SINGLE REVIEW: JP2 - Hope

JP2 (USA)
"Hope"
(Indian River Music Company)
Release date: February 21st 2020
Genre: Modern heavy metal, progressive metal, melodic hard rock

Links:
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JP2, or Javier Perez as is his real name, has been mentioned on this blog page earlier, after the release of his debut single "Walk Alone" in June last year. The track received a lot of promising feedback, including a whopping 8/10 star rating by yours truly. The track stood out as one of the absolute most memorable moments from 2019, and naturally this writer did indeed sense a slight anticipation whilst clicking on the "play" button.

From the very top of the track, "Hope" appears to be an indication that Perez himself has moved in a heavier direction from where he stood on his first single. The riffs are thicker and form a rock solid foundation underneath glimmering electronics and lead guitars that appear to be one of the things that have become typical to JP2's expression.

The chorus has a somewhat similar feel as that on "Walk Alone", although without any further comparison. Perez has evolved his ability to write functional and efficient melodies and riffs, and his voice sounds stronger and more confident on his latest single.

In many ways a very different endeavour from JP2 this time. But still, the ever so slight change of scenery only confirms the musical versatility that Javier Perez possesses, because on his most recent single he seems to feel right at home.

★★★★★★★★★☆

Tracklist:
1. Hope*

*Added to the "Subterranean Noise - 2020" playlist on Spotify

LINE UP:
Javier Perez - all instrumentation, vocals

SINGLE REVIEW: First Revival - Twisted Mind

FIRST REVIVAL (Sweden)
"Twisted Mind"
(Independent)
Release date: June 2nd 2018
Genre: Heavy rock, heavy metal
Links:
Facebook
BandCamp
Instagram
YouTube
Website

From Luleå in the north of Sweden comes a four-piece band that has endured several line-up transformations during its short existence. Initially a quintet, the band that was later to become FIRST REVIVAL was formed in the spring of 2016 with another name and a different line-up, and released an EP that had a more modern sound than what they have today.

FIRST REVIVAL's first release with the current line-up was the single we're having a closer look at today, "Twisted Mind". It shows a band that is clearly inspired by 70's heavy rock, but chooses to honor it in a more modern sounding manner.



A quick description of the track could be that it is like listening to Motörhead playing an Anvil track with Tom G. Warrior (Hellhammer/Celtic Frost/Triptykon) on vocals. Never really a demanding track to lend the ears to, but the riffs are sharp and to the point, and the song as a whole is well arranged and has a catchy drive.

The band is currently recording their first full-length album, set for release some time in the spring of 2020, and if FIRST REVIVAL maintains the sound and quality that their debut single has, then I dare to predict they're heading for success.

★★★★★★★★★☆

Tracklist (*added to the "Subterranean Noise" playlist on Spotify):
1. Twisted Mind*

LINE UP:
Hasse - vocals and bass
Simone - guitar
Kristoffer- guitar
Johan - drums

ALBUM REVIEW: Ardityon - Ardityon

ARDITYON (Italy)
"Ardityon"
(Independent)
Release date: August 5th 2019
Genre: Heavy metal, power metal
Links:
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YouTube
Instagram

Italy is a country that is well known for its love for power metal, and they very often provide music that is dramatic and theatrical. The Italians have their opera, Germany have the speed, the Swedish have their fondness of harmonies and melody, and Finland and Norway have already produced a vast number of bands that incorporate elements of folk music into their metal.

ARDITYON is a band that fits well into such a category. Drummer Denis Novello founded it as a project during the summer of 2018, after his previous band was discontinued after a short time. He soon found other musicians that shared the same passion for music, and very quickly established ARDITYON as the band we are being presented today.

The band name is a tribute to the "Arditi"; a special force in the Royal Italian Army during the first World War. They were the very first of the shock troops and a great concern for opposing armies. They were known for suddenly jumping into their enemies' trenches, stab them with their daggers and subsequently weaken their defense. Naturally the "Arditi" and their bravery became an important part of Italy's efforts during the war, which are still being revered to this day.

It is this chapter in Italy's history that is ARDITYON's fascination, and the major subject for the lyrical content on their eponymous debut.

As stated earlier, ARDITYON's metal is of the melodic and very powerful kind. They have all the basic ingredients such as massive guitars, sharp leads and harmonies and a singer who sings with brute force. Production wise it is a very thick sounding album, but it never loses any clarity for this sake.

Our first introduction to the band's music is the intro "Avanguardia di Morte", with an eerie sounding choir singing the vocal parts. The theatrical and dramatic aspects mentioned in the beginning of this review are immediately grabbing hold while said choir sends chills down this listener's spine.

The title track and the band's eponymous composition is the first main track, and a wall of guitars appears in the shape of a riff that is made to crush. There are a lot of low frequencies in the guitar tone that helps the riffs gain that extra little punch, and as already mentioned it helps create a thicker overall sound. Singer De Zordo Valeriano has a strong, aggressive and sharp voice like those of Ralf Scheepers and Biff Byford, and the rest of the band sound like if the modern day Helloween played early Primal Fear material.

