THEOCRACY - AS THE WORLD BLEEDS

With a mighty thunder and shout one of the most anticipated albums of 2011 is upon us, that would be Theocracy’s latest album entitled As the World Bleeds. Taking the seeds that were spread across the bands two previous albums As the World Bleeds is that previous work come to fruition.

The song writing is world class through out with fabulous arrangements that bring subtlety to the forefront. Opening with an 11 minute track (I Am) isn’t always advised but Theocracy pulls it off building to a crashing crescendo. Epic choruses which have become their trademark are arranged with precision and executed flawlessly.

What I love about Theocracy is that their arrangements are memorable and are a stark contrast to the extreme vocals heard in so many of today’s metal acts. Some reviewers have compared them to Dream Theater, but I find a comparison with Stratovarius is must more compelling.

Even though the musical territory on As the World Bleeds is similar to their previous release Mirror of Souls, the band just feels must more comfortable. Safe in their own skin as it were, one of the elements this time that was not apparent in the prior releases is the quality of the guitar solos. Many of the tracks benefit from a scorching solo that wouldn’t have appeared before. Let it made clear that the solos don’t occur at the expense of the songs, there isn’t a sense of ridiculous noodling.

Power house tracks like Nailed, The Master Story Teller and Altar to an Unknown God are all top drawer compositions which are indicative of the release as a whole. Lyrics, riffs, melodies, performances are world class and deserve the accolades they receive.

The production elements are of the highest caliber as the sound of the instruments and vocals are clearly defined. Listening to the lush composition The Gift of Music is an epic arrangement that sounds fabulous. The package of songwriting, arrangements and performance is in the upper eschelon.

Having said all this I simply don’t want to over hype this album. This is a top 10 album for this year, but having read some of the negative thoughts all I’m gonna say is if you don’t care European flavored Power Metal with touches of progressive whimsy, you might want to pass on this and grab Terraphobia’s latest (a great album in it’s own right!).

However if you want soaring melodies with clean vocals, great guitar work, epic choruses and powerful heavy metal make sure you grab As the World Bleeds. A big thumbs up!!

9 axes

KREYSON - CRUSADERS and ANGEL ON THE RUN reissues

For those not in the ‘know,’ Kreyson are a heavy metal act out of Slovakia. They released two albums back in the early 90’s (1990 & 1992 respectively) which have been pretty difficult to obtain. Well thanks to Ulterium Records that difficulty is no longer an issue.

Angel on the Run and Crusaders are now readily available. Kreyson deliver traditional heavy metal with elements that remind me of Hammerfall, Judas Priest and Saxon, straight ahead metal with a European flavor. Angel on the Run I found to have a slightly more ‘commercial’ vibe. That is, the songs don’t put the hammer down without continually and often.


While a more hook driven release Angel on the Run offers several prime cuts such as Kreyson or Deep in the Night. On this album Kreyson even breaks out some ballads that show a softer side, Faraway and Dreamin’ are prime examples. As a package Angel on the Run is solid and works quite well. Released originally in 1990 it has aged with grace.

Crusaders is a much heavier album right out of the gate. Some have even gone so far as to identify this release as speed metal. I’m not quite sure if I’d say that, however the fast songs here outweigh everything else. The heavy factor is much more evident as well. It’s as if Kreyson wanted to show everyone that they could crank up the heavy factor. The songs are still strong with memorable melodies from the driving title track as well as Commandments and The Prisoner. They include a ballad here as well Still, not unlike some of Judas Priests ballads such as Before the Dawn.

The production elements are a little dated, however they still stand up to the test of time and in comparison to many other releases from that era both of these releases are superior.

These releases are for fans of the aforementioned metal acts as well as Saint, Jacob’s Dream and Faith Factor. Kreyson have provided a couple of strong heavy metal platters with a message of hope. Thanks Ulterium Records for these reissues! Grab these albums and your air guitars!

