Power & Glory Forever!

HB - Frozen Inside CD review

2009-04-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

Frozen Inside (2008)

Band

Johanna Aaltonen - Vocals
Antti Niskala - Piano
Markus Malin - Drums
Tommi Huuskonen - Bass
Janne Karhunen - Guitar

Overview

HB (Holy Bible) is a symphonic metal band from Finland, and Frozen Inside is the band's first album with English lyrics. Fans of Nightwish and Evanescence will probably find a lot to like about HB. The band uses lush layers of sound, combining symphonic keyboards with crunchy guitar and a tight rhythym section.

Songs

God Has All Glory
It Is Time
Be Aware
Holy Secret
Frozen Inside
Years Go By
Ambition
Way
Lovesong

There really isn't a need to break down the review by song, because the band uses a standard formula throughout the album. You have slightly operatic female vocals over crunchy guitar and symphonic keyboard arrangments. The tempo of the songs do vary quite a bit. Songs like "God Has All The Glory" and "It Is Time" have a slightly power metal feel to the tempo of the songs. "Be Aware" and "Ambition" have a prog metal feel to them. There are several ballads as well.

The production on the album is flawless, and the mix is good, but the vocals may be a little too up front for some tastes. Johanna has a beautiful voice though, and her vocal melodies are strong, so it doesn't bother me. Essentially, if you like one HB song, you will probably like them all.

Conclusion

I found myself really enjoying this album alot, even though the sound is a little more commerical than I normally like. I have to admit that the passion behind the vocals and lyrics are what attract me to the band. Each song unashamedly glorifies the King and tackles issues of faith head-on. This straight-forward approach is refreshing. I am glad that there are metal bands like HB and Theocracy who are not afraid to let their faith shine through in their art.

The band has already released another CD, Piikki Lihassa, with lyrics in their native language. I hope that 2009 sees another English language release from the band, because they offer a fresh voice in the symphonic metal world.

4 Swords Up (out of 5)!

Queensrÿche - American Soldier review

2009-04-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

Queensrÿche

American Soldier (2009)

Rhino

Band

Geoff Tate - vocals
Michael Wilton - guitars
Edbass - bass
Scott Rockenfield - drums

Overview

First, let me say that American Soldier is a return to form in many ways for the band. This album could have been the natural successer to Promised Land, as it shares several similarities with that release. I will be reviewing this album a little differently than I have the previous albums on this site. Reviewing a Queensrÿche album is tricky, so I want to use the format I feel is most useful. I will be commenting on the production values of the album, the songwriting, the genre, and will give some final thoughts.

Production
While many consider Operation: Mindcrime to be Queensryche's masterpiece, I consider Empire to be the band's pinnacle when it comes to production values. The seperation of instruments in the mix, the use of various analog and digital textures, and the layered vocals all combine to produce sonic brilliance. American Soldier does not reach the heights of Empire to my ears, but it rivals Mindcrime. In fact, the drum sound on American Soldier is very similar to Mindcrime, as well as the fact that it is also a concept album. I also like the use of spoken dialogue (interviews of soldiers) which also is reminiscent of Mindcrime. Where American Soldier suffers is in the area of dynamics. The mix sounds very muddy at times, and there are some missed opportunities throughout the disc where the emotion could have been ramped or punched up. I lay this at the feet of producers Jason Slater and Kelly Gray. Neither guy has shown in their past that they understand the dynamics of progressive metal.

Songwriting
I have a real problem with the songwriting credits on American Soldier, and it's this. Michael Wilton, the guitarist of the band, either did not contribute to the songwriting or did not get credit. I have a hard time believing that Wilton, a founding member, would forfeit his writing credits, so he must not have contributed to the writing. How does that happen in a metal band?

Metal is based around the riff, and if your guitarist is not contributing riffs, what's he doing? I believe that Wilton's absence in the songwriting is the reason that American Soldier is largely mid-tempo, almost ambient soundscapes.

Scott Rockenfield turns in one of his more inspired performances, and Wilton does play some incredible leads, but the overbearing weight of the sonic landscape blunts the crispness of the drums and leads. Again, I lay this at the feet of Slater, a member of the industrial band Snake River Conspiracy.