"Our Music" is an Edguy'esque power metal hymn, and "Archons Attack" could easily have been written by Kai Hansen. "Guilty of Homicide" opens with a melody that brings me back to 1984 and Judas Priest's "Rock Hard, Ride Free", but eventually turns into a bit of a darker track than what we have experienced so far from ARDYTION.

"Pain of the World" is a ballad that deviates from the dominating lyrical content on the album and adresses a more contemporary matter. Global warming is something most of us should have heard about by now, and ARDITYON make a relevant statement in the shape of a nice, emotional ballad.

The remaining four tracks all steadily follow the same path as the first half of the album, making ARDITYON's firstborn a thoroughly powerful, heavy, massive and at times even slightly progressive album. The drums are the most prominent element in that context, and Denis Novello has a clear and bright, almost clinically tight drum sound that allows every little detail to get noticed.

A strong debut from this fairly new Italian group. Having existed only since mid-2018 these guys have used their time together well, because they already are proven to be a powerful and well-oiled machinery.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Intro: "Avanguardia di Morte"
2. Ardityon
3. Our Music
4. Archons Attack
5. Guilty of Homicide
6. Pain of the World
7. Ancient Enemy
8. Zombie Apocalypse
9. Glory Day
10. Daily Holocaust

ADRITYON:
Denis Novello - drums
Albert "Marshall" Biason - lead and rhythm guitars
De Zordo Valeriano - lead and backing vocals
Diego Bordin - bass
Andrea Colusso - Rhythm guitars and keyboards

ALBUM REVIEW: Prime Creation - Tears of Rage

PRIME CREATION (Sweden)
"Tears of Rage"
(Silent Wall Productions)
Release date: September 27th 2019
Genre: Melodic heavy metal, modern heavy metal
Links:
Spotify
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Album preorder

Although the band has only existed for 4 1/2 years, the five members that make up the collective of PRIME CREATION have been around in the Swedish metal scene since the early nineties. Upon its formation in 2015, PRIME CREATION consisted of members from the then newly disbanded Morifade, and when Esa Englund joined forces to handle the vocal duties, their line up was complete. Guitarist Mathias Kamijo left in early 2017, and since Rami Tainamo replaced Kamijo shortly after, the ensemble has remained constant.

It has only been just over a month ago since these Swedes were first featured on this blog, when this writer reviewed the second single from their second album. You can read that review here. The album's release is just a couple weeks away, and it is because of this that we're having another feature about the band here on Subterranean Noise.

As already indicated on the two singles ("Lost in the Shades" and the title track from the album "Tears of Rage") that were released earlier this year, PRIME CREATION's new album is a powerful collection of songs. "Fingers Crossed" is a perfect opener - heavy, catchy and energetic with a memorable chorus that has a high singalong factor. The production is rather polished, but does still maintain the warmth that keeps it from sounding clinical. However, this is modern metal, and it sounds just like it should; punchy and direct.

"Lost in the Shades" was the first single to be released back in April, and once again my mind is drawn towards Masterplan, Evergrey, mid-nineties' In Flames, and even Dark Tranquillity. This is a natural continuation to "Fingers Crossed", high on energy and with a great drive, with a nice change of time signature during the chorus.

Though there are hints of it during the first two cuts on "Tears of Rage, "Before the Rain" is slightly more seasoned with electronics, and even dares to approach nu metal in some parts. A bold move perhaps, but an interesting one, as the band allows themselves to explore new grounds within the modern heavy metal genre. "Pretend till the End" is no exception, with murky clean guitars, lo-fi drum beats and a slightly darker feel overall.

"Tears of Rage" is a solid album all the way throughout its 43 minutes of duration, and it's easier to mention highlights rather than weak spots. Not a single weak track, and although the mix is perfectly balanced, I find the overall production a bit too loud. In terms of composition every song is a winner, and there are indeed tons of glorious riffs from which the songs are built up.

The title track is the last to feature PRIME CREATION's collective power, before "Endless Lanes" concludes the band's sophomore album in quite a contrastful manner with strings and piano in a more atmospheric scenery.

Overall, "Tears of Rage" is a thoroughly massive and hard hitting addition to PRIME CREATION's list of merits. Power, energy and melody are just a few keywords to describe it, and if you are already into bands like those named further up in this review, be sure to click on the "Album preorder" link in the album detail section to grab a copy of your own.

"Tears of Rage" will be released on September 27th 2019.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Fingers Crossed
2. Lost in the Shades
3. Before the Rain
4. Pretend till the End
5. Walk Away
6. All for my Crown
7. A Beggar's Call
8. Tears of Rage
9. Endless Lanes

PRIME CREATION:
Esa Englund - Vocals
Robin Arnell - Lead Guitar
Rami Tainamo - Rhythm Guitar
Henrik Weimedal - Bass Guitar
Kim Arnell - Drums

ALBUM REVIEW: Scala Mercalli - Independence

SCALA MERCALLI (Italy)
"Independence"
(Alpha Omega Records)
Release date: January 25th 2019
Genre: Heavy metal, power metal
Links:
Facebook
BandCamp
YouTube
Spotify
Instagram
Website

Fermo is a small province in central Italy on the northern coast to the Adriatic Sea, and is base for SCALA MERCALLI, a quintet that has been active since 1992. The band released a couple demos between 1996 and 1999, and their debut was released in the form of the "My Daemons" EP in 2003. Their first full length "12th Level" came out on AB Records in 2005, and after a two year period of touring (as support act for bands like Blaze, Shaman and Lacuna Coil) and a change in their line up, they released their sophomore album "Border Wild" on Heart of Steel Records in 2009.

