FALLEN
ANGEL - Cast out of Heaven
Killer Metal Records
It was about time for FALLEN ANGEL to release their
sophomore release, not only because of the good impression they left me with
their debut album, but for the intriguing story that combines elements of
fantasy and horror literature. So, 8 years after their debut album I have in my
hands their second release and I believe that with regards to FALLEN ANGEL the
conclusion that creativity doesn’t need to be rushed hits target.
Now, for you, that don’t know what you will listen to
here I will ask you not to judge this release by its back cover. I know that
the band members have this Norwegian black metal look, but have in mind that
this kind of look was first introduced by hard rock/heavy metal artists like
ALICE COOPER and KING DIAMOND and definitely these 2 guys have influenced
FALLEN ANGEL both musically and in the way they evolve their concept
fantasy/horror story.
Musically FALLEN ANGEL play the kind of sound that
here in Greece is very successful, just check out the success that ICED EARTH have
here. So, the band plays, in simple words, U.S. heavy/power metal with some
thrash and speed elements. However, in their new releases there are also plenty
of mid tempo compositions that sometimes also flirt with the doom metal sound
(as it is played by bands like CANDLEMASS and SOLITUDE AETURNUS). Just check
out songs like “Lord of the Flesh”, “Dance of the Dead” and “Blackened Hearts”.
If I have to compare them with some known bands in
order to give you a hint of what you will listen to here, then I would
definitely say that fans of groups like ICED EARTH, HELSTAR, METAL CHURCH and
VICIOUS RUMORS should check them out. Besides the skillful playing of the band
members I have to mention the voice of Caleb - The Teller of Tales, which
reminded me of musicians like UDO, WAYNE and James Rivera.
Once again FALLEN ANGEL have done a very good work and
offer us an album that moves on the classic U.S. heavy/power metal paths
without ever becoming retro or a copycat. The guys filter their influences and
they transform them into their own recognizable sound. The only negative thing,
if I can name it as negative, is that there are some repetitions of riffs and
melodies, but this is something that no one can avoid when they create an album
with duration over 70 minutes. Actually, this is a big advantage for the band
that although they create an album of such duration they manage to keep the
interest of the listener on the same level from the first till the last second.
I won’t write much more. If you are into the U.S.
heavy/power metal sound and like bands like those that I have mentioned above,
then FALLEN ANGEL and “Cast out of Heaven” will surely make your day. Check
them out.
Nick “Verkaim” Parastatidis
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