Bulletpoints: ๐ Second album of the soulful Iranian top artists ๐ Sophisticated progressiveness, emphatically varied ๐ Uniquely melodic, atmospheric, with strong identity
Action: ANOUSHBARD Base: Tehran • Iran Genre: Extreme Ethno Progressive Metal Title: Abandoned Treasure FFO: Orphaned Land, Melechesh, Opeth ๐ Genres: Progressive Metal, Death Metal, Atmospheric Metal, Folklore Format: Album Label: Independent Distro: / Release: April 01, 2023
The band says about „The Righteous Ardaviraf“: „The song describes what our ancestors thought and believed about life after death. It happened many centuries ago: In the book ‚Arda Viraf‘ the story of the upright and meaning-seeking Wirฤz is written down. Wirฤz was a fervent, deeply devoted priest of the ancient Zoroastrian religion, who was chosen to go on an afterlife journey – to find out what really happens to a person and his soul after death. This was celebrated in a very special ritual intimately, with appropriate, solemn clothing. Thereby the holy book of the religious cult was read, the ‚Arda Viraf‘. The traveler was given three goblets of wine, which, by means of a special addition, caused him to fall into a death-like sleep for seven days. When he woke up, he could tell his experienced story. We strongly recommend our followers and fans to read more about this truly famous story, especially in its country of origin, Persia, which is set several centuries before Dante Alighieri’s kindred ‚Divine Comedy‘.“
Deepest spirituality: The – rebellious – appeal of the forbidden has always represented an additional attractive element for true passionate and fervent idealists to live out their inclinations. This is also the case with ANOUSHBARD. The band risks so much to be able to fully devote themselves to their music.
And the correspondingly profound and lovingly polished, consistently convincing to brilliant result is ultimately also the fascinating mirror of the artistic ideal of these absolute conviction offenders.
With their second album „Abandoned Treasure“ these highly estimable thoroughbred musicians have completed a fabulous, completely timeless work, which reveals itself to be as hard-hitting as it is stylistically uncompromising – and which can intoxicate the senses with sophisticated high-quality sounds!
FLASHBACK: Founded in 2017 by Sherwin Baradaran and Siavash Motallebi, the first album „Mithra“ was released in 2020. The debut album consists of 6 tracks, all of highly unique identity. Already on it, the participants had found their very own, fascinating and completely distinctive style.
Most of the extremely varied and diversely dynamic compositions thematize Iranian culture and often mystical stories passed down from it. Subsequently, ANOUSHBARD worked on another album, titled „Abandoned Treasure“ and featuring 8 tracks. As on the previous album, those involved mastered to focus on Persian literature and stories.
During all the years of existence, ANOUSHBARD had many difficulties in finding suitable co-musicians such as drummers or bassists. In 2021, Arman Tirmahi officially joined the formation as a bassist. He helped the group with the second album.
Nima Seylani, an accomplished Oud player, also joined the line-up. Many in the Western industrialized nations will find it hard to imagine: but the biggest obstacle in ANOUSHBARD’s path are the government regulations for Metal music there. Unfortunately, Metal is completely banned in Iran, so it’s not possible at all to perform in public or release an album.
Singer and guitarist Sherwin says: „We named the band ANOUSHBARD, which was a political prison in the Sasanian Empire (224 – 651 AD) and which means a place where you forget your identity and disappear forever. As a band, we call ourselves that because we are very interested in the history of our country and in our Persian roots.“
Action: KATE NORD Base: Casperia • Italy Genre: Symphonic Fantasy Metal Title: Compass To Your Heart’s Desire FFO: Nightwish, Epica, Enya Format: Album Label: Independent Release: Dec. 16, 2022
Kate says about the song: „This is a dark and epic story about facing difficult times and the struggle to keep going nonetheless. ‚Embracing the cold‘ is not about giving up or bending to your circumstances, but is rather a metaphor for radical acceptance of your situation and trying to make the most out of what you have. Embrace the cold, to find your way back to the sunlight!“
KATE NORD is a classically trained Finnish singer/songwriter who creates high quality SYMPHONIC FANTASY METAL in central Italy.
With her versatile, impressively clear as well as amazingly soprano strong exceptional voice, this fabulous golden throat can easily compete with the best and most famous of the entire guild.
[ Pic: Marco Savi • SPF Produzioni ]
LINE-UP: Kate Nord • Vocals, Keys, Orchestration Francesco Mattei • Guitars Andrea Arcangeli • Bass Omar Campitelli • Drums
„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is KATE NORD’s debut album as a solo artist, with a special guest solo by Timo Tolkki, popular by Finnish Power Metallers Stratovarius.