Between the release of "Border Wild" and their third studio album "New Rebirth" the band played live for three years within the Italian borders, before embarking on a European tour as support band for Tarja and Exodus, before another change in the line up put the band on another hiatus. Soon the band went back on the road with Tarja, and they even served as opening act for WASP.

"New Rebirth" came out on Art Gates Records in 2015, and was based around the Italian unification (the "Risorgimento"). In 1815 the Italian people went through revolutions and wars, until the Capture of Rome, which marked the end of the "Risorgimento" when Pope Pius IX was defeated in 1870.

SCALA MERCALLI is a band that apparently has an affinity for their own nation's history. Their fourth album "Independence" has been out for 8 months, and serves as another lesson about the Italian people's fight for unity and freedom in the early nineteenth century.

In terms of style and genre SCALA MERCALLI's music can be described as heavy/power metal, and though it isn't as dramatic, theatrical and symphonic as that of their fellow countrymen in for example Rhapsody and Domine, it still has a kind of operatic and majestic sound that gives it that Italian feel of genuinity.

"The Crossing on the Sea (From Quarto to Marsala)" is an instrumental piece that serves as an intro to the album. "The Expedition of the Thousand" happened in 1860, when a corps of volunteering soldiers led by Giuseppe Garibaldi sailed from Quarto (north on the Italian mainland) to Marsala on the west point of Sicily. Their objective was to conquer the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and their mission succeeded. Marching rhythms, cannons, and orchestral elements gives the story a dramatic start, and leaves no doubt that the 1089 volunteers in red shirts faced heavy resistance when arriving on the Sicilian shores.

"The 1000 (Calatafimi Battle)" is the first track off "Independence", and is about Garibaldi's first battle during his invasion of Sicily. A Malmsteen'ish riff opens the song, and singer Christian Bartolacci makes himself known after a few seconds. He has a distinctive voice that at times reminds me of a mid-eighties' Geoff Tate, and he adds character to the band's otherwise fairly "traditional" expression.

Running Wild and Edguy are references that I believe are not entirely out of place here, as well as Iron Maiden. SCALA MERCALLI's music is not the most innovative, but they add their own ingredients to a basic formula and end up with something that I actually find a bit unique. "Independence" is not a perfect album, as very few are, but the band is true to what they do, and that's what gives it a genuine feel.

In total there are 11 tracks, including an instrumental intro and outro. The remaining nine songs convey the story well, and provide a lot of information about these historical events. I find myself very fascinated about the concept, and without giving away too much of what's going on throughout "Independence", the conclusion must be that it is an album that SCALA MERCALLI have put a lot of pride and effort into, and obviously well worthy of a listen.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. The Crossing On the Sea (from Quarto to Marsala)
2. The 1000 (Calatafimi Battle)
3. Honest Brigands
4. Be Strong
5. The Last Defence (Gianicolo 1849)
6. Never Surrender
7. Tolentino 1815
8. White Death
9. Whisper of the Night
10. Anita (Ana Maria de Jesus Ribeiro da Silva)
11. Fratelli d'Italia (Anthem feat.Corale Angeli)

LINE UP:
Christian Bartolacci- Vocals
Clemente Cattalani- Guitar
Cristiano Cellini - Guitar
Giusy Bettei- Bass
Sergio Ciccoli - Drums

ALBUM REVIEW: Coven - The Advent

COVEN (Japan)

"The Advent"

(Svart Records)

Release date: September 29th 2017

Genre: Heavy metal, traditional metal

Links:

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Instagram

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Website

Youtube

Japan has always been a country that has a profound and genuine love for all genres of heavy metal, especially the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. They have managed to produce a fair share of bands too, among which the veterans in Loudness are arguably their strongest alibi. But of course there are other bands who want to keep the Japanese metal legacy alive too, and the Tokyo based duo COVEN is one that takes great pride in doing so. 

This female fronted duo consists of Taka (vocals, bass, arrangements and designs) and Akihiro Ito (guitars and arrangements), and they both are credited as songwriters as well. Both are claiming to be heavily influenced by 70's hard rock, NWOBHM, as well as their own cultural heritage. Quite an honorable thing to do, if you ask me, and with these circumstances I look forward to what will happen when I push "play". 

The four tracks that are on COVEN's debut EP are all loaded to the brink with positive energy, and you can hear they write their songs and play their instruments with a smile. The songs are well composed, with a lot of great guitar work that sends me back to a time when Saxon, Iron Maiden and Diamond Head were only just beginning to define a new genre of heavy music. 

Even the production has an authentic feel of the late 70's/early 80's, albeit with a few apparent imperfections. Singer Taka's voice seems to drown in the mix at times, and she does not always seem confident enough to allow herself to give her voice that extra push to reach the highest notes. But when she does reach them, she does it with bravour. 

The lyrics are sung with a mixture of English and Japanese, and I feel this is something COVEN takes great pride in doing. The cover art is very manga influenced, and although maybe a bit untraditional in metal, it is still something that only just adds to the feelgood factor that is created whilst taking in both the visual and audible impressions that are the sum of what COVEN is all about. 

