Rock-a-holics Records 2009

Oh my Metal Gods!

Here we are dealing with one of the most exciting debuts in a long time, a release  that gave me the same chills some albums did in the 80s and the 90s.Back then the releases weren't that many but they were for the most part really good, and became a bedrock for the future progress of our beloved music that would end up being one of the most enduring modern genres of music. Well, this particular release could be characterized as apocalyptic and one of the best so far this year in the genre of heavy/power metal and you only need a listen to be convinced about that. Imagine Priest (on the vocals), Iced Earth and Nevermore at their best add some prog elements in the mix and you get an idea about what Darkology sound like… And man – they mean business.

Of course there is a reason for this metal masterpiece. The mastermind of the band is guitar hero Michael Harris, (  Zanister, Leather, Surgeon (US), Arch Rival, Thought Chamber), and those who have listened to his personal albums would understand that the term hero is not used loosely. Harris is a real master of guitar and would make many of the so called, today’s shredders cry… But he’s not the only star, in this show. On of the best metal voices of today's, that of Kelly "Sundown" Carpenters',(Beyond Twilight, Outworld) rips through the 9 “hymns” that Altered Reflections consists of, like a razor, through the mist. But we should not forget to mention another two top musicians, bassist player Mike Neal and drummer Brian Harris  (Firewind, Solstice (US), Foul Stench, Decay (US), Michael Harris, Seven Seraphim, The Reefer Hut, Vainglory)- who is the younger brother of Michael Harris- who are providing the surgical precision rhythm base for this band. These guys surely groove ! All 9 songs + 1 intro are technical – but done in an artful and not tiresome way. There a perfect balance between melody and power, as well as darkness and light! The album never tires the listener and deviates on occasion from the traditional structure of a typical heavy metal song, when Michael Harris decided to veer, from time to time into Blues, Jazz and classical music, territory. He does so, but those parts, only enrich the outcome, and don’t overstay their welcome. As for his solos , Who am I to say anything… about them. They should be taught in seminars. Highly skilled – but also very melodic and organic, they almost become intertwined with the rest of the song... they feel very natural. And Sundown’s varied, delivery, ranging from a very powerful clean voice to a hybrid between Dio (majesty) and Halford (Range) and all the way in between, is very – very impressive. The guy, can utilize about 4-5 different voices within the context of a single song (“I bleed” is a good example). Now if that’s not theatrical, I don’t know what the hell is. As for the production, its very strong and very clear giving each instrument the proper space, to “breathe” – without undermining the superb technical and skillful performances. Also the cover with it’s cool varnishes  and the 24-page booklet, with separate illustrations for each song, are something, that we’ve only seen in very FAMOUS groups. The way we understand this, this is the only version of this album, a normally priced luxury digipack – there’s no jewelcase, but then again, why should there be one ?

Enough with talking..Here we have to do not only with a superb release but also with a band that will no doubt,  play a leading role in metal in the future. If on the eve of 2010 we have the pleasure of encountering such inspired and awe-inspiring releases, then that means only good things for the future of the music we love and live for.

Panthro