REVIEW: WHITESNAKE, LIVE...IN THE HEART OF THE CITY (1981)

 

WHITESNAKE, LIVE...IN THE HEART OF THE CITY (1981)

EMI ‎

Ένα επιστέγασμα ζωντανής απόδοσης.

Ο David Coverdale, ο John Lord (RIP),  ο Ian Paice σαν μέλη των Deep Purple MK.3 και 4 απ' το 1974 ως το 1976 έβαλαν το λιθαράκι τους στo Hard Rock  οικοδόμημα με τρία στούντιο άλμπουμ. Η κοινή τους μουσική μοίρα τους έφερε πάλι να συνεργαστούν στο συγκρότημα του Coverdale και ειδικά στη πιο ωραία εποχή του, τη λεγόμενη Blues Rock που σαν επιστέγασμα έχει το πρώτο αυτό ζωντανό και διπλό άλμπουμ μετά το εκπληκτικό Ready An' Willing άλμπουμ του 1980. Μια περίοδο που ο μπασίστας ήταν ο πολύς Neil Murray και οι δύο κιθαρίστες οι πολύ αγαπητοί Bernie Marsden και Micky Moody κι αυτό το κλασικό δείγμα δουλειάς τους έχει ξεχωριστή θέση στην δισκογραφία του "λευκοφιδου".

English Text:

A pinnacle of live performance.

David Coverdale, Jon Lord (RIP), and Ian Paice, members of Deep Purple MK.3 and 4 from 1974 to 1976, left an indelible mark on the Hard Rock genre with three studio albums. Their shared musical journey reunited them in Coverdale's band during its zenith, known as the Blues Rock era. This live double album marks their return after the acclaimed "Ready An' Willing" album of 1980. It was a time when the talented bassist Neil Murray and the beloved guitarists Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody were part of the lineup. This classic work holds a distinguished place in the discography of "Whitesnake."

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

The new single "Turbo Shark" by LIVEWIRE!

 

LiveWire from Sydney is a powerhouse in the world of heavy metal music.

Wasting no time, LiveWire delivers hard, heavy, and fast with their unique, energetic speed metal style, resulting in a breathtaking sonic assault that leaves your neck sore, your ears ringing, and your mind craving more!

Formed officially in 2019, LiveWire has since released numerous singles and played countless shows across Australia, featuring at notable events like the Legions of Steel Festival, Churches of Steel Festival, and Steel Assassins Festival.

On April 22, 2022, LiveWire released their debut album, "Under Attack," coinciding with a national tour across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane.

Returning refreshed and recharged, LiveWire is set to thrill their fans with two hard-hitting singles that set the tone for their next LP, expected in 2025. The tracks "Venom Lord" and "Turbo Shark" encapsulate the LiveWire sound with decapitating riffs, adrenaline-fueled drums, scorching twin guitar harmonies, and a dynamic vocalist with a screaming falsetto that transports listeners back to the exhilarating roar of '80s speed metal.

LiveWire consists of:

- Anthony Ierardo - Guitar

- Christopher Puglia - Guitar

- George Delinicolis - Drums

- Nick Wilks - Vocals/Bass

SOCIAL SCREAM - "Luna Dark" from the latest album "ΔΕΙΝΟΝ ΕΣΤΙ"

 

A reflection on global sociopolitical events, highlighting the uneven struggle to maintain balance. It explores the anxiety, fear, and hope that emerge from free will.

The eternal battle between good and evil marks the critical point for the survival of humanity and the preservation of the human soul.

Lyrics and Music: Vlasis Diamantakos

AGON release new EP

 

German avant-garde black metal band AGON has released their new EP, "Kronos." The EP was recorded and mixed by Andre Basora at Blackened Remains Studios and mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios.

Formed in 2018 in Miami, Florida, Agon began as a solo project of Andre Basora, who wrote and recorded all the music himself. The band has previously released the debut album "Hollowed Lake" in 2018 and the EP "Engraved Power" in 2020. Currently, Agon is working on their new full-length album, with the EP "Kronos" offering a preview of what’s to come.

REVIEW: MASTODON, The Hunter (2011)

 

MASTODON, The Hunter (2011)

Roadrunner Records

Το  Heavy του 21ου αιώνα.