[ Artwork: Nicolas Spreutels ]
TRACKS: 01. Recitative To The Moon 01:47 02. All Alone 03:28 03. The North Wind And The Troll 03:50 04. Embrace The Cold 02:59 05. Wither And Rust (feat. Timo Tolkki) 05:04 06. Dream Of Daylight 05:37 0. Breathe In The Night 03:43 08. Dance Of The Fairies 02:58 09. Aeternam Vale 04:24
„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is inspired by Scandinavian folk tales about trolls and fairies and the illustrations to these tales, such as the works of John Bauer, as well as fantasy novels as well as the works of the world famous fantasy grandmaster J. R. R. Tolkien.
„Compass To Your Heart’s Desire“ is embedded in wonderfully powerful Heavy/Power Metal sounds with slamming drums and furious distortion guitars, often bursting with fully melodic, catchy outbursts.
[ Pic: Marco Savi • SPF Produzioni ]
FLASHBACK: Her first release as a solo singer was a cover of Howard Blake’s „Walking In The Air“ in 2017.
Kate’s musical resume includes formal studies in classical singing in both Finland and Italy. She began her music studies in Porvoo, Finland with pianist Diana Bรคrlund, who also taught former Lordi keyboardist Awa (Leena Peisa).
Kate already appeared as a lyricist of the Italian Progressive Power Metal ensemble Noveria since the band’s formation in 2013. She was also featured as a guest vocalist on Noveria’s album „Forsaken“, released 2016 via Scarlet Records.
MEDIA FEEDBACK:
98 / 100 ➤ „… a stunning album … a must for any fan of (female fronted) Symphonic Metal … fantastically beautifully composed and arranged … goosebumps … beauty and purity … phenomenal voice … incomparable … if you think Tarja Turunen is the best female singer, then Kate Nord comes right after!“ (Musika)
95 / 100 ➤ „… very melodic, harmonic structures … a good album full of first-line classic elements … KATE NORD’s beautiful voice is unique with a clean, white and soft register! Excellent soprano!“ (Darkzen Dragon)
9 / 10 ➤ „With a good sound … style influenced by Nightwish, Xandria, Amberian Dawn, including her soprano skills … intense songs … very emotional and melancholic … brilliant vocal performance … very outstanding … an exquisite album … recommended from start to finish …“ (Locos Por El Power Metal)
9 / 10 ➤ „… an exhibition of classical vocals … outstanding … has a unique ability to transport emotions … very well produced … KATE NORD sets a very high bar in terms of individual performance … very promising … Symphonic Metal fans can be very excited about ‚Compass To Your Heart’s Desire‘ …“ (Metal Temple)
80 / 100 ➤ „… reminds me of a good Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation … so good for those who prefer something more melodic, clear and beautiful rather than something heavy and aggressive … Timo Tolkki is a guest musician … I can recommend it to those who like opera and classical music, and it is also suitable for those who listen to pop music, as a few songs are quite catchy …“ (MariMetal)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… will not fail to appeal to fans of formations such as Epica and Nightwish, but also to those who are not generally accustomed to sounds of this kind, resulting in an effective product that is worth giving a chance.“ (Heavy Metal Webzine)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… turned out quite pompous … immediately the intro shows their skills in all facets … the voice is clearly focused … very harmoniously kept … everything sounds like from one cast … who likes Nightwish, Within Temptation, Epica or the soundtrack to ‚The Lord Of The Rings‘ (keyword: Enya), should definitely listen in here!“ (Crossfire)
7 / 10 ➤ „… brings back memories of glorious Nightwish times with Tarja as the front woman … musical treat …“ (Metal DE)
7 / 10 ➤ „… varied vocals that give you goosebumps especially in the middle registers … fantastic melodies … KATE NORD’s songwriting talent is beyond question on this album … from brisk to gloomy, bombastic to dreamy and classical to Metal, the artist glides through the stylistic elements with her songs and skillfully combines them into a coherent, entertaining album … fans of female fronted Metal and Symphonic Metal may heartily enjoy!“ (Der Hรถrspiegel)
➤ „… practices her soprano voice with bravura … opera-inspired … stunning classical content … imagine Nightwish mixed with Rhapsody Of Fire with female vocals taking classical singing to the extreme … this is it.“ (Metal Addicts)
➤ „This album is awesome, Symphonic Metal with touches of Progressive and Power Metal, masterfully executed, with great arrangements and beautiful vocals … excellent work …“ (Metal Pedia)
➤ „Tremendous listening experience … even if I don’t like to draw comparisons, in the case of KATE NORD some with Tarja are obvious, after all they both have the same home … so if you like to be enveloped by symphonic sounds and enchanted by a beautiful voice, this is the right address!“ (Metalmamas Neuigkeiten)
➤ „… a promising debut and an artist to keep an eye on if female-fronted Symphonic Metal is your thing.“ (Sea Of Tranquility)
➤ „… this is tightly packed … good production … soul piercing through every line and riff … KATE NORD’s singing voice is clear in every word, in every syllable, and she is the clearest of all … her high voice is no different from a graceful fairy goddess … great … her throat is the best … as for the symphonic part, it is both elegant and beautiful, changing depending on the song … everything can make happy … truly heavenly …“ (Noisewriter)
Mittwoch, 12. April 2023
Under the spell of bewitching mysticism!
