ALBUM REVIEW: Arkhe - Origen

ARKHE (Chile/Canada)
"Origen" (Digital album)
(Independent)
Release date: April 24th 2019
Genre: Melodic metal, power metal
Links:
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LYRIC VIDEO: "Fight":


OFFICIAL VIDEO: "Dry Bones"


ARKHE is a band created by a duo that make up what I would dare to call a somewhat untraditional combination of nationalities. How often do you hear about a Canadian and a Chilean in a project like this? Nevertheless, their nationalities put aside, they both reside in Canada, and together they have created the five songs plus an intro for their first contribution to their discography; "Origen".

"Origen" is the Spanish version of the word "Origin", and also the title for the intro for their EP. This is a nice little tune for two Spanish guitars, a lot of fast and harmonic playing. A fine display of Latino musicianship and heritage.

"Stranger in this Land" is the opening track, and guitarist Fraser MacNeil immediately shows what he's capable of. He has a sound and style that could be compared with Malmsteen, but without the "overkill" factor. Singer Jimmy P. Torres has a voice that reminds me of Andy Deris (Helloween) and Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) on the heavier parts.

"Fight" is another great tune with a chorus that is very typical for ARKHE's genre, and perfect for an audience to sing along to. I do not know how big the chances are for this duo to do live gigs, but I am sure that "Fight" would be a killer live track. They released a lyric video for this track as far back as in April 2018, and you can find the link on top of this article.

"Dry Bones" is the first track with its own music video, and it  premiered on Youtube a week before the launch of "Origens". The track itself has more epic riffing in it, and appears a bit more downbeat and straight rhythm wise.

"Fire From the Sky" is a very nice piano ballad, but this is where I feel Torres' vocals are not as strong as on the heavier parts of the EP. He has the right feel, and undeniably puts his heart and soul into his performance, but I feel his voice fits better with the heavy material.

"Dreamer" is the concluding track to "Origens", and without doubt the most furious of them all. It's fast, loaded with shredding guitars, and if "Origen" sets the standard of what is to come from ARKHE in the future, I'm all ears.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Origen
2. Stranger in this Land
3. Fight
4. Dry Bones
5. Fire From the Sky
6. Dreamer

ARKHE:
Fraser MacNeil - guitars
Jimmy P. Torres - vocals