SINGLE REVIEW: Children of the Void - We Light the Way

CHILDREN OF THE VOID (Norway)
"We Light the Way"
(Independent)
Release date: April 9th 2021
Genre: Melodic metal, modern heavy metal, metalcore

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CHILDREN OF THE VOID is a collective of young musicians based out of Bergen, on the west coast of Norway. The group consists of members from Baby Heartless, Fretmiden, Scourge and Firefight, and their music is said to be inspired from diverse melodic death, symphonic, black, industrial and deathcore acts.

The band has recorded the five track EP "Garden of Bones" that will be out later this year, and their full length debut is scheduled for release in 2022.

"We Light the Way" is the collective's first ever release, apart from the demo version that is already out on Spotify. With lyrical content that advices the listeners to stay true to their own sense of judgement, and clocking in at just under three minutes the song offers a rather brief first insight to what CHILDREN OF THE VOID are up to.

In Flames immediately appears as a possible source of inspiration, both riff and vocal wise. The guitars never lose their harmonic touch, and along with the vocal lines, as well as the voice itself (especially during the chorus), they clearly prove that the band never searched too far outside the Norwegian border for inspiration. Come to think of it, I'm hearing some Entombed in here too.

2:50 is fairly short, and certain parts of the song feel like they could benefit from a bit more exploration on the arrangement side of things. I take it that CHILDREN OF THE VOID is still a young band in terms of both existence and personell age, and therefore might still need a bit of time to mature as a collective and perfect their way of work, but their first offering certainly shows great potential.

"We Light the Way" is out on Bandcamp on April 9th, and on all relevant streaming services on April 16th.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Tracklist:
1. We Light the Way

LINE UP:
Runar - vocals
Even - guitars
Robin -  guitars and backing vocals
Jørgen - bass
Eivind - drums

ALBUM REVIEW: Future Now - Utopia Awaits

FUTURE NOW (England)
"Utopia Awaits"
(Independent)
Release date: June 24th 2019
Genre: Progressive metal, melodic heavy metal

Links:
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Instagram
YouTube
Spotify

FUTURE NOW began taking shape as far back as in 2009, when guitarist Jaz Hunter auditioned for Flesh That Burns, the band that drummer Charlie Mckenzie-Stewart was in at the time. They were two souls that wanted to explore and play the same kind of music, and spent the following decade writing music together. Eventually, Riko Burrows heard the material that they had written, and offered to add his voice to the recordings that were released on the band's debut album "Utopia Awaits" in June last year.

Although performing as a three piece on the album with Burrows seemingly appearing as a session member, FUTURE NOW has later on expanded into a full band in quintet form and are ready to embark on live work as well as writing material together.

In addition to its own independent release, "Utopia Awaits" was released as the soundtrack to a book with the same title. The album consists of an intro and thirteen individual tracks, and clocks in at over eightyone minutes. Far too long to this writer's personal taste, but we'll give it a go.

The album goes in many sudden directions in terms of variety, tempo, time signatures and texture. Musicianship and instrumentation is of course impeccable and precise, but the intensity becomes a bit overwhelming at times, which makes an album at this length quite a challenge.

To conclude, this listener has no difficulty acknowledging the creative and performing talents that have produced this album. There are pieces and arrangements on here that are pure brilliance. The album was produced by the band themselves, and the sound and production is right for their genre.

As a whole, "Utopia Awaits" is not among the easiest ones to get into, but for the trained ear I have no doubts that FUTURE NOW's intensity and technical flair is met with a heartfelt welcome.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Remnants
2. Creation Of Man*
3. Dying Universe
4. From Legend To Myth
5. Pillars Of Creation, Pt 1*
6. Born Into The Underworld
7. Wisdom Of Harmony
8. Past Present Future
9. Pillars Of Destruction, Pt 2
10. Stand As One (Foreign Lands)
11. Utopia Awaits
12. Time And Time Again
13. Sky Racers
14. World's Apart

*Added to the Subterranean Noise - 2019 playlist on Spotify.