I will give due credit to the member of the duo who is responsible for the vocal production. While Geoff Tate does not have the range he once has, he has learned to use his instrument very effectively, and the production work on his vocals is masterful. In fact, it's Tate's vocals that carry the album.

Genre
There has been a lot of talk around the Internet about whether this is a metal album or not. For the most part, it isn't, but there are metal moments on the disc. "Man Down!" could be a Warning outtake if it were more uptempo. It's the one song where metal riffing, screaming vocals, and a smoking solo come together. Unfortunately, it's also one of the more straightforward, uninteresting tracks, both musically and lyrically.

There is also the question of whether this is a progressive album or not. Again, for the most part, the answer is no. There are some interesting song arrangements, but the production team just doesn't know how to refine the musical ideas into dynamic songs. The saxophone doesn't punch through like it should (see Pink Floyd); the dialogue sounds muffeled at times and too loud at others; and the middle sections just aren't given enough room to breathe.

With Wilton not contributing in the songwriting department, the brief instrumental sections come off sounding generic, and unlike on Promised Land, there is no central prog track.

Lyrics
Tate's lyrics are what give the album repeat value. He manages to tap into the mind of soldiers without getting political. It really was an inspired idea to interview soldiers for this project, and you get the sense that Tate is sincerely trying to honor the experiences of the men and women of the armed forces. There is enough grit in the lyrics to give them emotional weight without getting too profane or gory. The lyrics of "If I Was King," hit like a sledgehammer. You really feel the pain of loss.

Conclusion

I really enjoy listening to American Soldier. I haven't said that about a Queensryche album since Promised Land. While it is difficult to not compare a band's newest release to their previous output, especially when some of that output is considered masterpieces, I have tried to review American Soldier on its own merits. There are shortcomings, but here's to hoping that this album is the first step in the band's climb out of mediocrity. To do that, the band needs to dump their production team and get Wilton back involved in the songwriting. Kelly Gray was rejected by the fans, but the band found a backdoor for him to remain as a songwriter in the band, and Slater just doesn't bring anything fresh to the table.

3 Swords Up (out of 5)!

Impellitteri - Wicked Maiden

2009-03-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Impellitteri

Wicked Maiden (2009)

Impellitteri Website

Band

Rob Rock - Vocals
Chris Impellitteri - guitars
James Amelio Puli - bass
Brandon Wild - drums
Edward Harris Roth - keyboards

Overview

First of all, I dig the creativity of the person who wrote the description of the album on the band's website:

"Every track on this album is enshrined in metal glory. The album rips right through you with its mega-awesome production and powerful sound. Chris Impellitteri belts out the greatest solos of his career and with the return of Rob Rock on vocals, the sword of heavy metal strikes swift and sure."

If only this description was completely accurate. I have to say up front that I was ready to raise my chalice in salute to a new metal masterpiece by the musical warriors known as Impellitteri (one of the coolest band names in rock history). The album art is excellent, the album title is intriguing, and the song titles drip metal. So far, so good.

The problem is not with the singing or playing on the album. Rob Rock and Chris Impellitteri are bordering on demigods as far as raw talent goes. The problem is not with the production. Wicked Maiden has crystal clear production. You can hear each instrument clearly, and the vocals are mixed perfectly.

So, why am I not raising my sword in honor of the conquering heroes of metal? It's because I have heard these songs before. I've heard the solos before, the sweep picking, the ultra-fast scales, the pinched harmonics, the high pitched screams, and the layered vocals. There is no innovation to be found on this disc. It's a throwback for the faithful.

Here's the real deal. Dragonforce, whether through studio trickery or just incredible talent, re-wrote the speed metal playbook. At one time, Impellitteri were among the fastest, most extreme speed metal bands on the scene. So you can sing high, we can sing higher. You can play fast, we can play faster. That's their hook...or at least it was. Dragonforce owns the speed metal crown, and unfortunately, Wicked Maiden does not reclaim it.

1. WICKED MAIDEN
The song begins with a nice guitar riff, and except for the double bass drumming, this song could have been on Dokken's Back For The Attack album. In fact, during the verses, this is a fairly generic 80's metal song with a very 80's keyboard sound.

