SOULSPELL - The Labyrinth Of Truths (Ulterium Records) From the mind of Brazilian drummer Heleno Vale, comes a metal opera that sparks intrigue, not only by the storyline and cast of characters (20 top notch vocalists & 8 musicians), but of course, the musical department as well. Like Genius Rock Opera, Avantasia, & the latest Star One release, you don't get too lost, with each track unto itself standing out, easing the complexity that does show in the ear of the beholder with adversity being thrown aside as far as comprehending the record. Dark and passionate with a blend of the symphonic and prog elements incorporated into the melodic metal vibe, the songs stand defiant as 'songs' (and not 'episodes') with their sophistication bringing the AOR-laden textures to the forefront to this story based on human conflicts and how anything can have an effect on all of us. Whether it's the moody riffage of "Amon's Fountain," the multifaceted epic of "Dark Prince's Crown," or the more pop sensible approach of "Adrift," the music is executed to an enticing degree with the array of intricate arrangements and various 'musical personalities' that everybody brings to the table making The Labyrinth of Truth a fine delivery of sonic theatrics upon the ears. Tommy Hash / Ytsejam.com (87/100)
FIRE - Ignite (Avenue Of Allies) Released way back in 2006 Fire’s debut album “Ignite” is available again in conjunction with their new release “Thrill Me”, “Ignite” now comes with two bonus songs one of which is a thunderous cover of the famous Brian Adams’ hit “Run to You”. Fire is a Maltese powerful rock band born in 1998, that has is reign is the live setting where they always deliver raw, energetic “move your ass” live performances. Here at their first studio experience, they clearly show up all their concerts experience to deliver a huge collection of heavy metal tunes, pure rock n' roll songs and even the ballad song that it has always been a “must be there” in all Hard Rock and AOR good albums. Thanks also to the production techniques of Robert Longo himself the album has a glittering sound all over it and stand up to pair to the greatest Rock international productions. Since its opener “Get out of may way” through out all the twelve tracks up to the closing bonus track “Miss You This Christmas” the listener will travel among all king of Rock genres from metal to melodic performed in a true classy way. There is al lot of Y&T, Gotthard and Whitesnake influence on top of this album and rest assured all true melodic rock fans will love deeply Fire music. Fabio “Deuce” Mainardi (90/100)
ORDEN OGAN – Vale (AFM Records) “Easton Hope”, Orden Ogan’s second album and their first for AFM Records, has been an “huge success”, according to the label itself (and I’d really like to know what that means in term of sales… but that’s another story!); so, here is, immediately ready, a re-issue of the band’s debut, originally self-released in 2008. Often compared to Blind Guardian (yes, I agree) and to Running Wild (honestly I can’t see anywhere this comparison!), Orden Ogan play a traditional Power Metal Germany-style, with some light Gothic and Folk influences. This new version of “Vale” has been enriched by 4 bonus-tracks (for a Total of 17 tracks!) and a re-mastered sound; the overall sound is definitely great and the songs are very well conceived, written and played. In a year where Power Metal has been a bit left in a corner, this might be the album of 2010 in the genre. Primo Bonali (88/100)
F.E.A.S.T. – Rise (Avenue Of Allies) Fabri Kiareli is a Monster Musician… a self-taught guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist— Fabri approaches everything music with such gusto! “Rise” is his debut of original material, performed with Italian passion! “F.E.A.S.T.” is Fabri’s musical vehicle bringing his passionate style of Hard Rock to the masses. An equally Monster debut, “Rise” is thirteen slices of Hard n’ Heavy rock that will spin your head and set your musical heart thumping! A showcase of Fabri’s talent as both a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and producer. A gigantic album, this record clocks in over seventy-two minutes, and will most likely leave you shattered. Spanning the spectrum of Hard rock and Hard blues…”Rise” contains more than a few surprises…including a duet with Edge Of Forever’s vocalist; Alessandro Del Vecchio! A musical offering so deep, that new textures of Fabri’s talent will be revealed upon multiple listenings. Aptly titled…”F.E.A.S.T.” will certainly become a rising star in the Hard Rock heavens!! Bruce Atkinson (90/100)
SHADYON – Mind Control (Ulterium Records) What a fantastic gift! I never heard about this band before, so I’ve checked this album without any infos about. “Mind Control” is Shadyon’ second effort; the band plays a very melodic Power/Prog Metal with a lot of AOR and Hard Rock influences, powerful guitar parts and catchy melodies. I really like their blend of all of these styles, as they are able to create this unique and very recognizable sound that could appeal to many of you, readers, especially the ones into some Progressive and Melodic Metal! The main influence of the band (as the band itself writes on their official site) can be found on the swedish-act Evergrey, and you can easily find it on the 10 songs of “Mind Control”, also if Shadyon’s style is less dark and more melodic. The “plus” of the band is represented by the emotional and sweet (somehow high-pitched) vocals of Emmanuel Creis (during my first play, I was thinking that a girl was singing!). The album definitely grows play after play, and it’s one of the best things I listened to during the last couple of years, in the genre. Recommended! Primo Bonali (90/100)
HELSTAR – Glory Of Chaos (AFM Records) I still clearly remember their first days “of glory”, with albums like “Distant Thunder” and “Remnants Of War” (ah, the good ol’ times!), where the band was often compared to Iron Maiden. Then Helstar evolved into a more Power Metal-US style direction, with intricate passages and somehow complex arrangements. To tell the truth, I totally lost their last Works, so I was a bit in a shock when I first listened to “Angels Fall To Hell”, the opening-track of this brand new album. My immediate thought was: “pity that they lost on the way James Rivera!”. Totally wrong. James Rivera is still here, but his voice changed a lot. And to my ears is totally not recognizable. Then, the music: an incredible mix of Bay Area Thrash and Speed Metal… so heavy and aggressive! Unfortunately (to my tastes) the melodies have been left behind, here; instead you can feel the sheer rage of the band. If that’s what you’re looking for… welcome, my friends! Primo Bonali (80/100) MRF | 13