This is a very special and original debut; we are talking Power Metal with a certain catchy and clever dynamic. When this release comes to mind I immediately come to think of the vocal performance from Florian Reimann, I guess it's a matter of taste but I really like his unique and screaming high tones. Let's dig a big deeper into the albums nine compositions.
The widely used odd structures and oblique twists are very well represented within the album opener
Deluge Of Spite, a stunning detailed bass work plays a very important part in this great song.
A pleasant acoustic guitar mood leads the way into
Magical Man, the fast and exciting ending part stands in contrast to the rather dull chorus.
The View offers some smart rhythm guitar passages but it's like the song as a whole doesn't flow naturally into one tight unit, it kind of just lies scattered around. The chorus is tame and this one just falls flat.
A remarkably different quality is reached with
Memorial Of Eternity; harmonious leads, groovy bass adventures, creative drumming, a spectacular solo and a structure that keeps you focused all the way, just plain brilliant.
Downhearted is very much based on Florian's genius voice, a fantastic ballad with a relaxing acoustic guitar and compelling piano passages. The sad atmosphere works well with the sombre lyric.
The fast and heavy
Timerunner is another album highlight; the ultra powerful drive is a real adrenaline kick. It really shines through that these guys are able to perform not only the necessary to keep things together, they also wants and manages to add extra excitement with a good deal of technicality.
Seen as a whole piece of art, I, apart from the great vocals also find the in-front and very varied bass a big plus, the guitar creates some very melodic parts and the powerful drums are well executed too.
When turning to the lyrics we are presented with feelings of depression and thoughts of existence as central topics, I find some of them quite good and interesting but there are too many simple and rather unclear elements for me to be really excited.lets get back to the three last cuts.
A high intensity level is upheld with the fittingly named
Heavy Metal, innovative drum fills and cool progressive elements make it notably more challenging than it otherwise would have been.
Intentions is another very interesting cut with lots of things happening, the striking vocal passages in the slow part of the song sounds phenomenal.
Diverse and heavy guitar riffing is the main pillar of
Hope Is A Frame, the refrain is a bit simple but the bright licks and powerful ending are top-notch ingredients.
The production is pretty good, a clear sound that nevertheless would have gained by more depth.
I would have liked it if the atmospheric elements had taken up more room from time to time, but fact is that is a unique and very enjoyable album with songs that keep on sounding inspiring.
Written by
Tommy Thursday, February 6, 2003
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 7.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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