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist: 

1. Brave Warriors 

2. Karma   

3. Wings Of Glory   

4. Scream For Tomorrow

COVEN:

Taka – vocals, bass, arrangements, designs

Akihiro Ito – guitars, arrangements

ALBUM REVIEW: Chaos Over Cosmos - The Unknown Voyage

CHAOS OVER COSMOS (Poland)

"The Unknown Voyage"

(Independent)

Release date: September 7th 2018 (reissued April 20th 2019)

Genre: Power metal, progressive metal, space metal

Links:

Facebook

BandCamp

Music knows no boundaries, neither when it comes to the artistry or physical boundaries, especially after social media allowed us all to have the whole world within our palms. Yours truly already figured this out long ago in the events of my own musical endeavours, but that's a different story. 

The world is filled with musicians who are incredibly gifted. Some are technical prodigies, and others are better at capturing the right atmosphere with fewer notes. In any case, the chance that you can find someone who is able to help you shape your music into its best possible form is enormous, and this is what helps musicians as well as listeners in the metal community connect. 

From Poland comes one of such technically gifted instrumentalists, a guitarist and composer by the name of Rafal Bowman, who is the primus motor for his musical playground, CHAOS OVER COSMOS. Founded in early 2017, he started writing music, and invited Javier Calderón from Spain to join forces. 

Though Bowman must be credited as the mastermind behind it all, Calderón made an essential contribution while providing lyrics to the material, and the first edition of the debut album was released in September 2018 as a three track effort. In April this year the album was released again with two new tracks, new mastering, a few re-recorded parts and brand new artwork, and this is the edition that this writer has been given the privilege to consider for this review. 

Both the name CHAOS OVER COSMOS as well as the cover artwork give an undeniable impression that any music that is to be heard on this album is going to have a progressive, space-inspired, futuristic sound and expression. Three seconds into the seventeen minute epic opener "Armour of the Stars" I get my suspicions confirmed. I'm already somewhere in space, and I realize there is nothing to do but lean back and see where the journey leads me. 

A quote written by Nietzsche himself is narrated over soaring keyboards in a sweeping ambience, and just before the three minute mark can be heard the first indication to who Bowman has been inspired by. Galloping kick drums and rhythm guitars throw my mind straight back to when I first heard "Caught Somewhere in Time". CHAOS OVER COSMOS has an overall more space-like sound than what was ever the case in Iron Maiden's music, but the main lead melody is something that could just as easily have been done by Murray/Smith.

A majestic chorus part with a good old Blind Guardian vibe marks a change of scenery, and from the epic riffs and melodic leads we're thrown into more complex passages that culminate in an excellent guitar solo. I suspect that Michael Romeo (Symphony X) is one that Rafal Bowman has lent an ear or two to before, and I'm hearing hints of John Petrucci and Herman Lee (DragonForce) in it as well. A nice contrast to the more accessible lead work earlier in the track. 

As mentioned, "Armour of the Stars" is seventeen minutes long, and there are a lot of things happening. A rich variety of riffs and solos with many dashes of technicality makes it quite a sparkling track, along with a middle section with more ambient elements over odd time signature drums. Eventually the track goes full circle and concludes with another mighty chorus part. 

"Dance of the Silver Blade" is another eight minute tale of epic and cosmic metal, and is not as fast as the monumental piece that opened the album. Nevertheless is it a strong track that showcases many different variations in atmospheric texture that also "Armour of the Stars" had in abundance. 

"The Compass" is in essence a more downtempo song. More based around ambient ideas, and a lot heavier than the first two tracks. Said to be a melodic and ambient personal journey, "The Compass" fits perfect for such a story, and was initially the closing track to the original release of the album. 

The Spanish singer Javier Calderón unfortunately left CHAOS OVER COSMOS after the first release of "The Unknown Voyage", and thereby leaving Bowman with two unreleased tracks. According to the promotional material I have based this review on, this brought Bowman the idea to reissue the album, thus extending its duration with 20 minutes. 

"Neon Nights" opens with a mystical theme that makes me want to go and watch Stranger Things again. Still very futuristic in its sound, but a bit more 80's inspired than what happens earlier in the album. More use of electronics also for rhythmical purposes makes it a bit different than the rest of "The Unknown Voyage", but with a hovering and enticing layer of mystery that seems to have a tight grip on this writer. The ambience put aside, the riffs on "Neon Nights" have a lot of Petruccian flair to them, and when an Ayreonesque chorus is added to the mix, then I am sure I have found my absolute favorite track on the album. 

"Sky" is the short and concise title to the instrumental conclusion to CHAOS OVER COSMOS' debut, and is no less impressive than any other composition on the album. 

"The Unknown Voyage" might be a difficult album to grasp after just one spin, as there are vast amounts of both speedy and intricate passages on here, but give it a couple more rounds and you will probably notice more detail. Nevertheless, it is a highly ambitious collection of equally ambitious compositions, and all performances done by both Rafal Bownam and Javie Calderón are done superbly. 

An undeniable fine effort! 