Εδώ και πάλι σε ένα ακόμη δίσκο των Αμερικανών Heavy / Prog Metalers που αυτή τη φορά κλείνει προς το πιο Groovy στοιχείο της μουσικής τους.  Με αυτό το ομολογουμένως περίεργο αλά τοτέμ κεφάλι ελαφιού στο εξώφυλλο, κρύβει γεύσεις κι αρώματα που ξεκινάνε από Black Sabbath διαμέσου κάποιων πιο 90s   Thrash αλλά και Stoner επιρροών, φτάνοντας να ακουμπάνε λίγο από Pantera (όντως λίγο κι ευτυχώς δηλαδή!). Τα Black Tongue, Blasteroid, Octopus has no Friends, The Hunter, Stargasm, Curl of the Gurl, Dry Bone Valley, Creature Lives, The Sparrow είναι οι πιο χτυπητές στιγμές απ'  το σύνολο τών δεκατριών κομματιών, ενός πολύ  φρέσκου κι αεράτου άλμπουμ, για τα δεδομένα της εποχής που κυκλοφόρησε.

ENGLISH TEXT:

The Heavy of the 21st Century

Here we are again with another album from the American Heavy/Prog Metallers, who this time lean towards a groovier element in their music. With this admittedly strange totem-like deer head on the cover, it conceals flavors and aromas that start from Black Sabbath, passing through some more 90s Thrash and Stoner influences, eventually touching a bit on Pantera (indeed, just a bit and thankfully so!). The tracks "Black Tongue," "Blasteroid," "Octopus Has No Friends," "The Hunter," "Stargasm," "Curl of the Burl," "Dry Bone Valley," "Creature Lives," and "The Sparrow" are the standout moments from the total of thirteen tracks on a very fresh and breezy album, considering the era it was released in.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

REVIEW: FAST TRAIN UNION – II

 

FAST TRAIN UNION – II

Independent

Homepage

I must confess, I know very little about this band beyond their music and their album "II." I’ve never made an effort to delve deeper into their history. It’s not that I’m indifferent to them; rather, their music is so exceptional that it satisfies all my needs as a listener. The band adds to their mystique by providing no background information in their CD release, a mystery I find quite appealing.

For this presentation, however, I decided to dig a little deeper. These talented musicians hail from Canada. The lineup consists of John Wetherilt on lead guitar and backing vocals, Paul DeMarinis on drums, Al Perrier on bass and backing vocals, and Sean Potvin as the lead vocalist. They are seasoned performers who have opened for renowned acts such as EXCITER, ALIAS, TROOPER, BLUE RODEO, and RIK EMMETT of TRIUMPH.

The essence of this band, as I’ve mentioned, lies in their music. Their distinctive sound is a fusion of 70s and early 80s hard rock and heavy metal. They draw inspiration from bands like THIN LIZZY, early JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, KISS, and LYNYRD SKYNYRD. What sets them apart is their ability to blend these influences into a cohesive and original album.

From the moment I first listened to their release, I was captivated. This isn’t an album where you can just listen to a couple of tracks and be done; it demands to be played from start to finish. It has a magical hold on me that’s hard to explain. The album commands my full attention with its variety, sense of melody, and robust hard rock and heavy metal sound.

As I conclude this presentation, I realize it’s challenging to articulate the depth of feelings and emotions this album evokes in me. This difficulty arises because, above all, we are discussing a top-quality, emotionally charged album. While it might sound nostalgic, it is also brimming with fresh ideas and genuine passion for hard rock and heavy metal.

This is one of the finest hard rock/heavy metal releases you definitely need to check out.

Νικόλαος Παραστατίδης

REVIEW: U.D.O., Celebrator Rare Tracks (2012)

 

U.D.O., Celebrator Rare Tracks (2012)

AFM Records

Ειδική περίπτωση.

Ο πατριάρχης του γερμανικού Heavy Metal κύριος Udo Dirkschneider , έχει επιδείξει μία λαμπρή καριέρα είτε με τους Accept είτε (και πολύ περισσότερο) σαν σόλο καλλιτέχνης και αυτή η διπλή συλλογή είναι ένα ευχαριστώ στους φίλους του επί δεκαετίες για την υποστήριξη μας στο πρόσωπο του. Μια συλλογή όχι με τα καλύτερα αλλά με τα σπανιότερα του κομμάτια ως σόλο μουσικός  με το σχήμα του τους U.D.O. Έχει υλικό από b' sides, διασκευές, επανεκτελέσεις κομματιών εποχής Accept,  ακυκλοφόρητα τραγούδια και γενικά, υλικό που κάνει τα παιδάκια του συναφιού μας χαρούμενα. Η πιο παρεξηγημένη φωνή στη metal σκηνή, ένας συνδυασμός Rob Halford με Bon Scott και τον Lemmy όπως τον έχω ξαναπεί, είναι μία περίπτωση ενός μοναχικού ιππότη gentleman στον χώρο, όσο κι αν έχει ρίξει το δηλητήριο κατά  καιρούς του για τον Wolf Hoffman, κιθαρίστα και συνοδοιπόρο του στους Accept.