2. LAST OF A DYING BREED
I used to be a big fan of neo-classical metal, and this song is a really good neo-classical song. It's easy to see why it is the lead single from the album. There's a nice call and response vocal in the verse, some high screams, and a nice neo-classical guitar riff. A lot of pinch harmonics on this one. It would have been nice if Impellitteri would have employed a few different tricks, because the constant use of pinch harmonics gets old after awhile.

3. WEAPONS OF MASS DISTORTION
Impellitteri is one of the cleanest guitarists around. This song really highlights his playing and shows the complete mastery he has of his instrument. There is also some nice piano on this track by Roth.

4. GARDEN OF EDEN
Guitarists and lovers of guitar will love Impellitteri's soloing on this track, but other than the solos, this is an uninteresting track.

5. THE VISION
This would have been a really nice instrumental. Rob Rock has one of the greatest voices in metal, but I think I would have rather heard Impellitteri cut loose on guitar here. The song begins strong with some awesome guitar, but I lost interest as soon as Rock's voice kicked in. Also, tiny piano does not = metal.

6. EYES OF AN ANGEL
7. HI-SCOOL REVOLUTION
At this point in the album, the songs begin to sound very similar. Each song begins with a melodic guitar riff with pinched harmonics and a mini-solo. They are all mid-paced songs as well. This band loses my interest at this speed.

8. WONDERFUL LIFE
"Wonderful Life" picks the pace back up. Like on "Weapons Of Mass Distortion" there is some nice interplay between Impellitteri and Roth which reminds me of the Yngwie Malmsteen/Jens Johnansson interplay on Malmsteen's classic albums. Again, the band breaks no new ground here, but the song works to their strengths.

9. HOLY MAN
This song is the keeper for me. There is some nice syncopation here, and I wish they had explored this somewhat proggy sound more on the album. Impellitteri lets the keyboards carry more of the load on this song which gives him a break from having to fill up so much space in the music. Also, there's some cool narration on the track along with some gang vocals. The more I listen to this song, the more I like it.

10. THE BATTLE RAGES ON
This is a cool closing track, and I think it should have been the title track of the release. This track, along with "Holy Man" sounds more current and relevant (at least in the speed metal world) than the rest of the album. Rock sings in a lower register here and sounds ominous. This decision is genius, because it fits the subject matter of the song. Also, the band switches up tempos on this track as they did on "Holy Man." It would have been epic of them, if they would have combined these two tracks into one suite, with a middle section which would have allowed Impellitteri to shred some more.

Lyrics
While the band says that they are not a Christian metal band, the lyrical content is. Rock is a master at writing inspiring metal lyrics, though he uses more than his fair share of cliche. For those times that you are in the midst of intense spiritual warfare, this album will definitely rally your spirit and spur you on to keep fighting.

Conclusion

Some will love the retro vibe of this album. Impellitteri stays true to their heritage sound, and they deliver a solid speed metal album. Fans who have been with the band from the beginning will rejoice like it's 1989 again. I don't know that they will gain new fans though. There are a couple of stand-out tracks that deserve repeated listens, but with bands like Theocracy, Dragonforce, Avantasia, and Blind Guardian pushing the boundaries of speed and power metal, Wicked Maiden falls a little flat.

3 Swords Up (out of 5)!

2009-02-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

All Hail, Markus Sigfridsson!

This week, we are going to take a look at two albums masterminded by Markus Sigfridsson - guitarist, artist, songwriter, bandleader. Markus lives and breathes melodic metal, and he is able to move between power, symphonic, and progressive metal with ease. He also creates the artwork for his projects, as well as for other bands (Tenement Design). I believe that Markus has a bight future in metal, and that with time, he will become an innovator once he pushes past his influences including Yngwie Malmsteen and Veni Domine.