★★★★★★★★★☆

CHAOS OVER COSMOS:

Rafal Bowman - guitars, synth, programming

Javier Calderón - vocals, lyrics

Tracklist:

1. Armour of the Stars

2. Dance of the SIlver Blade

3. The Compass

4. Neon Nights

5. Sky

ALBUM REVIEW: Hellraiser - Heritage

HELLRAISER (Italy)

"Heritage"

(Underground Symphony Records)

Release date: May 25th 2019

Genre: Power metal, speed metal

Links:

Facebook

Instagram 

Spotify

HELLRAISER is an Italian heavy metal band that has been around since 2011. Initially the brainchild of guitarist Michele Brozzi, but the band's line up was completed after the recruitments of fellow guitarist Marco Tanzi, singer Cesare Capaccioni, drummer Riccardo Perugini and bassist Riccardo Rogari were done. Rogari left the band immediately after they completed the recording of their debut album "Revenge of the Phoenix" in May 2014, and Francesco Foti replaced Rogari soon after. HELLRAISER has maintained a steady line up ever since, and released their self produced debut in July 2014, and then re-released it after signing with Sliptrick Records the year after. 

On their tour to support their album, HELLRAISER shared stages with bands like Riot V, Domine and Picture, a fine line up of experienced and widely known bands to add to their list of merits early in their career. 

"Heritage" is their second album, and hit the shelves this last May. The album is a concept album, but not in a traditional sense where there is a continuous story being told. The album is a compilation of nine different tales from diverse parts of the world in different historical periods. The main plot of "Heritage" is to highlight the aspect of narration itself, rather than the topics in the stories themselves. Even since before the art of writing became a reality, the human race has had a fundamental need to pass on stories from one generation to another, and even though the songs tell their different stories, it is the topic of narration that this Italian quintet wants to dive deeper into on their second album. 

Italy is famous for their heavy metal, especially that of the more powerful and symphonic kind. HELLRAISER is a bit more basic, straight forward heavy/power metal without anything flashy to reach their musical magnitude. The production is nowhere near sounding polished, thankfully, and it keeps the music honest and genuine in all its powerful simplicity.

Cesare Capaccioni has a good, powerful voice that fits HELLRAISER's expression very well. Guitarists Brozzi and Tanzi are the very base of the band with their powerful chords and melodic and harmonic riffs, and their lead guitar work is remarkable. The band wouldn't sound as massive and heavy without Francesco Foti providing the lower frequencies, and Riccardo Perugini's kick drum work is in a league of its own. 

Their choice of topic for a conceptual album like this is a very interesting one, as well as the individual stories as told in each of these tracks. The lyrics are well written short stories, and consequently (seemingly as a tribute to their own concept) the band's ability to narrate deserves a mention of its own. 

All in all, HELLRAISER may not have invented anything new on their sophomore album, but all tracks are solid and well arranged compositions that collectively make up an equally solid album. Though you may have had a taste similar to it before, "Heritage" is another that is guaranteed to leave you satisfied. 

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist: 

1. Heritage

2. Plagues Of The North

3. Ritual Of The Stars

4. Fairy Veil

5. Mother Holle

6. Preludio

7. Delvcaem

8. Balance Of The Universe

9. Voice In The Wind

10. Zephyr's Palace

11. Lady In White

HELLRAISER:

Cesare Capaccioni - vocals

Michele Brozzi - guitar

Marco Tanzi - guitar

Francesco Foti - bass

Riccardo Perugini - drums

SINGLE REVIEW: Prime Creation - Tears of Rage

PRIME CREATION (Sweden)
"Tears of Rage"
(Silent Wall Productions)
Release date: May 31st 2019
Genre: Melodic heavy metal
Links:
Spotify
Youtube
Facebook
Instagram
Website

PRIME CREATION is another Swedish constellation of musicians that saw the light of day in early 2015. 3/5 of today's line up were already in the power metal band Mortifade, and formed PRIME CREATION when Morifade saw its end after 23 years of existence. Mathias Kamijo (guitars) is also a founding member of the band, as well as a previous member of Morifade,  but he left the band due to lack of engagement in early 2017, and was quickly replaced by Rami Tainamo.

After Morifade ended, Robin Arnell (lead guitars), the before-mentioned Mathias Kamijo, Henrik Weimedal on bass, and drummer Kim Arnell continued to write music, and a few months into the band's existence they got in touch with singer Esa Englund, and thereby reached the line up that gave us the single that is today's subject for review. They released their eponymous debut album in 2016, before Kamijo left the band, and signed with the Scandinavian label Mighty Music for a world wide release of the album in 2017.

So we write 2019, and PRIME CREATION are ready to release their second album, due for release in September. As tradition usually has it, the fans have been granted a couple teasers in the shape of two singles. "Lost in the Shades" was the first single out, released in April this year, and the title track "Tears of Rage" came out a month later.

PRIME CREATION is without a doubt a band that consists of very talented and experienced instrumentalists, and with the voice of Esa Englund to top it all off, you get a fine recipe for quality metal. This is hard hitting and powerful melodic metal with hints of electronic as well as diverse symphonic elements for more mystical ambiences. Expressionwise I feel I won't be too far off drawing parallells towards Masterplan and Evergrey, which itself should be a strong indication that we're having to do with a high quality effort here.

