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

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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: 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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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: Ardityon - Ardityon

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

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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:

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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

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