that doesn't suit him. That is however quickly forgotten as his powerful voice soon after returns to its more fitting range. The song is a powerful opener and gets the job done to grade A. The keyboard enhances the sound without becoming too intrusive. One of the faster riffs has a strong Iced Earth resemblance but that is not necessarily a bad thing. A sweet guitar and keyboard battle ends the song in a sudden way.
While Year of the Phoenix has all the elements of a typical power metal tune the next couple of tracks show that Pyramaze have more to offer than just straight ahead-banging. Michael Kammeyer shows imagination and creativity in his songwriting through the album.
Ghost light at once sets a tense atmosphere which the rest of the song explores very well. There is a good drive in the main riff and the chorus flows in a wonderful way, evolving through the song. Several interesting passages make this one of many memorable moments on the album. The atmospheric part with Barlow and keyboard works well in bringing further atmosphere into the song and the bridge section builds a special intensity.
Barlow's entrance in Touched by the Mara is nothing short of amazing and at once brings a bunch of power to the song. Another thing to notice and cherish is the drumming of Morten Gade Sørensen. Throughout the album he does an excellent job and is a main reason why the songs have such a strong drive. There is a special tightness to the rythm section that just works. Here he adds something special and interacts with Matthew's vocal melodies in a way that brings the song another level of tension.
Some appealing melodies inhabit this song, none the least the keyboard melody that appears near the end.
The production is very well done. The sound is almost perfectly balanced, only Niels Kvist on bass is hard to hear.
The keyboard has just the right level and turns out to be an essential element in every song. It seems to live on its own ethereal plane, floating around in the background, peeking out when it needs to underline a melody line or add some extra atmosphere. Jonah Weingarten on the keys does a splendid job and enhances the music in very appealing ways.
Toke Skjønnemand (Goodfella?) plays some mean leads and brings a fire to the music when he is set free. More of this please.
Legacy in a rhyme is a beautiful ballad where the music is penned by Jonah Weingarten. Matthew Barlow really shines here with an emotional performance that brings a certain conviction to the song.
Caramon's Poem is the peak of this pyramid. Not only because it is based on some of my favorite books, the Dragonlance Chronicles and Legends, and manages to capture a part of the feel from the books but because it is just a fantastic song on its own. The instrumental intro builds to some amazingly powerful moments in the song. The chorus is completely brilliant, the keyboard works and adds to the impact while Barlow delivers a fantastic performance, though the spoken parts took a while to get used to.
The way Barlow sings Brothers till the end and sort of rolls on the Brothers part is nothing short of breathtaking gives it an incredible feeling of power. The song is very well composed. A strong drive and melodies that evolve with each listen makes it a standout. The song ends on a high note and makes me want a sequel right away.
In the land of dragons we walk side by side
Love not returned, trust never earned
but brothers till the end
The Highland is the only song that falls somewhat outside of the pack. With a Celtic feel and a performance from Matthew that is uneven and doesn't live up to the rest of the album the song ends up being not very impressive. It just doesn't suit his voice. Now, if Wuthering Heights had done this song the result might have been completely different.
A Beautiful Death is another slightly anonymous song. A good song but it doesn't leave a lasting impression.
Shadow of the beast is a fitting monstrous closer that sometimes feel like it is a lost track of Iced Earth's Horror Show. That was a compliment by the way. Great stuff.
The symphonic closing music gently leads you away from the fantasy inspired lyrics and back to the real world. 50 minutes of entertaining musical escapism is over. It is worth taking this journey several times. It is in fact essential to get the most from the album as it grows and shows new detail with each listen.
Pyramaze or Iced Earth? Any power metal fans should not let this metallic feast pass them by. Highly recommended!
Written by
Steen Monday, July 7, 2008
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