As stated further up, PRIME CREATION's second album "Tears of Rage" is due for release on September 27th 2019, and if it's anything like these two tracks we have heard from them thus far, it's going to be a great one!

★★★★★★★★★☆

PRIME CREATION:
Esa Englund - Vocals
Robin Arnell - Lead Guitar
Rami Tainamo - Rhythm Guitar
Henrik Weimedal - Bass Guitar
Kim Arnell - Drums

INTERVIEW - Arkhe

ARKHE is a band/project where the members are of both Canadian and Chilean origin. A few days back yours truly had the privilege to review their debut delease, the EP "Origen", and Jimmy P. Torres (vocals) and Fraser MacNeil (guitars), who are the band's founders and key members, were kind enough to take time to answer a few questions in regards to their debut. 

SN:
Could you first of all tell me a little about your band? Who are in the band, and when did you form? What are your inspirations and influences that made you the band you are today? 

Jimmy: 
The band is Fraser and myself, but we have a few musicians that helped us to do the EP. The keyboard for "Fight" and "Stranger in this Land" were played by Felipe Zaror from Chile, from bands as 8 Monkys and Alta Densidad. Keyboards on "Dry Bones" and "Fire from the Sky" were played by Karim Harara from Halifax, NS. Guitars were done by Fraser except on "Fire from the Sky" where a Chilean friend, Fernando Kähs from Los Ñipas did all guitars. On Bass there Scott Richardson, Tony Tussaint and, I did all the voices and a few  Guitars and Bass line on some tracks.
           
Fraser: 
As far as influences I started with Rock and metal, I began to branch into progressive and neoclassical metal and that’s where my playing ability began to grow. I do however enjoy acoustic music as well as flamenco and classical.

 Jimmy P. Torres - vocals

SN:
I'd say your music is well within the melodic hard rock/power metal genre, but how would you describe your own music?

Jimmy:
I am not sure what name I would put our music on, there are so many influences in what we do and in what we hear that for me, I would say Rock is the common word for it.

Fraser: 
I think its closer to power metal or progressive metal such as in some sections of dry bones. We don’t have many time signature changes but I think the way a song such as Dreamer changes from blues style rock to classical arpeggios to a driving metal solo could be considered progressive.

Fraser MacNeil - guitars

SN:
I agree. Progressive music is much more than just odd time signatures. Variation, atmosphere, et cetera.
There are five tracks on the new "Origen" EP, plus a Latino influenced intro that I find really interesting, not only just because it is not the particular style you'd hear on any metal record, but of course also because of the musicianship and performance on the track. Where did the Latino element come into ARKHE? 

Jimmy: 
I am the Latino one, hehe. But "Origen" is entirely a Fraser composition.

Fraser: 
Yes, I wanted to intro the album to show a different side of musicianship and came up with "Origen". I was influenced by some Malmsteen tracks where he plays nylon string. The first half is more flamenco, I'm a big fan of Al Di Meola and Paco de Lucia, and that’s where it came from. The second half is more classical or Malmsteen like.

SN:
As already mentioned the title of the EP is "Origen", which is the Spanish translation for the English word "origin".  But what is the meaning behind the ARKHE name? What made you choose that particular name for your project? 

Jimmy: 
"Arkhe" is a philosophical term, that means the beginning of everything. We thought that would be a great name for a band and Origen was a perfect name for this starting point.

Fraser: 
Jimmy told me about this, I liked the meaning and I like that it sounds like a metal band name.

SN:
How do you write material? Who writes the music? Can you describe the typical creative process in ARKHE, if you have one? 

Jimmy: 
I wrote all the songs except "Origen". The process… Hmm, I need to say that I picked the guitar or keyboard and I start to sing along and from then the ideas comes to me. The lyrics are stories that for me, complete the music.

Fraser:
I try to expand on the ideas that Jimmy comes up with. When it comes to writing the solos I start with an idea and try to keep it tasteful and let the notes tell a story, many times I change it over and over until I'm satisfied with it.

Jimmy: 
That’s true, we had so many lead tracks and every time that Fraser told me, I would like to redo this solo, and I  I thought, "Wow, can this be any better?" And yes, it was better! Hehe...

SN:
I noticed that mainly just the intro "Origen" is influenced by the Latino genre, as well as the first minute of "Dreamer". Will your heavier tracks include more of this on future releases? 

Jimmy:
We have more music, and soon we will release some songs that we left out of the EP because they were, in some way, not in the same line of the EP, but for sure we will bring more heavier song in the a future EP or album. Fraser is an amazing guitar player capable to play from the most sweet lick to most crazy and complex solo and riff.

Fraser:
I could see this as being a signature to our sound but we really won't know until we start writing new material.

SN: 
Your promo introduced the band as a duo, but after having done a little research I found a bass player on your YouTube channel, as well as a drummer on your "Dry Bones" video. Does this mean you have a full line up going, or are they just hired guns? 

Jimmy:
We count with some friend that are ready to jump with us to play, one of the reason of us to do the album was to release these songs but also to find musicians alike to play with us. It is a good way to show what we want and what we need from other musicians that would like to join to Arkhe.

SN:
Will you be touring to promote the EP? 

Jimmy:
Not at the moment, but to play on a stage is the dream for every single musician I would say.

