I had very high expectations of this side project band formed by
Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer and
Blind Guardian vocalist Hansi Kürsch, and my hopefulness was partly fulfilled.
Iced Earth is one of my favourite bands and
Blind Guardian also ranks high on my list.
The overall style is riff based Power Metal with central choruses and a dark atmosphere. I would say that the style clearly is most comparable with
Iced Earth's style. I am basing that on the rhythm section which is very aggressive and the gloomy mood most songs has.
Heaven Denies is one of the best and most intense songs. The ultra fast guitar riff is fantastic, and the huge chorus comes out very powerful with Hansi's great raw vocals.
The guitar leads seems very fitting, and I love the unconventional ending part where a cool grooving bass and dark chanting chorus sets a really dark mood.
Another of my favourites is the slow
Fiddler On The Green. The acoustic guitar works perfect as a quite background melody. The varied vocals are excellent and it is truly a magic moment when the huge Heavy break sets in. The great lead guitar and very detailed drums just makes this song really special. More songs of this quality would have made the record more balanced.
Some mid-tempo songs just haven't got the intense or melodic edge as for example
Blood On My Hands. This song has typical
Iced Earth guitar work and a huge bombastic chorus. The very powerful rhythm section really kicks ass.
Winter Of Souls is very much reliant on it's chorus and the main rhythm is just too standard. Ok, the song has lots of depth but still it seems to fade a bit compared to many of the other songs.
The Whistler also comes out a bit basic. I think the chorus is a bit simple and stretched out, an element several songs has.
The lyrical universe is concentrated on dark and gloomy themes. Sad and tragic stories, abuse of religion, depressing situations, facing the end. But also more personal and positive stuff about being true and free. Overall they work well with the musical side.
The very tight and dark sound the album has is very fitting; the different instruments are well balanced, so a good production.
A big plus is "of course" the genius guitar work. Hansi's voice is very varied and also of high standard, maybe it could have worked better with more melodic choruses. The drums are powerful and very detailed and a joy to listen to. The bass is grooving, but could have played a more central part.
The distant gloomy beginning and dark atmosphere in
Gallows Pole is very cool. The very hard rhythm and changes in pace are really fitting. A really cool song with lot's of power and a cool melodic lead guitar.
Well, an album with a very dark and hard edge. Not all songs have the same high quality, and some come out a bit standard on different aspects. On the other hand the album has no bad songs, just things that could have been better.
The high level of performance's and the well functioning dark atmosphere are big pluses, so my conclusion is of a very solid, a bit varied in quality but well played record.
Written by
Tommy Friday, February 7, 2003
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 7.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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