LINE UP:
Jaz Hunter - guitars
Charlie Mckenzie-Stewart - drums
Riko Burrows - vocals

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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Spotify

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:
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BandCamp
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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: Ibridoma - City of Ruins

IBRIDOMA (Italy)
"City of Ruins"
(Punishment 18 Records)
Release date: October 27th 2018
Genre: Power metal, melodic metal, hard rock

Links:
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Spotify

Italy is frequently featured on these blog pages. The majority of the bands that have appeared so far are mainly based in the power/melodic metal genre, and IBRIDOMA is no exception.

Initially formed in March 2001 by drummer Alessandro Morroni and singer Christian Bartolacci, the band participated in a number of music competitions and festivals during their early years. Their debut EP was released in 2005, for which the band harvested favorable reviews in the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Brazil, Germany, as well as in their own "Bella Italia". After "Page 26", their second EP, IBRIDOMA went on tour to support Uli Jon Roth, Richie Kotzen and Blaze Bayley's Italian tour in 2009.

2012 saw the release of "Night Club", their second full length album, which led the band to play live with Rhapsody of Fire, Secret Sphere and Almah, and the following year played a headlining tour in several major cities in Greece. After 2014's release of "Goodbye Nation" the band supported Sabaton on their Russian tour, and even Queensrÿche during their visit in Rome in 2015.

2016 presented IBRIDOMA's fourth full length, "December", which featured guest appearances by Paul DiAnno and Blaze Bayley, two gentlemen who I doubt would need further introduction to this blog's readers.

This is not the first time singer Christian Bartolacci appears on these pages. In addition to IBRIDOMA, he is the lead singer in Scala Mercalli, who presented the conceptual "Independence" earlier this year. You can read about the album here.

Apart from the lead voice that fronts them, these two bands have very little in common. Whereas Scala Mercalli's music is faster and incorporates symphonic elements, IBRIDOMA is more based around power and melody. Slightly Anthrax-like thrashy moments do occur, especially on the opening track "Sadness Comes", and "T.F.U." and the title track are examples of pure hard rock delight.

"Angels of War" and "My Nightmares" have a more powerful drive to them, and Primal Fear and Saxon are references that are tempting to mention. Bartolacci's voice often reminds me of Ralf Scheepers when it reaches certain notes, and the rest of the band never misses a punch throughout the ten tracks on "City of Ruins", which in total turns out to be a very strong seventh effort by IBRIDOMA.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Sadness Comes
2. Evil Wind
3. T.F.U.
4. Di Nuovo Inverno
5. City of Ruins
6. Angels of War
7. My Nightmares
8. Fragile
9. Terminator
10. I'm Broken

LINE UP:
Chriastian Bartolacci - vocals
Marco Vitali - guitar
Sebastiano Ciccale' - guitar
Leonardo Ciccarelli - bass
Alessandro Morroni - drums

ALBUM REVIEW: Ditchwater - Never Say Never

DITCHWATER (USA)
"Never Say Never"
(Independent)
Release date: October 25th 2019
Genre: Modern heavy rock, modern heavy metal, melodic heavy metal
Links:
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BandCamp
Instagram
Spotify
Website
YouTube

From Chicago, Illinois comes a five piece band that has been active since it formed back in 1993. DITCHWATER has released six albums between 1996 and 2018, all of them having received a re-mastering treatment and re-released at various points in time during 2018 and 2019.

Lead guitarist Mark Anderson is the only member of the band who has appeared on all releases, and despite numerous line up changes he has made sure that DITCHWATER has kept consistent in their making of heavy, powerful, catchy and above all honest music.

In late October this year the band released their seventh studio effort. "Never Say Never" (a title suggested by vocalist Mike Meadows that seemed fitting as a motto for a band that has had its share of ups and downs) is a natural continuation on DITCHWATER's list of merits, both in terms of songwriting and production.