Fraser: 
At this point we are unable to but it is on our mind for the future.

SN:
Apart from the obvious promotion of "Origen", what are the future plans for ARKHE? 

Jimmy:
We are already working on more songs but, for now we are trying to put attention to what we have because we think that is a pretty strong material and a great way to let us know.

Fraser:
Like Jimmy said, we are happy with what we put out on this EP, and we want to push it for more publicity. We are however working on a single that should be finished soon.

ARKHE's debut EP is available on the band's BandCamp page and all relevant streaming platforms.

ALBUM REVIEW: Arkhe - Origen

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

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

ALBUM REVIEW: Projekt Gemineye - Man of Science, Man of Dreams

PROJEKT GEMINEYE (Canada)
"Man of Science, Man of Dreams" (Digital album, CD, vinyl)
(Reficul Records)
Release date: November 11th 2018
Genre: Progressive rock, heavy rock, space rock
Links:
BandCamp
Facebook
Website

Mark Anthony K (Mark Kopernicky, as is his actual name) has his own Facebook group for the most dedicated followers of his solo project PROJEKT GEMINEYE, in which he keeps them updated on recording progress and production. Needless to say a lot of anticipation was built up when he made the announcement of his third album during the early months of 2018, stating that it would be an album about the approach of science in the world today, and how those who dare to dream and be visionaires go forth in their attempt to make our planet a better world.

For prog lovers this would be a splendid opportunity to make a concept album, but although the songs would have recurring lyrical themes that were based on given subjects, he did not want to label it a concept album. So, what is "Man of Science, Man of Dreams" all about?

First and foremost, it's all about the music, right?

The album consists of five songs, and also prior to this release, two singles were released to give the impatient fans something to soothe their cravings for new music. "Virtual Reality" was the first one out, and after a scary sounding intro and a thundering drumroll we are being thrown against a wall of heavy guitars and soaring keyboards. The basis are still fairly traditionally built up with power chords on both guitars and keyboards, and not only are you facing a thick wall of sound; you find yourself melting into it. Furthermore, we get more of those typical harmony lead guitars, 12 string guitars and all of it wrapped in a lush and thick mix with an analogue warmth.

"Cosmic Sea" starts off with more sexy 70's keyboards, and develops into a really heavy track with washy cymbals and pounding drums. A couple stripped down verse sections manage to create adventurous mystery with just drums and bass, and the lyrics are the words of one of the before mentioned dreamers, who all his life has wanted to find out what is to be discovered in outer space. A solid track from beginning to end, and therefore the most logical second single.

Another eight minute epic appears in the shape of "To Hope...To Dream". Ayreonesque keyboards contribute to the fact that this album is far more space oriented than the first two, and I am loving it. Acoustic guitars, organ, and a thick keyboard pad provide a warm basis for the dreamer to tell us how he has always wanted to make a change, either for his fellow man and for the planet itself. He addresses a few environmental issues as well, such as the use of gas and coal, all presented with emotion and genuine sincerity.

The longest track thus far in PROJEKT GEMINEYE's discography is "Secret Science"; a fourteen minute long four part composition, just the way the prog lovers like it. What must be the mother of all keyboard pads early on makes it evident that we're dealing with something of a more epic nature. The vocals come in just before the four minute mark, accompanied by acoustic guitars and organs, just like on the previous track, in an equally tasty fashion.

"Secret Science" is a very varied track, with all the ingredients that Kopernicky knows very well how to put into his efforts, and during the middle section he takes us on a sonic journey with the same dramatic effect that Pink Floyd did with their experimental track "On The Run" from their 1973 classic "The Dark Side of The Moon". On a personal note, I would have loved if this section was even a bit longer. Just close your eyes and let yourself drift away with the visual imagery that this particular section helps you create, then you'll see what I mean. A fine experimental track.

"Traces of the Past" is the finishing track this time, and it's a more "traditional" PROJEKT GEMINEYE composition, more riff based, but of course with more of the typical harmony leads. This is a very typical approach for Kopernicky's songwriting, and though I have mentioned the combination of heavy riffs and harmonic lead guitars before, it is because it works.

PROJEKT GEMINEYE is not progressive when it comes to technicality, but the atmosphere he creates is highly effective for a listener that wants to visualize the music. Heavy chords and melodic riffs combined with classic harmony leads, and when you add keyboards and soundscapes that sends your mind back to the golden era of progressive rock back in the early seventies, you really can never go wrong.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Virtual Reality
2. Cosmic Sea
3. To Hope...To Dream
4. Secret Science
5. Traces Of The Past

PROJEKT GEMINEYE:
Mark Anthony K - composition, all performances, production

SINGLE REVIEW: Hands Of Attrition - They Come At Night

HANDS OF ATTRITION (England)
"They Come At Night" (Digital single)
(Independent)
Release date: July 6th 2019
Genre: Groove metal, melodic metal, heavy metal
Links:
Facebook
Spotify
Youtube

HANDS OF ATTRITION is a quintet from the West Midlands in England, and have been active since 2018, so this is a fairly new constellation of musicians that we're having a look at today.

Their single "They Come At Night" was released to all major streaming platforms earlier this month, and is a fine and well produced debut from these British young gentlemen.