Harmony

Chapter II: Aftermath (2008)

Ulterium Records

Band

Henrik Båth - Vocals
Markus Sigfridsson - Guitars
Tobias Enbert - Drums
Magnus Holmberg - Keyboards

Overview

Harmony is Markus's main band. With Chapter II, the band's second release, Harmony has moved more into a modern power metal direction. The songs are heavier and more aggressive while still retaining the melodic qualities of their debut. There are neo-classical touches as well, and the album recalls Yngwie Malmsteen's Fire & Ice era. Just a word on artwork before we begin. The artwork on this CD helps create the overall listening atmosphere. Too many bands give their OK for a crappy, amateurish cover that has nothing to do with the music on the album. The artwork for Chapter II: Aftermath compliments the music perfectly. More bands and labels need to follow Harmony's lead.

Featured Songs

"Prevail" kicks off the album with a fast-paced rocker. Markus writes some really interesting riffs, and Magnus Holmberg's keyboard playing is a nice counter to the guitar, and he gets a cool keyboard solo about 3 minutes into the song . Whereas some neo-classical bands have the keyboards merely doubling the guitar parts, Harmony achieves nice layering with the guitar and keyboards playing complimenting each other instead of merely echoing each other. I also like the piano at the end, and it sounds like a real piano, not just a keyboard sound.
"Kingdom" has an atmospheric synthesizer into that introduces a melodic theme that will be repeated throughout the song. The airy intro makes the guitars sound more aggressive when they kick in. Markus knows how create atmosphere in the songs and build in layers. Tempo changes are also used effectively to build the song. If the songs weren't so straight-forward, you would think you were listening to a progressive rock band. I really like the vocals on this track. Henrik Båth has a very smooth delivery, but he adds grit where needed in the verses. He soars without effort in the choruses.
"Weak" begins with a short piano intro, and then the band kicks in with double bass drumming intensity. The piano figure is completed, and Markus shreds a little on guitar. Listening to Harmony is never boring. I find myself going back to the songs to pick out bits of instrumentation that I missed the first time. There is a real chemistry between Markus and Magnus.
"I Run" reminds me of the great slower tempo Yngwie tracks like "I Am A Viking," "Devil In Disguise," and "How Many Miles to Babylon." The song has great atmosphere, and the slow pace gives the song a needed heaviness to compliment the lyrics.

Lyrics
Chapter II: The Aftermath is not a concept album, but spiritual warfare is a central theme that runs throughout the lyrics - seeking the Kingdom, fighting evil, and prevailing against darkness.

Conclusion

Listening to Chapter II: The Aftermath is like looking at stained glass. It is easy to appreciate the beauty of it, and with each look, you find something different. The only thing that keeps me from giving this CD a 5 is that it is too smooth. I would like a little more grit, a little more creativity. Nobody could fault the professionalism of the band and the hooks in the songs, but I would like to see them forge more individuality. At this point, their influences show a little too much.

4 Swords Up (out of 5)!

7 Days

The Weight of the World (2006)

Rivel Records

Band

Markus Sigfridsson (Guitars, Keyboards)
Thomas Vikström (Vocals)
Andreas Olsson (Bass)
Daniel Flores (Drums)
Caroline Sigfridsson (guest vocals on "Fall Again")
Kaspar Dahlqvist (Keyboard Solos)

Overview

7 Days is Markus's symphonic metal side-project. It features the vocals of Thomas Vikström (ex-Candlemass and Brazen Abbot). With this release, Markus enters an already c rowded genre, competing with Nightwish, Stream of Passion, Epica, After Forever, etc. The Weight of the World holds its own and offers a few suprises.

Featured Songs

"Fall Again" is the highlight of the album. Caroline Sigfridsson's voice is very warm and inviting, a contrast to the rather cold vocals of many female singers in this genre. Her vocal interplay with Thomas Vikström is very enjoyable. It's nice to hear a due t between a male and female in this genre without the male vocal being a death metal grunt. I could listen to this song on repeat all day.
"Redeemer" is one of the few fast-paced songs on the album and has a Harmony feel to it and would not be out of place on Chapter II: The Aftermath. I really like the guitar lead Markus plays on the intro., and I tend to prefer Thomas Vikström's vocals over those of Henrik Båth (vocalist in Harmony). He has a little more warmth and depth in his voice. He also has an icredible vibratto which is important to this genre. My only criticism for Vikström is that his voice gets thin in the top range.
"The Darkest Winter" has a doom metal feel to it, reminiscent of Vikström's former b and, Candlemass. The highlight of the song is the outtro which features Vikström's vocals over acoustic guitar. I wish there had been more of this o n the CD.
"Wisdom Calls" is a cover of the Veni Domine classic. It's another doomy sounding song, and I like the clean guitar in the verses. It's nice to hear picked notes and not just strumming.
"Confession" is another faster-paced song and is a great song, but it is very Yngwie-esque. In fact, it wouldn't be out of place on his Eclipse album. I like Vikström's vocal melodies here.