In essence a band with a somewhat aggressive approach, but always with its heart on the outside. The aggressive aspect is greatly enhanced by the thick and massive production, but the thing that DITCHWATER does to differ from a lot of other similar bands is that their aggression is positive and honest.



"Enemy of the People" is the opening track that immediately grabs the listener by the collar. Bouldering riffs, catchy hooks and a chorus that proves there is a fine, melodic side to the band as well. "My Last Breath" and "Against" My Better Emotional Reasons" are more downtempo than the opener, but provides the same energy.

That being said, DITCHWATER keeps the energy consistent throughout the whole album, with the exception of the heartfelt and open "All About You", which is the first track to feature clean guitars. "Hands Held Out" presents even an acoustic side of the band that I feel works very well, and concludes DITCHWATER's presentation of new, original material in a tasteful, yet rather unexpected manner.

"Never Say Never" ends the same way that it started 35 minutes earlier, with a furious blast. DITCHWATER's version of Motörhead's "Iron Fist" doesn't stray far from the original, but the best way a band can honor classics like this is to give it their own touch without losing the respect that the original deserves.

As mentioned earlier, "Never Say Never" is the latest release from a band that has kept going through 26 years of existence, and it showcases a great deal of emotions built up from the highs and lows throughtout their career. Power and aggression remain as relevant keywords to describe DITCHWATER's music in 2019, but good melodies, skillful songwriting and the band's positive energy makes "Never Say Never" a genuine and enjoyable experience.

★★★★★★★★★☆

Tracklist:
1. Enemy of the People
2. My Last Breath
3. Against My Better Emotional Reasons
4. The End
5. This Pain
6. The Way You Are
7. All About You
8. How Many Times
9. Hands Held Out
10. Iron Fist

LINE UP:
Mike Meadows - vocals
Mark Anderson - lead guitar
Kevin James - rhythm guitar
Mason Brown - bass
Mike Tignino - drums

ALBUM REVIEW: Decrowned - Weight of the Dark Sky/Hansel's Nightmare

DECROWNED (Finland)
"Weight of the Black Sky"
(787406 Records DK)
Release date: February 5th 2018

"Hansel's Nightmare"
(787406 Records DK)
Release date: July 30th 2019

Genre: Power metal, modern metal, melodic metal

Links:
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Instagram
Spotify
YouTube

Both Finland and its closest neighbor in the west, Sweden, have always been a great source of melodic metal of the powerful kind. The Swedes were probably a bit more death metal oriented at times, but the Fins certainly have produced a decent amount of melodic death metal bands as well.

DECROWNED is a fairly new addition to the list of Finnish melodic metal bands, and despite the fact that they have only existed since 2017 their discography already counts two releases in EP format. Last year saw the release of the first one, "Weight of the Dark Sky", which showed a seemingly very experienced band. I have not been given any information about what the members of this quartet have done prior to forming DECROWNED, but I suspect that neither of them are newcomers within the Finnish metal scene.

In terms of style the debut sounds like a lightweight version of Nightwish mixed with Sentenced, Amorphis, Tiamat and even Pagan's Mind. In other words, it is very clear that DECROWNED has found inspiration within their own national borders. The basis is always modern melodic metal, but they incorporate Nightwish-like symphonic elements for a certain dramatic effect. The vocals are for the most part clean, but on occasion they turn more harsh and hoarse, not unlike Johan Edlund (Tiamat) has done. Listen to "The Sleeping Beauty" from 1992's "Clouds", and you'll see what I mean.

"Weight of the Dark Sky" came out in early February of 2018, and helped DECROWNED get picked as "Demo Band of the Month" in the Finnish Inferno Magazine.

Almost a year and a half later the band returned with their second EP "Hansel's Nightmare", which shows a more refined sound than on the predecessor. The basis is still as was on the debut; melodic modern metal with symphonic elements, and I dare say the Pagan's Mind reference is still very much valid. The production is slightly more polished than on "Weight of the Dark Sky", but all in all "Hansel's Nightmare" is a natural step further from where DECROWNED debuted.