HANDS OF ATTRITION play what I am tempted to call groovy melodic metal, but with a more epic riff construction than for example Pantera had. Expressionwise they are probably closer to In Flames, especially when it comes to the vocals, but they do have the groove and aggression that Pantera had back in the day.  The riffs are a treat throughout the whole song, and although they never get too technical they add a lush and colorful texture to an already amazingly solid track.

"They Come At Night" is a solid and massive effort, and if HANDS OF ATTRITION can make a whole album with songs that sound as lush and fresh as this one, then I'll be first in line to hear it!

★★★★★★★★☆☆

HANDS OF ATTRITION:
Tom Alexander-Scott - Vocals
Anthony Austin-Smith - Lead Guitar
Chris Jenney - Rhythm Guitar
Jay Brunskill - Bass
Dale Harrison - Drums

ALBUM REVIEW: Jugular - As Birth Becomes Life Becomes Death

JUGULAR (Canada)
"As Birth Becomes Life Becomes Death" (Digital album)
(Independent)
Release date: December 25th 2018
Links:
BandCamp
Facebook
Spotify
YouTube

JUGULAR is a four-piece band from Barrie, a city in Ontario, and were formed back in 2006, until they went on hiatus in 2011. During this period they recorded and released several demos, and in 2010 their song "Heavy Metal Law" won the award for BEST SONG in the metal category at the Barrie New Music Awards, and this was the band's first song ever to be properly mixed and mastered. Way to go, guys!

In late 2017, the band secretly started working on what was to become their first official release, and the subject of this very review; the EP "As Birth Becomes Life Becomes Death". The title itself could perhaps indicate that this is a black/death metal album with a concept of grand and cosmic proportions, but it's actually quite more "easy-listening" than that.

The EP contains six tracks, and "Revolution Around The Sun" is a great and memorable opener, with its metal hymn like intro, followed by thrashy and grinding riffs that takes me back to any old Metallica album. Jordan Grimbly has a great voice that complements the band well, especially on the really heavy tracks, like on the before mentioned opeing track, as well as the very last one, "Dying To Be Alive".

"Angel Of Darkness" is a mid-tempo song introducing some nice clean guitars, and is not as heavy as the opener, and alongside "The Passenger" it is more hard rock oriented than the rest of the tracks. "And Into Dust" is a catchy little tune; the perfect choice for a single. "There's A Body For The Soul (Unshackled Me)" is even more downtempo than "Angel Of Darkness", and it starts off with a sexy, thick bass that develops into a song that shows the darker side of the band, without straying too far off the path they are on.

JUGULAR has a way of writing short and effective songs. The six tracks that make up their debut EP sound clean and are well produced, and prove that the band are quite comfortable playing melodic hard rock as well as thrash metal.

I want more, guys!

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Revolution Around The Sun
2. Angel Of Darkness
3. And Into Dust
4. There's A Body For The Soul (Unshackled Me)
5. The Passenger
6. Dying To Be Alive

JUGULAR:
- Jordan Grimbly, guitars and vocals
- Bren Pearce, drums
- James Stewart, guitars
- Ben Fuchs, bass

ALBUM REVIEW: Treachery - Treachery

TREACHERY (USA)
"Treachery" (Digital album)
(Independent)
Release date: April 2019
Website
Facebook

TREACHERY is a hard hitting quartet based in North Carolina, and consists of four gentlemen who have been around the block for quite a number of years, but as a collective they have not been together for long. The band includes guitarist DENNIS EAVENER, bassist RONNIE NEWMAN, drummer MICK MASTERS and TOMMY RUSSO on vocals, and are inspired and influenced by greats such as Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Terry Bozzio and Neil Peart, just to name a few. Though having been together for just a short period of time, TREACHERY have already released their first self-titled EP, and it's a damn heavy one.

The first track is called "Die Hard", and the intro riff is a doomy variation of Death's classic "The Philosopher", before moving into a verse that gives off a strong Candlemass vibe. Wonderful. RUSSO's vocal lines could use some more variation, as they start to sound a bit similar after a while, but he has a great voice that deserves a bit more presence in the mix, at least on this opening track.

"The Raven" is a faster track with an Anvil'esque type of drive, and "The Mighty Weapon" has a more epic approach. The Italian power metal band Domine, among many others, are well known for these kinds of riffs, and with RUSSO's vocals in sky-high registers I am tempted to mention these Italians as reference. TREACHERY's performance could be tighter, but they have great riffs and ideas that have the potential to crush anything in their path.

"Epic of Ru" concludes the EP, and continues in the same epic (of course) direction as on "The Mighty Weapon". It is a great track, and is an equally great display of RUSSO's vocal abilities, as he reaches heights that Ian Gillan, Rob Halford and Geoff Tate are commonly known for. A worthy conclusion to TREACHERY's debut.

TREACHERY is not the most innovative band in the world, but they create great songs that all have great potential, and if they take more time to refine their ideas and put them into a more balanced production/mix, I'll be glad to lend an ear to these lads again.

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Die Hard
2. The Raven
3. The Mighty Weapon
4. Epic of Ru

TREACHERY:
- Tommy Russo, vocals
- Dennis Eavener, guitar
- Ronnie Newman, bass
- Mick Masters, drums