Lyrics
The darker side of spirituality is explored on The Weight of the World. Where Markus focsued on spiritual warfare for his power metal project, Harmony, he was able to tap into appropriate material for the more doomy, symphonic metal of 7 Days. Both 7 Days and Harmony have overtly Christian lyrics, and that must be stated. Beyond that, the lyrics aren't forced or cheesy, if not overly original.

Conclusion
I really enjoy listening to 7 Days. There is definitely repeat play value here, but as with Harmony, Markus really brings nothing new to the genre he is playing in. That said, it is a fine example of symphonic metal with doom and goth influences.

4 Swords Up (out of 5)!

Hero of Sparta (Video Game)

2009-01-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

Hero of Sparta
iPhone/iPod Touch
Gameloft

Overview
I ran across this incredible game today. The iPod Touch is becoming a serious portable gaming device with the availability of games like Hero of Sparta. What we have here is your basic, hack 'n slash sword game - you know, the kind we power metalers love.

Gameplay
Like most iPhone Touch games, you tap to control your hero (on a virtual joystick). Combinations and a variety of weapons, along with finishing moves, give variety to the control of your hero. The storyline follows the classic formula. You defeat bosses on levels. There are scenes between each level to fill in the storyline. You'll be questing in no time, as this game's controls are intuitive and easy to learn.

Graphics
You won't get Xbox graphics here, but what you do get is excellent graphics for a portable device. Framerate is a little slow, but the images make up for that.

Conclusion
If you own an iPod Touch/iPhone and controlling a Greek warrior who cuts down demons and mythical beasts with his sword sounds like fun, this game is a no-brainer. Plus, this game is now $5.99. A comparable game on the DS would be $20-$30. So, get to slaying already!

Power Quest, Demon Hunter, Alestorm

2009-01-19T07:21:00.000-08:00

Power Quest

Master Of Illusion (2008)

Napalm Records

Band

Alessio Garavello - vocals
Steve Williams - keyboards
Andrea Martongelli - guitars, backing vocals
Bill Hudson - guitars
Francesco Tresca - drums
Steve Scott - bass guitar

Overview

UK power metal band Power Quest was born after the band DragonHeart split, with reigning power metal kings Dragonforce being the other band to rise from the ashes. There are similarities between the two bands, both solidly in the power metal genre, but there are some significant differences as well. The biggest difference is that Power Quest is a more keyboard-oriented band, while Dragonforce is more guitar-oriented. Also, Power Quest is molded after European melodic metal of the 80's, while Dragonforce has an updated, neo-classical approach.