7 axes

DARKWATER - WHERE STORIES END

Darkwaters latest release Where Stories End is a triumph. A progressive cavalcade of melodies and musical exploration Where Stories End soars with conviction and passion. The majority of material is delivered with authority and command while not neglecting subtly or nuances that endure the material to the listener.

One of the things I noticed immediately was the warmth of the sound. A fabulous sonic array of tones which hold true throughout, in comparison to their previous release on a production level Where Stories End is vastly superior. The drum sound is fuller and the guitars feel more rich and emotive, while the keyboards add the appropriate textures that define each song.

From the rich opening notes of Breathe to the epic feel of Into the Cold. Where Stories End is a natural progression from Darkwater’s previous material. Some may view ‘progression’ as a note of ‘change’ in a negative view that is not the case here. One of the things apparent to me here is that 90% of the album is comprised of songs in the 6-9 minute length, with the opener under 5 minutes. Whether or not that has any bearing on anything is left to the individual.

An audio meandering across the pallet of compositions will definitely provide you with a stellar feast of musical delight. In the Blink of an Eye, provides a driving rhythm that ventures into other musical territory as it weaves in and out the vocal melodies provided by Henrik Båth. Henriks vocal performance is wonderful as he delivers a mesmerising performance. The changing of time and rhythm occur throughout the song with a tasteful guitar solo. Dovetailing on this thought one must simply listen to Without a Sound, tremendous.

For me the highlight is the second song entitled Why I Bleed. Not just because it’s the longest song on the album, but the haunting melody and various changes just provide the musical punch to knock me out. Fields of Sorrow does the same which a slightly heavier vibe. In a live setting I’m sure DarkWater would be a knock out.

The only real aspect I cannot comment on is the lyrical content as the musical advances given by the promotion companies don’t include lyrics. This is too bad, because I’m aware that DarkWater has something good to say, but being unable to comment on it is a hindrance.

If you’ve listened to any of the online samples for this release and were happy with them you won’t be disappointed with this release. Stellar musicianship, but stellar songs make Where Stories End a must buy.

Emil at Ulterium has another great album on his hands. DarkWater will hopefully make some more headway in the scene with this release. They should because the high quality product given here is one of astonishingly smooth elegance. Prog fans should unite and make this album a top seller for 2010. A big thumbs up from here.


9 axes

AUDIOVISION - FOCUS

Simply put Ulterium Records has done it AGAIN! The latest Audiovision release entitled Focus is a top tier melodic Hard Rock/Metal album. Focus is full of high energy rock n roll. A true compendium of rock anthems, epic chorus’s, melodic guitar solos and driving rhythms. Fans of Narnia, Stryper, Europe, and Dio should be obtaining this release in droves.

Being a late comer to the Narnia/Audiovision sweepstakes I really hadn’t heard vocalist Christian Liljegren previously, just bits here and there while reading much praise in the metal forums. (Those places can be such a treasure trove of metal knowledge!) After listening intently to Focus I can comprehend the initial surprise and disappointment when it was announced that Christian would be leaving Narnia. I’ll tell you though, as fans of melodic rock/metal we now have TWO great bands instead of one.

The amount of hard work is quite apparent as I listen to this album. The emphasis on the melodies and hooks is so apparent I couldn’t help but start to sing along and bust out my trusty air guitar. After such scorchers as ‘We Will Go,’ ‘Keep the Fire Burning,’ ‘We Are Not Alone,’ there can really be no mistake, 80’s sounding with up to date sensibilities that just kicks butt.


Torbjörn Weinesjö (Veni Domine) rips it up on the guitar front, from some tasty solos to a slicing guitar tone he adds a nice flair. Less you think he is the only known quanity besides Christian, I would be amiss to not mention Simeon Liljegren [Modest Attraction] – Bass, Olov Andersson [Grand Stand] – Keyboards, Thomas Weinesjö [Veni Domine, Saviour Machine] – Drums. Looks and sounds like an all-star band to me, yet this all-star band deliver the goods in no uncertain terms.