There are four tracks on each of the EP's, all very strong compositions with great riffs, powerful drums, electronic effects to add texture, and certain symphonic elements that just makes it all a bit theatrical. Top it all off with a skilled, Finnish touvh, and you know you can't go wrong.

"Weight of the Dark Sky"
★★★★★★★★☆☆

"Hansel's Nightmare"
★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
"WEIGHT OF THE DARK SKY"
1. Lament
2. Bridges Burning
3. Buried With My Enemies
4. The Everturning Wheel

"HANSEL'S NIGHTMARE"
1. Hansel's Nightmare
2. Darkwaltz
3. Delirium
4. Fortress

LINE UP:
Miikka Hulmi - lead vocals and bass
Jaakko Kauppinen - guitar and backup vocals
Simo Puustinen - guitar and backup vocals
Antti Venäläinen - drums

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:
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BandCamp
YouTube
Spotify
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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: 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: Black Coven - Everlost

BLACK COVEN (Austria)
"Everlost"
(Independent)
Release date: September 27th 2018
Genre: Melodic death metal, epic heavy metal
Links:
Facebook
Instagram
BandCamp
Spotify
Website

BLACK COVEN is an Austrian duo that appears as a bit of a curiosity. Originally founded as a three piece band in early 2016, they have released the three track EP that we will be reviewing today, and they have been quite busy doing concerts as well. The duo format would in many cases be a factor that forces a band to refrain from playing live, but in BLACK COVEN's case it's quite the contrary, and they have appeared on festival stages alongside In The Woods... and Benediction, just to mention a few.

The duo consists of guitarist and vocalist Morgane Rake and drummer Andreas Gray, and they have both been in the band since the formation three and a half years ago.

"Everlost" was recorded on analog equipment in the Finnish Astia-studio in March 2018, and was released digitally in September. BLACK COVEN claim to be inspired by the 90's melodic death metal scene, which becomes apparent when the thundering intro on "Across the 1000 Lakes" starts to roll. There are a lot of parallells to be drawn towards Edge of Sanity, Dark Tranquillity, Carcass, early 90's In Flames and even Death, especially on the vocal side. Singer Morgane Rake must be the reincarnation of Chuck Schuldiner himself, and I suspect she has been inspired by his guitar work as well.

The three tracks on "Everlost" are all very varied with both power chord based riffs as well as ones that are a bit more intricate, all put together and arranged within a framework that with excellence and flair captures the 90's melodic metal essence and authenticity.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Across the 1000 Lakes
2. Ablazing Dawn
3. Ovation of the Wolves

BLACK COVEN:
- Morgane Rake, guitars, bass, vocals
- Andreas Gray, drums

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: Walking Rumor - Do Or Die

WALKING RUMOR (Denmark)
"Do Or Die"
(Walking Rumor Records)
Release date: June 1st 2019
Genre: Nu metal, alternative metal, melodic metal
Links:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
SoundCloud
Spotify

To be completely honest, nu metal has never really appealed to this writer. It is a well known fact that this is the branch of the metal genre that is most frowned upon, arguably because of the most prominent acts in the genre, namely Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit. Aggression and frustration seems to be the main ingredient, and very often the music seems to play a less significant role.

On the other hand, every now and then a new band comes along and puts an end to all these stigmatizations, and proves that there is room for new thinking within the genre.

WALKING RUMOR is one such band, which seemingly (after having a look at their press photos) consists of a handful of very young lads. This Danish sextet was formed in 2015, and their discography counts an EP and multiple singles. The track we are reviewing today is not even their most recent one, but well worth a mention nonetheless.

"Do Or Die" was the first single off their upcoming full length album "Symbiosis", which is due for release later this year. After it was released, WALKING RUMOR has put out an additional two singles, the latter having been out for just a few days.