Songs

"Cemetary Gates" is a great opening song. It's a face-paced, fairly straight-forward metal song with a keyboard riff that pays homage to Kevin Moore's Images and Words keyboard sound. This is Power Quest's weakness. The keyboard sound and simple song structure are rehashes of late 80's to early 90's prog metal. This is the era when Queensryche and Fates Warning, among others, were producing very commercial, less ground-breaking material. The chorus is very catchy though, and this song has found its way onto my current power metal mix.
"Human Machine" is again dominated by a keyboard riff. The problem is, the riff isn't very catchy. I really liked European bands like Pretty Maids and Europe who used keyboard riffs as hooks in the 80's, but that's not what is going on here. The keyboard riff is used as a rhythm track, but it is so dominate in the mix, it makes the song sound soft. The keyboards are just too overbearing.
"Civilised" has that same Images And Words keyboard sound. Steve Williams has chops for days, and he is a co-founder, but the keyboards are just too intrusive. Maybe the fault lies in the mix. Whatever the case, it is
"Kings Of Eternity" is what I've been waiting for. There is some nice guitar riffage, the keyboard is tasteful and complimentary to the rest of the track, and there is a nice vocal hook. I wouldn't say that AlessioGaravello is a powerful vocalist, but he does have good control and comes up with some catchy vocal lines.
"Master Of Illusion," as the title track, needs to pack a punch, and it does. The keyboards on this track blend with the rest of the band a lot better here. The synthesizer sounds give added layers of depth to the song as well. Now, this is the kind of keyboards I like to hear in a melodic metal band.
"The Vigil" is an interesting track. I mentioned Pretty Maids earlier in this review. I will return to that band now, because Allesio does his best Ronnie Atkins impersonation on this track. He alternates between higher, melodic vocals and a lower growl throughout the song. The problem is, he isn't as convincing as Ronnie. Musically, the song is another straight-forward, melodic metal song. There's a nice double drum work up to a catchy chorus.
"Save The World" slows things down and has some nice guitar leads. It's not a ballad, exactly, but it does have a moody vibe and is a nice change of pace for the album
"Hearts And Vocies" is a melodic rock track. I'm not a big fan of melodic rock, so I would probably skip this one more times than not. It's a mid-paced rock song with a decent chorus.
"I Don't Believe In Friends Forever" is a real disappointment. Musically, it's a great track with some interesting drumming and a nice opening guitar passage. The problem begins with the vocals. It's almost like Allesio is singing to a different instrumental track. The lyrics are also pretty horrible.
"Never Again" is the album closer. There should have been five more of these. It's a face-paced song with some nice vocal harmonies. While the Images And Words keyboards are back, they are more restrained. This is a great road song and a good closer for the album.

Lyrics
I was struck with how positive and happy the lyrics are. They are definitely in the "Happy Helloween" camp when it comes to lyrical influence. I really like the fantasy imagery throughout the album, and the struggle between good and evil is explored on several tracks. The only lame song on the album lyrically is "I Don't Believe In Friends Forever."

Conclusion

If you love keyboards, this is the album for you. While there are some good moments on this album, I was largely disappointed in Master of Illusions as a whole. I can't help but feel that this band is capable of more than just rehashing 80's melodic metal. As I listen to the album, I keep flashing back to Pretty Maids, Fifth Angel, and Vicious Rumors with Dream Theater keyboards. While Dragonforce brought power metal into the 21st century, Power Quest is stuck firmly in the late 80's. While there was some great music made during that period, I still have those albums on my shelf. I want to hear something new.

3 Swords Up (out of 5)!

____________________________________

Demon Hunter

Storm The Gates Of Hell (2007)

Solid State

Band

Ryan Clark – Vocals
Jon Dunn – Bass Guitar
Don Clark – Rhythm Guitar
Ethan Luck – Lead Guitar Backing Vocals
Timothy "Yogi" Watts – Drums

While I am a power and prog metal warrior, there comes a time when an album from another genre deserves some respect, especially when it embraces the warrior spirit. This review is for all of the hunters out there. We are brothers in arms!

Overview
Demon Hunter is a melodic metalcore band with thrash and classic metal influences. Storm the Gates of Hell is their fourth and best album.

Featured Songs

"Storm The Gates Of Hell" is like a blast from a cannon. Blastbeat drumming propels this trash workout, and Ryan Clark's growling vocals spit out some great battle lyrics. This song will make you want to slay demons.
"Lead Us Home" keeps the momentum going. Yogi is a beast on the drumkit. There is a great chorus that has a real power metal feel to it. The "clean" vocals on this CD are among the best the band has recorded.
"Sixteen" is my personal favorite song on the album. First, strings and metal are meant for each other, and strings play a prominent role in the intro, chorus, and bridge of the song, giving it an epic feel. There is also a ridiculously heavy breakdown made for the mosh pit. The song shifts from thrash, to hardcore, to cinematic, all in 5 minutes. Plus, there are guest vocals by legendary vocalist Bruce Fitzhugh of Living Sacrifice.
"I Am You" is probably the catchiest song on the album. This is a song that should appeal to all fans of melodic metal. There is still growls and tuned down guitars, but the vocal hooks in the song are undeniable.
"The Wrath of God" explodes out of the speakers. It's brutal which appeals to the warrior in me, but the band uses melody in a way that appeals to the

power metal side of me as well.