ENGLISH TEXT:

Special Case

The patriarch of German Heavy Metal, Mr. Udo Dirkschneider, has enjoyed a stellar career both with Accept and even more so as a solo artist. This double collection serves as a thank-you to his fans for their decades of support. It’s a compilation not of his best-known works but of his rarest tracks as a solo musician with his band U.D.O. The collection features B-sides, covers, re-recordings of Accept-era songs, unreleased tracks, and material that will undoubtedly delight enthusiasts of the genre.

Often misunderstood in the metal scene, Dirkschneider’s voice is a unique blend of Rob Halford, Bon Scott, and Lemmy, as I have previously noted. He stands as a lone knight and gentleman in the field, even though he has, at times, directed venom towards his Accept bandmate and guitarist, Wolf Hoffman.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

POWERWOLF Reveals Second New Single “Sinners of the Seven Seas”

 

Gold and platinum awarded heavy metal band POWERWOLF has released a new single, "Sinners of the Seven Seas," from their upcoming album, *Wake Up The Wicked*, set to be released on July 26, 2024, via Napalm Records. The music video for the single was filmed in Switzerland and the south of France, featuring a historical replica of a three-mast sailing ship from Magellan's 16th-century fleet, which has been used in various films and series.

WASTEFALL releases their new single "Iced Heart"

 

WASTEFALL is releasing a new single, "Iced Heart," which explores themes of hypocrisy and mental struggle. The song features haunting melodies and intense lyrics, creating a captivating and unsettling soundscape. Wastefall aims to connect with listeners seeking authenticity in a seemingly insincere world. Alongside the single, a visually impressive lyric video will premiere on their YouTube channel on June 21, 2024, enhancing the song's impact.

KAISAS relese new album on August 9th

 

Το “I E R I A” είναι το τέταρτο άλμπουμ του Έλληνα τραγουδοποιού και κιθαρίστα Μπάμπη Καΐσά, που κυκλοφορεί με το ίδιο όνομα. Έρχεται πέντε χρόνια μετά την προηγούμενη δουλειά του “Martyria”, από την ίδια δισκογραφική εταιρία. Στο άλμπουμ συμμετέχουν, εκτός από τον ντράμερ Φώτη Νέστωρ Κάνιστερ, εννέα τραγουδιστές από διάφορες χώρες, όπως οι David Reece, Ian Parry, και Paul Jackson. Το πρώτο δείγμα του άλμπουμ είναι το “Ieria”, με τον Ian Parry στα φωνητικά. Η μίξη και το mastering έγιναν στην Καλιφόρνια από τον Bryan Underwood, ενώ η προ-παραγωγή έγινε από τον Κάνιστερ. Το artwork περιλαμβάνει δουλειά από τους Moon Ring και Aleh Zielankievic. Το άλμπουμ θα κυκλοφορήσει στις 9 Αυγούστου από τη Sleaszy Rider Records.

ENGLISH TEXT:

"I E R I A" is the fourth album by Greek songwriter and guitarist Babis Kaisas and his project under the same name. This album follows "Martyria," released five years ago, under the same label, Sleaszy Rider Records.

The album features longtime drummer Fotis Nestor Canister (ex-Sarissa) and nine guest singers:

- David Reece (USA) (Accept)

- Ian Parry (UK) (Elegy)

- Paul Jackson (UK) (Roadhouse, featuring Pete Willis of Def Leppard)

- Alan Kelly (UK) (SHY)

- Leonel Silva (Portugal) (Mindfeeder)

- Tomas Baptista (Portugal) (Hats Off To Led Zeppelin – Best Tribute Act UK 2021)

- John Nickoloff (USA) (Nickoloff)

- Gordon MacIntosh (UK)

- Kenny Behnke – Gapp (Germany)

The intro sample "Ieria" features singer Ian Parry. The album was mixed and mastered in California at Tonality Studio by Bryan Underwood, with pre-production by Canister. The cover artwork was created by Moon Ring Design (USA) and the booklet by Aleh Zielankievic (PL). "I E R I A" is set for release on August 9th.