Just to be clear, there is nothing here that lives up to the standard that the aforementioned bands have put the genre within, and as early on as during the opening riff you hear that WALKING RUMOR is more than just a nu metal band. The aggression and intensivity is highly present, but they turn it around a bit by throwing in a few rhythm changes that gives it all a more playful touch. Electronics are usually a given within the nu metal genre, but these Danes use it only moderately, and it serves as an enticing curiosity rather than just a boring layer of noise. Throw in a catchy chorus with great melodies, and you very soon have a single that displays the band's collective strength in terms of both instrumentation and songwriting.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

WALKING RUMOR:
- Alexander Larsson - Drums
- Jacob Nielsen - Bass
- Emil Hansen - Guitar
- Andreas Løvenhorst - Guitar
- Kenio Gustavsson - Vocals
- Anders Mørch - Vocals

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 - A Brand New Day

PROJEKT GEMINEYE (Canada)

"A Brand New Day" (Digital album, CD, vinyl)

(Reficul Records)

Release date: December 1st 2017

Genre: Progressive rock, heavy rock, space rock

Links:

BandCamp

Facebook

Website

Not even nine months after the release of his debut album "An Ordinary Day", Mark Anthony K (real name Mark Kopernicky) followed up his first solo effort with the release of "A Brand New Day". These two albums could initially have been released as a double album, but Kopernicky decided to release them separately. 

As with the debut, the album that is the subject for this review is also part of a biographical story about serious injury and the events that followed. Pain, treatment and rehabilitation has both physical and psychological aspects, and even though neither the songs on this album present the story in its chronological order, they too leave no doubt that this was an ordeal that had a huge impact on the man behind PROJEKT GEMINEYE. 

Overall, "A Brand New Day" is slightly heavier than the debut, which becomes clear already in the first bars of the opening track "A New Day", which was also the first of two singles to be released about a month before the album was available. The verse is more downbeat, but with a clean 12-string guitar to bring more sparkle to the mix. As we approach the pre-chorus the gnarly guitars are coming back in, before Mark revisits the intro riff in a catchy chorus with his trademark harmonic vocals. 

"Clear Your Mind" is the second single from the album, and does nothing to weaken the standard that was set with the opening track. This is more uptempo, and with even more harmonic guitars, almost to the point of being symphonic. Again we are given the treat of another catchy and highly efficient chorus, and the song that is seven minutes long doesn't seem longer than the average three and a half minute single. 

"The Long Ride" is the third track, and the album's instrumental ballad. As opposed to "Ride On" from the debut album, this is piano based and more laidback, and a nice cut that allows you to actually do just that; sit back, and just enjoy the ride. The lead guitars are what bring the emotion, and serves as another meaningful chapter in the story, without even saying a word. 

"Space And Time" is a three part composition, and is the longest track on "A Brand New Day", clocking in at around eight and a half minutes. Structurally, this reminds me a lot of how Kopernicky's fellow Canadians in Rush built up their "2112" epic, with individual sections gluing the song together without sounding like a bunch of ideas thrown together. 

"The Incident" opens with harmony leads that could just as easily have been signed by Tipton and Downing, or Murray and Smith, for that matter. Come to think of it, a lot of Mark Kopernicky's melodies could have been written by these gentlemen, as there are a lot of eighties vibes in them. The wonderful irony of this track is that it being about the very moment of an excrutiating leg fracture, it has some delicious double bass drum work. 

"Sell Your Soul" is a fast and very energetic conclusion to  PROJEKT GEMINEYE's sophomore album, and I notice the vocals are more powerful and strong on here. Yet again, Kopernicky's voice is of the cleaner kind, but he has more confidence in his voice on the six tracks he is presenting to us on his second disc. 

On a personal note, I feel this is a slightly stronger album than its predecessor, in terms of performance, composition and production. 

As with all albums the front cover gives an absolute first impression. Once again the visual arts were provided by James McCarthy. As Yes had (and still have) their Roger Dean, so has PROJEKT GEMINEYE James McCarthy. And it's just the way it has to be, if you ask me. 