Not as heavy as Sinbreed or as gritty as Narnia, Audiovision really are the real deal. It must also be pointed out that this is simply not a project for Christian but now his full time band. They did tour Europe with Stryper on 2009’s Murder by Pride tour. It must be acknowledged that the track entitled 'The Way' is a cover of Strypers classic song given the Audiovision treatment. The advance promotion material didn't mention it so when it started, WOW!!! Very cool indeed, a little more atmospheric than the original but just as heavy and wait until you hear the ‘epic’ interlude, which adds a great touch.


Included here are a couple of acoustic style slower numbers that don’t fall into the ‘sappy’ category. At times both ‘The Gate’ and ‘Fruit of Love’ remind me of the Scorpions. Think of ‘Holiday,’ ‘When the Smoke is Going Down’ or ‘Still Loving You’ in terms of feel and arranging. A great change of pace.

The production is extremely well done, excellent tones and even mixing throughout. Erik Mårtensson [W.E.T., Eclipse] brought the same expertise to this project as he has to his previous work. Lyrically the groups’ faith is constantly upfront without being preachy.

Whip out those lighters and prepare yourself for a great album of melodic metal/hard rock that will carry you away. Perhaps Focus will help you do just that. A reminder of what truly matters and brings hope for all in tough times. Audiovision has arrived and now is the time to stand up and take notice.

7 axes

SINBREED - WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE

If you saw the Peter Jackson remake of King Kong there was a part in that film where the crew is being chased by a heard of very large dinosaurs. It was either get outta the way or run for your life. In a similar way a stampede is coming in the form of German power metal band Sinbreed and with this stampede you either get on board or risk being run over! When Worlds Collide is the title of this epic album of metal music.

Opening with the Helloween like ‘Newborn Tomorrow’ the stage is set for the chariot race to come. Herbie Langhans (Seventh Avenue) on vocals handles the melodies with flair and range. A great performance throughout. Flo Laurin on lead guitars wrote the songs and he has written some stellar ones. The after mentioned ‘Newborn Tomorrow’ opens with an acoustic interlude before taking off from the launch pad. This song is a great opener with melody, speed, power and wonderful playing throughout. Watch the video on this page.

‘Dust to Dust,’ ‘Infinity’s Call,’ and album closer ‘Salvation’ move at a freight trains pace but have such powerful melody lines. These compositions are made for the Autobahn. ‘Salvation’ in particular has a great hook as the chorus hits; this driver slows to 2nd gear after a 5th gear push for most the song. And an epic chorus that has a hold on you that won’t let go. ‘Dust…’ is probably one of the heavier tunes but again the song writing is so good that the chorus digs in deep. Not only are Helloween influences present, but I would also say Narnia style songs. There are many of those epic choruses that remind me the last Theocracy album.

Flo’s guitar playing is a highlight through out. I really enjoyed the solo melody part of ‘Infinity’s Call.’ He brings so much to the table it’s pretty amazing. I would be amiss if I didn’t also mention the fantastic drumming from Frederik Ehmke (Blind Guardian). His playing is fluid and precise as he locks in with bass player Alexander Schulz. These two make a very rhythmic backbone for Sinbreed.

The tempo slows up a bit on ‘Enemy Lines’ a nice intro that leads to a dynamic bridge which adds to the range of this album. Title song ‘When Worlds Collide’ also takes a brief respite from the lightening pace on the rest of the album. A catchy chorus with one of the epic melodies makes for a terrific song.

The production is strong with an even mix throughout, good tones and vocal sounds. There are keys as well but they are added to enhance not to dominate, both Morten Sandager (Pretty Maids) and Joost Van Den Broek (Ayreon, Star One) donate their own keyboard magic to this disc. The title track does enjoy a great keyboard melody that reminds one of how well it can be done, think Dio’s ‘Rainbow in The Dark.’

When Worlds Collides isn’t perfect but it’s hard to find fault with a release this strong. I’d say at this point When Worlds Collide will still be talked about when album of the year discussion starts. Sinbreed is a world class group that should able to tear up the boards in Europe and the rest of the world. Fans of heavy metal everywhere will enjoy this offering of metal excellence.
9 axes