SILVERTONGUEDEVIL release new single "Purity and Nothingness,"

 

American Thrash Metal band SILVERTONGUEDEVIL has released their new single "Purity and Nothingness," featuring guest vocals from THE INFAMISTS. This track is part of the band's upcoming EP "Conquest of the Inferno." The single was recorded at Reeltime Audio Studios and mixed and mastered by Eric Delegard.

REVIEW: DIAMOND HEAD, Borrowed Time (1982)

 

DIAMOND HEAD, Borrowed Time (1982)

MCA Records

Κλασική μουσική.

Στο δεύτερο τους δίσκο οι Βρετανοί δείχνουν τα δόντια τους μουσικά. Στα επτά κομμάτια (στο αυθεντικό βινύλιο) του, περιλαμβάνουν τόσο κλασικό υλικό που τους κατατάσσει πλέον στο mainstream του New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. Οι τέσσερις λοιπόν μουσικοί που αποτελούν το συγκρότημα Brian Tatler κιθάρα, Colin Kimberley μπάσο , Duncan Scott ντραμς και η φωνή του Sean Harris ονομάστηκαν και δίκαια οι μεταλλικοί Led Zeppelin! Όντως οι χροιές τους έχουν σαν εφαλτήριο τους παλαιμάχους Rockers, όπως εξάλλου κι η συντριπτική πλειονότητα των συγκροτημάτων του κινήματος τότε, που είχαν σαν ρίζα τα μεγαθήρια της δεκαετίας του 70. Εξάλλου, το NW στο αρκτικόλεξο δείχνει αυτό ακριβώς. Το νέο κύμα (της Heavy Metal) βρίσκεται στη μουσική τους, αφού το παλιό ήταν οι Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple κι όλοι οι άλλοι κλασικοί Hard Rockers, όσο τραβηγμένη κι αν ήταν η ταμπέλα αυτή ! Και τα τραγούδια το άλμπουμ  σαν τα To Heaven from Hell, Call Me, Lightning to the Nations, Am I Evil,  Borrowed Time  τα έχουν δοξάσει πέραν του κόσμου και οι ... Metallica! Η ιστορία έχει γράψει ότι αρκετά κομμάτια των Diamond Head παίζονται ζωντανά από τους νεαρούς τότε , άγνωστους καλιφορνέζους στα κλάμπ, χωρίς να αναφέρεται ότι δεν είναι δικά τους αλλά διασκευές...

English Text:

Classical Music.

In their second album, the British band shows their musical teeth. The seven tracks (on the original vinyl) include so much classic material that they now rank among the mainstream of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. The four musicians who make up the band—Brian Tatler on guitar, Colin Kimberley on bass, Duncan Scott on drums, and Sean Harris on vocals—have rightfully been called the "metal Led Zeppelin." Indeed, their sound is rooted in the veteran rockers, much like the vast majority of the bands in the movement, which were heavily influenced by the giants of the 70s. The "NW" in the acronym signifies precisely this: the New Wave (of Heavy Metal) is evident in their music, while the old wave consisted of Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and all the other classic Hard Rockers, regardless of how stretched that label might be. Songs from the album like "To Heaven from Hell," "Call Me," "Lightning to the Nations," "Am I Evil," and "Borrowed Time" have been celebrated worldwide, even by Metallica! History has recorded that many Diamond Head tracks were played live by the then young and unknown Californians in clubs, without acknowledging they were covers and not their own originals.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

The D.O.O.D release new single "2000 Miles"

 

American heavy metal band The D.O.O.D has released their new single "2000 Miles" from their upcoming album "Dissonance," set to drop on September 17, 2024. The track was recorded at Morrisound Studio and mixed and mastered at Earache Records. Formed in 2004 in Florida by Brian Amoroso (vocals), Raynus (guitar), Jonzey (bass), Indy (guitar), and Rudy (drums), The D.O.O.D has steadily gained recognition for their music and performances. Their latest single has received widespread praise from critics and fans alike.

REVIEW: DIAMOND HEAD, Canterbury (1983)

 

DIAMOND HEAD, Canterbury (1983)

MCA Records

Κάντε στάση λίγο.