Lyrics

If anything, Demon Hunter continues to explore the warrior heart even deeper on this album. Each song examines the battle we face against Satan and his kingdom. There is encouragement for every warrior and hunter to remain resolute in service to the true King.

Conclusion

This album is not for everybody that reads this blog. It is not power or prog, but it does have incredible melodic moments and interesting song structures that go beyond verse, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus.

Post Script
I met Yogi Watts when he was drummer in the 90's band Rocketboy (R.E.X. Records). Our bands played together on a bill, and we were unsigned. He was cool and hung out with us. We met up again at a P.O.D. show in the late 90's (when they were still indie), and we watched the show together. A lot of musicians in signed bands become unapproachable, but Yogi is a true warrior. It's good to see him live out the dream as a professional musician in a successful band.

4 Swords Up (out of 5)!

____________________________________

Alestorm

Leviathan EP (2009)

Napalm Records

Band

Christopher Bowes - Vocals and Keyboards
Dani Evans - Guitars
Gareth Murdock - Bass
Ian Wilson - Drums

Overview

Alestorm is pirate metal. This EP contains power metal songs about pirates, quests, drinking ale, a mythical beast and women. This EP follows their debut album, Captain Morgan's Revenge, which was also had power metal songs about pirates quests, drinking, mythical beasts, and women. Get the picture?

Songs

"Leviathan" begins with the sound of the sea, followed by fast-paced metal riffing by Bowes and Evans. Whereas the keyboards on the Power Quest album, reviewed above, were overbearing, the mix between instruments here is perfect. All of the string and folk instrument sounds are provided by keyboards and create an epic atmosphere for the tale of a ship and its crew's encounter with the mighty leviathan. The pirtate gang vocals before the guitar and keyboard solos are inspired.
"Wolves Of The Sea" is a cover song, originally by, appropriately enough, The Pirates of the Sea. The song was a Eurovision Song Contest entry in 2008. This song has even better gang vocals. It is my firm belief that every pirate metal song should have gang vocals. Speaking of vocals, Bowes never breaks character vocally as a pirate. While it limits his range, who cares. This is pirate metal!
"Weiber Und Wein" is a German translation of the band's featured song, "Wenches And Mead," from their full-length. This song is your basic pub sing-along on steroids. And sung in German. Awesome.
"Heavy Metal Pirates" is a recent single by the band. I believe this song goes back to their Battleheart days, and it's a great novelty song, but it's not among the band's best. Still, it's pirate metal!

Lyrics
Listening to Alestorm is the musical equivalent of watching Pirates of the Caribean or reading Treasure Island. In other words, it's a lot of fun. They are definitely using parody, but the music is so good, they don't feel like a novelty act (except on "Heavy Metal Pirates"). If you can't draw the line between fiction and reality, Alestorm is not for you. You will miss out on one of the few bands in power metal that write really interesting narrative lyrics though. Many bands try, but Alestorm succeeds in enteraining lyrically as well as musically and stylistically.

Conclusion
Leviathan is a continuation of their full-length, Captain Morgan's Revenge. If you like metal, and you wish you were a pirate sailing the seas in the 18th century, you couldn't ask for a more perfect soundtrack. The only negative is that, while the music is epic and suits the storylines of the songs, the riffs and solos are a little generic. Unfortunately, you only get two new tracks on the EP. I would suggest that you just download, legally, the two new songs if you already have the "Heavy Metal Pirates" single or you speak German (or wish you did).

3 Swords Up (out of 5)!

In A Pit With A Lion (Book)

2009-01-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day
Mark Batterson
Multnomah Books

This book offers a philosophy for life through the study of a warrior named Benaiah.

We get this description of the mighty warrior from the Hebrew Bible: "And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear." II Samuel 23:20-21

Benaiah went on to command the armed forces of King David, the greatest king to rule in Israel's long, turbulent history. Under King David, and his son Solomon, Israel knew it's greatest peace and prosperity. Every king needs mighty warriors under his command, and in Benaiah, King David found a kindred spirit. After all, King David had killed lions and tigers in his youth while shepherding his father's flocks, and King David rose to fame in Israel after slaying the giant Philistine, Goliath, and cutting his head off with his own sword.