★★★★★★★★★☆

Tracklist:

1. A New Day

2. Clear Your Mind

3. The Long Ride 

4. Space And Time (Parts I - III)

5. The Incident

6. Sell Your Soul

PROJEKT GEMINEYE:

Mark Anthony K - composition, all performances, production

ALBUM REVIEW: Projekt Gemineye - An Ordinary Day

PROJEKT GEMINEYE (Canada)
"An Ordinary Day" (Digital album, CD, vinyl)
(Reficul Records)
Release date: March 7th 2017
Genre: Progressive rock, heavy rock, space rock
Links:
BandCamp
Facebook
Website

Mark Anthony K is a musician located in Brampton, Ontario in Canada, and he has been an active musician for twentyfive years. He formed Reckon With One in the nineties, initially a thrash metal group, but they developed a more progressive style further into their career. After the group disbanded he joined the thrashers in Exalted Piledriver for a period in 2007.

I made Mark Anthony K's aquaintance back in 2017, just after he had released his solo debut with his PROJEKT GEMINEYE, entitled "An Ordinary Day". Both of us being huge fans of the progressive rock pioneers in Yes, we quickly connected, and since we are both solo musicians with our own projects, we then checked each other's music out, and have been supporters of each other's music ever since. So, with that being said, am I really able to write an objective review of this guy's music?

The obvious first impression you get is the front cover image, created by James McCarthy. It serves as a great visual aid along with the music, and I find myself discovering new details all the time, both in the visual as well as the audible artistry that make up the total experience of this Canadian's debut effort.

"An Ordinary Day" and it's successor "A Brand New Day" are both two parts in a biographical storyline about bodily injuries and hospitalization. The songs are not chronological in terms of the events, but regardless, they do tell the story well. You can read my review about "A Brand New Day" somewhere else on this blog.

So how does it sound? The title track fades in with mysterious keyboards, chimes and woodblocks, before the massive rhythm section builds a solid foundation underneath a simple, but effective fanfare. After a majestic opening section we get a ton of double harmony guitars, soaring keyboards and even some tasty sounding moog. It is apparent that he has been both inspired and influenced by his fellow countrymen in Rush, but the basis of PROJEKT GEMINEYE is more heavy oriented, I am tempted to say. The vocals are not of the very energetic kind, but along with the before mentioned double harmony guitars, they are what I would call the "trademark" in PROJEKT GEMINEYE's music.

"The Future" is the second track, and initially a somewhat mellower tune, until the chorus comes in with heavy guitars and a nice synth melody in the center channel; a fine accompagnement to the harmonic vocals that already established themselves as part of this Canadian's signature sound.

"Funny Feeling" is another example that serves as evidence that the man behind it all has found his niche. Heavy, melodic riffs, and more of the intriguing 70's keyboards. Thus far, this is maybe not what you would call a typical progressive album, as the basic structures and riffs are often built up in a "traditional" way, but Mark Anthony K still manages to create great musical sceneries when he adds layers of atmospheric keyboards that really are the fine icing on the cake.

"The Journey" is the nine minute epic on the album, and it is probably the darkest track when it comes to the storyline. A three minute intro is just perfect for a prog lover, and while listening to the bass line during the opening seconds, I hear the undeniable Chris Squire/Geddy Lee influence.

"Fate Unknown" is the fastest one among the six tracks we have presented on the album, and here we are dealing with the more angry side of the music. The riffs and chord changes are more aggressive, almost dangerous. Quite possibly my favorite track on the album, though the title track is very close to my heart too.

"Ride On" is the instrumental closing track, and it is a very strong track with a lot of great guitar work. A perfect and worthy conclusion to an album that is a fine first statement from a man whose story is a personal one, and when it's being told the way it is on "An Ordinary Day", I am more than willing to sit down and listen to what he has to say.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. An Ordinary Day
2. The Future
3. Funny Feeling
4. The Journey
5. Fate Unknown
6. Ride On

PROJEKT GEMINEYE:
Mark Anthony K - production, all performances

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