Στο τρίτο τους έργο οι Άγγλοι ακούγονται.... New Wave. Σκέτο, χωρίς το "Of British Heavy Metal" να ακολουθεί! Η αλήθεια είναι ότι σαν εξώφυλλο ξενίζει αρκετά, απ'  την άλλη, σαν τίτλος θυμίζει το Salisbury των Uriah Heep πίσω στο 1970, μα πάλι το μουσικό περιεχόμενο του άλμπουμ αυτού έχει να δείξει ότι πήγαινε σε πιο εμπορική φάση η κατάσταση. Ίσως γι'αυτό η διάλυση τους μετά.... ακολουθεί τις χαμηλές πωλήσεις του! Αυτά έχουν τα ανοίγματα κι οι τολμηροί πειραματισμοί στη Metal σκηνή. Λίγοι τα κατάφεραν κι οι Diamond Head εδω, δεν ήταν απ'αυτούς. Εντάξει δεν παύει να είναι ένας δίσκος ενός κλασικού συγκροτήματος της εποχής με τα Makin' Music, Out of Phase, One More Night είναι κάπως αδιάφορα με τα To the Devil His Due, Knight of the Swords, Ismael, Canterbury να είναι πιο "ζουμερά" αν και δε είναι ισάξια με το υλικό στα δύο πρώτα Lightning To The Nations & Borrowed Time, κάνοντας το συγκεκριμένο άλμπουμ να είναι ο φτωχός συγγενής στη πρώιμη δισκογραφία τους.

English Text:

Take a moment to pause.

In their third work, the English band sounds... New Wave. Simply, without the "Of British Heavy Metal" following! The truth is that the cover is quite jarring. On the other hand, as a title, it reminds us of Uriah Heep's Salisbury back in 1970, but again, the musical content of this album shows that they were moving towards a more commercial phase. Perhaps that's why their breakup followed the low sales of this album! Such are the risks and bold experiments in the Metal scene. Few succeeded, and Diamond Head here were not among them. Still, it remains an album from a classic band of the era. Tracks like Makin' Music, Out of Phase, and One More Night are somewhat lackluster, while To the Devil His Due, Knight of the Swords, Ismael, and Canterbury are more compelling, though not on par with the material from their first two albums, Lightning To The Nations and Borrowed Time. This makes this particular album the poor relative in their early discography.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

MUSHROOMHEAD to Release Ninth Studio Album, Call The Devil

 

MUSHROOMHEAD, the masked metal band from Cleveland, Ohio, is back with their 2024 album "Call The Devil," following the success of their 2020 album "A Wonderful Life." This new release breaks expectations as the band enters their third decade. After a 12-year hiatus, longtime guitarist Dave "Gravy" Felton returns, contributing to two tracks. The album, produced by drummer Steve "Skinny" Felton, also features Matt Wallace on mixing and Jacob Hansen on mastering.

The first single, "Fall In Line," showcases a powerful mix of electro-industrial elements and vocal contrasts from Scott Beck and Jackie LaPonza. The accompanying music video highlights the band's new masks designed by Jordan Patton and Joe Gall. Steve "Skinny" Felton emphasizes the video's impactful use of red and describes the song as upbeat, aggressive, and fun.

REVIEW: APRIL 16TH – Epitaph

 

APRIL 16^TH – Epitaph

Hard Rock promotions

Homepage

Regarding the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) movement, many noteworthy articles have been written, and rightfully so. This movement significantly altered the landscape of hard rock music, setting the standards for what we now recognize as classic heavy metal. It’s no coincidence that without this movement, bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and others might not exist today.

Beyond its influence, the movement is equally remarkable for its abundance of bands. It's not an exaggeration but a reality that even today, we continue to discover bands and their creations that were part of this musical movement. One such example is April 16th.

Formed in 1985 in London and disbanding in 1991 after six years, they managed to release a demo titled "Cherry Jam" in 1985 and their sole studio album "Sleepwalking" in 1988. This current release is a compilation featuring tracks from both the demo and the studio album.

Although the band emerged in 1985, their compositions sonically align more closely with the early period of the NWOBHM sound, reminiscent of the late '70s to early '80s. Simply put, their sound is dynamic, heavily featuring hard rock and occasionally rock 'n' roll elements. Some blues touches add even more detail and variety to their compositions.

Sonically, they can be likened to bands like Diamond Head, Crucifixion, early Judas Priest, and Demon. However, April 16th possesses a unique personality that sets them apart.

All 14 compositions included in this release are excellent, and not only do they not sound outdated or surpassed, but they maintain the same freshness as when they were first created. Without exaggeration, if these compositions had received more exposure when they were released, we would now be talking about classic songs (which they essentially are to the writer).