Mark Batterson shows how adversity often prepares us for future achievement, much like a warrior trains for battle. He also points out that a life lived for the King is one of adventure and uncertainty. You never know what obstacle you will face next, and often the reward you receive for being a faithful follower is much more glorious than you ever imagined.

Life is an epic romance, filled with twists and turns. It's a quest, and on a quest, you need the fellowship of like-minded warrior. King David surrouned himself with mighty men including Benaiah. We would be wise to do the same.

Conclusion
The book has a lot of good, practical advice, but it is lacking the passion and voice of authors like John Eldredge and Ted Dekker who write about the same topics with more vigor. Still, the life of a great warrior is always worth investigating.

3 Rings of Power (out of 5)

Theocracy - Mirror Of Souls

2009-01-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

Theocracy

Mirror Of Souls (2008)

Ulterium Records

Band

Matt Smith - lead vocals, guitar

Jonathan Hinds - guitar, backing vocals

Shawn Benson - drums

This album represents all that this journal will be about. Three warrior poets have harnessed the creative lifeforce that burns within them and poured their spirits into their instruments to unleash a selection of battle hymns for us all to devour.

Overview

Theocracy is an American power metal band with prog tendencies. Matt Smith's passionate vocals bring to mind classic, American prog and pomp bands bands like Styx, Kansas, and Starcastle. The music, however, is hard hitting, melodic power metal in the vein of Gamma Ray and Edguy. Each musician has moments of genius on their instrument, and the playing is everything you expect from a band of their genre.

Songs

"A Tower Of Ashes" kicks off the album with a majestic keyboard intro followed by a double time scorcher. The band shows it is a brotherhood on this album, playing in precision lockstep throughout the song. The layered vocals of the chorus all come together to form a massive vocal hook that will stay in your head for weeks to come.
"One Eagles' Wings" is next, and their is some nice axe wielding on this song between the verses. The layered vocals are back in the chorus, reminding me of classic TNT. This is a battle hymn to the King, and it's an energetic, driving track.
"Laying The Demon To Rest" starts off with a fairly generic guitar riff, but the drumming propels the song along. Abruptly, there is a keyboard break, and Matt Smith begins to sing in an ominous tone. This sets up a galloping section and chorus that reminds me of The Warning era Queensryche. The lyrics are strong on this song, with some nice battle imagery.
"Bethlehem" begins with a nice, acoustic intro. The acoustic instrumentation, along with the vocal delivery, are very medieval. Fans of Blind Guardian will appreciate this track. It is the ballad of the album and is a nice change of pace from the double time drumming.
Don't worry though, because on "Absolution Day," the band is back firing away on all cylinders. It's a great power metal song with some nice guitar and another big chorus to sing along to.
"Writing In The Sand" has a killer baroque organ intro. This is a more straight-forward, classic metal song. It's mid-tempo throughout, and there's another big chorus. This band knows how to deliver choruses!
"Martyr" speeds things up again. I like the opening guitar riff. It's not anything fancy, but it's catchy, and that's really the strength of this band. Everything, every guitar riff and vocal, is catchy. There's enough hooks to catch fish for days.
"Mirror Of Souls" is the prog track on the album. Clocking in at just under 23 minutes, the band revisits all of the sonic landscapes previously heard on the album and smashes them together into an epic album closer.

Conclusion

The band definitely salutes their influences on this album, and not much of it is truly original, but Mirror of Souls delivers what few power metal bands achieve - a consistent album from start to finish. I eagerly await their future releases which should see them develop more of a unique voice. Each song has at least one hook that will stick with you long after the album is over. The album is largely fast-paced, but there are a few slow and mid-paced songs to even out the listening experience. It is about as perfect as a power metal album can get. One drawback for some listeners may be that the band never really strays from heavy Christian imagery in their lyrics, but do not fear. Theocracy delivers lyrics that are as passionate and inspiring as any in the genre. Battle hymns? I couldn't think of a better description.

4 Swords Up (out of 5)!