Sign Of Truth is
Dionysus' debut album, and what a way to start a band career.
When I first listened to the album I thought that these guys had something interesting to offer, and after much more listening I'm still impressed.
The band consist of singer Olaf Hayer (Luca Turilli), Ronny Millianowicz on drums (former Sinergy), Johnny Öhlin on guitar, Nobby on bass (former Nation) and Kasper Dahlqvist on keyboards.
A great mix of hard riffs, melodic leads and cool solos make the guitar delivery overly exciting and very clever, an aspect that lifts these great songs even higher.
But it is not only the central guitar work that leaves a very positive impression, the rhythm section is very tight. Vigorous fast double bass drums and a pounding bass with lots of depth really gives meaning to the term Power Metal.
The keyboard arrangements give the songs suiting character and work well as an extra melody maker, and to top things of Olaf Hayer presents harmonious and varied world-class vocals.
Time Will Tell is a bombastic hymn in the best Power Metal tradition, a great huge chorus fitted into a groovy drive. After that very catchy opening act
Sign Of Truth blast through the speakers with lots of speed and power. Technical rhythm guitar work, oblique twists, thrilling drumming, striking bass passages, an ingenious key solo, elevating vocals, well the list goes on in this wonderful track.
With
Bringer Of Salvation we enter a new and slightly different sphere of
Dionysus's universe, more dark and tense. The sombre vocal approach fits extremely well and the dramatic key elements are other great features in this very good third cut.
An outstanding guitar riff carries
Pouring Rain forth, being more down to earth with a chorus that is a bit on the simple side, lacking a stronger drive.
Anthem (For The Children) gains a lot of vigour from heavy bass chords and tight guitar/drum collaboration; it has a cool groove but gets a bit stretched towards the end.
Holy War is a song that Olaf previously wrote and recorded with his old band Lord Byron and decided to refresh the
Dionysus way. The result is a strong and melodic cut with a soaring chorus line.
One of my favourite songs is the ballad-like
Don't Forget, a truly beautiful song with a great emotional lyric. The soft acoustic guitar work and sedative keyboard atmosphere create a wonderful mood for Olaf to unfold his stunning voice, as in the harmonious refrain, the warm guitar solo wraps things nicely up.
Walk On Fire sends out a cool positive vibe through its relaxed rhythm path, bright lyric and melodic chorus, not overly exciting but a solid track.
The bands ability to create bright and melodic Power Metal is once again exemplified with
Never Wait, a cool up-light creation with a dynamic break and some jamming guitar lead playing.
An overall remark that can be made towards these songs is that they all are quite enjoyable and very much rely on the chorus, which isn't a problem when they have such a high overall quality.
The production is as the music high standard, very solid and with eye for detail and depth.
Lyrically the album touches different themes like love, positive thinking, the will to live the life you want and a wish for a better and more just world, all quality material.
Fans of Stratovarius, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Freedom Call, Mob Rules, Sonata Arctica,
Nocturnal Rites and Power Metal in general could do themselves a favour in checking this band out. Their special balance between melody and hardness is both refreshing and thrilling.
Written by
Tommy Saturday, January 22, 2005
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 7.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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