The choice of the title for this release may seem pessimistic, but the epitaph, according to Christian tradition, carries a message of hope and life. Similarly, this release preserves the band's legacy and gives new listeners the opportunity to hear these remarkable compositions. Especially for fans of the NWOBHM genre and classic '80s heavy metal sound, this is a release not to be missed.

Νικόλαος Παραστατίδης

REVIEW: DREAMGATE – DreamGate

 

DREAMGATE – DreamGate

Underground Symphony

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Με καταγωγή από την Βορειοδυτική Ιταλία και την πόλη της Πλακεντίας έρχονται οι DreamGate και παρουσιάζουν την πρώτη τους ολοκληρωμένη δουλειά.

 Θα συναντήσουμε μουσικούς από τους Dark Horizon, τους λιγότερο γνωστούς Ghost City και Edran. Ο δίσκος αποτελείται από 11 κομμάτια που ακολουθούν ένα συμφωνικό ύφος με επιρροές από μπάντες όπως οι Stratovarius, Helloween με αρκετά σόλο σε κιθάρες και πλήκτρα.

 Όλα καλά μέχρι εδώ, μέχρι να ξεκινήσει το play…

Αν εξετάσουμε τα τραγούδια ένα προς ένα, θα βρούμε ενδιαφέροντες ιδέες, ωστόσο ο δίσκος υπολείπεται συνολικά σε δυναμική και το τελικό αποτέλεσμα είναι υπερβολικά “light” να το θέσουμε κομψά.

Ενδεχομένως μεγάλο μέρος αυτού να έχει να κάνει με την παραγωγή (σ.σ. υπεύθυνος στο mixing και το mastering υπεύθυνος είναι ο κιθαρίστας των Dark Horizon, Daniele Mandlelli) όπου έχουμε να κάνουμε με έναν καθαρό ήχο με ξεκάθαρη έμφαση στα κιθαριστικά σόλο και τα φωνητικά, ωστόσο τα κομμάτια δεν έχουν την απαραίτητη δυναμική για το ιδίωμα και το αποτέλεσμα μέτριο.

Αν κάτι λείπει από το ντεμπούτο των DreamGate είναι ένα πιο ξεκάθαρο ύφος και προσωπικότητα στα τραγούδια, τα περισσότερα μοιάζουν μεταξύ τους και το σύνολο μοιάζει περισσότερο σαν tribute σε μπάντες της Ιταλικής σκηνής, δίχως όμως να φτάνει στα επίπεδα των συνθέσεων που περιλαμβάνονται σε μνημειώδη άλμπουμ όπως το Return to the Heaven Denied των Labyrinth ή  Symphony of the Enchanted Lands από Rhapsody of Fire.

Συνολικά έχουμε να κάνουμε με ένα ελαφρύ μελωδικό άκουσμα, δίχως ιδιαίτερο χαρακτηριστικό και δυναμικά κομμάτια. Η μπάντα πρέπει να αποκτήσει ένα ξεκάθαρο ύφος και να εμπλουτίσει με περισσότερο δυναμισμό τις συνθέσεις της στις επόμενες δουλειές της.

English Text:

Originating from Northwestern Italy and the city of Piacenza, DreamGate present their first complete work. The band features musicians from Dark Horizon, the lesser-known Ghost City, and Edran. The album consists of 11 tracks with a symphonic style influenced by bands such as Stratovarius and Helloween, featuring numerous guitar and keyboard solos.

All is well until the play button is pressed...

When examining the songs individually, one can find interesting ideas; however, the album as a whole lacks dynamic strength, and the final result is, to put it politely, overly "light." This is likely due in large part to the production (handled by Dark Horizon’s guitarist, Daniele Mandelli), which offers a clean sound with a clear emphasis on guitar solos and vocals. Nevertheless, the tracks lack the necessary dynamism for this genre, resulting in a mediocre outcome.

What the debut of DreamGate lacks is a clearer style and personality in the songs. Most tracks sound similar to each other, and the album feels more like a tribute to Italian scene bands without reaching the compositional level of monumental albums such as Labyrinth’s "Return to the Heaven Denied" or Rhapsody of Fire’s "Symphony of the Enchanted Lands."

Overall, we are presented with a light melodic listen, lacking distinctive features and dynamic tracks. The band needs to establish a clearer style and infuse more dynamism into their compositions in their future works.

Constadinos Meidanis