[ Logo: John Connor ]
Action: RAVENLIGHT Base: Belfast • Northern Ireland Genre: Symphonic Power Metal Title: Immemorial FFO: Nightwish, Kamelot, Sonata Arctica Format: Album Label: Distortion Project Records Distro: Code7 Release: Jan. 27, 2023
Bulletpoints:
2nd studio album of the Irish nature mystics
Beauty, longing & power in a touching trinity
Tasteful, emotional songs full of beauty & aesthetics
RAVENLIGHT comments on „Reflections“: „We chose ‚Reflections‘ as the first single for ‚Immemorial‘ as it was one of the early songs that set the tone for the rest of the album, it showcases a mix of emotional vocals and lyrics alongside heavy riffing and strong hooks, the contrast of light vs dark, heaviness vs beauty and hope vs fear runs throughout the whole release, and so it seemed like the perfect song and video to welcome the audience into that theme.“
RAVENLIGHT comments on „Spirit Of Life“: „A unique track on the album – while most the songs represent darker themes, we decided to keep ‚Spirit Of Life‘ as the light in the darkness. The song was written to be infectiously fun and just a good time for the audience and listeners, so we made the video a little bit weirder than usual too!“
[ Pic: TWKOM Media ]
LINE-UP Rebecca Feeney • Vocals John Connor • Guitars, Keyboards Dean Kane • Bass Michaล Bugajski • Drums
RAVENLIGHT returns, stronger than ever with their long awaited second album, „Immemorial“!
[ Artwork: John Connor ]
TRACKS 01. Masque Of Red Death (04:27) 02. Reflections (04:22) 03. The Painters Dream (04:33) 04. Spirit Of Life (03:58) 05. Paper Ships (03:37) 06. Rain (03:46) 07. Spiral (04:22) 08. Left Behind (05:57) 09. The Maze (04:13) 10. Springtime Lament (08:40)
total: 47:58 min.
Channelling their live energy into this new release, „Immemorial“ features 10 tracks of hard hitting Power Metal showcasing a range of styles and themes, from the reflective „Spiral“, to the grandiose „Springtime Lament“, this album highlights the band’s evolution and determination from the past few years.
FLASHBACK: Formed in 2018, RAVENLIGHT play an energetic brand of progressive tinged SYMPHONIC POWER METAL which have gained them a reputation as one of the most exciting and unique bands to emerge from the Irish Metal scene in recent years.
Starting with their 2018 EP release „End Of The World“, RAVENLIGHT quickly made their mark on the local scene and further afield with a number of shows across Ireland, including an invite to support Progressive Metal legends Evergrey in Dublin in March 2019.
At the start of 2020, RAVENLIGHT went back to the studio and recorded their debut album, „Project Genesis“, which was released in June 2020 across Europe and Japan via Novus Records, gaining positive reviews and press across the continent.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, live shows to promote the album were postponed indefinitely, however instead of resting on their laurels, RAVENLIGHT returned once again to the studio to record their 2021 covers EP, „Intermission“ alongside a series of music videos shot over various lockdowns.
With restrictions easing, RAVENLIGHT made their long awaited return to the stage, with a delayed album launch show, a mere 21 months after the release of the album, an appearance at the Siege Of Limerick festival and shows supporting Firewind, Cruachan and Stormzone across Ireland.
DISCOGRAPHY 2018 • End Of The World • EP 2020 • Project Genesis • Full-length 2021 • Intermission • EP 2023 • Immemorial • Full-length
RAVENLIGHT are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email !
9 / 10 ➤ „… an impressive album and it delivers everything, modern Symphonic Metal can offer: powerful guitar riffing, well composed orchestral arrangements, catchiness, epic melodies, ballads as well as dynamic and fresh songs … excellent vocalist who keeps the sound perfectly together and stamps her vocal authority on every track … set the bar very high for all other releases in 2023 … a must have …“ (Metal Temple)
85 / 100 ➤ „I was already thrilled with the first album. It’s no different now. Maybe just a little bit better … all in all very good …“ (Musika BE)
8,5 / 10 ➤ „The band stays true to their style, where emotive, melancholic and to some extent dramatic melodies lead a parade of tunes that invite moments of tranquillity … a good album mainly for Symphonic Metal lovers.“ (Locos Por El Power Metal)
3,5 / 5 ➤ „There are immeasurable reasons why this album impresses. Firstly, there is the lead singer who surely would’ve been a big name back in the day. Lastly, everything else. The album does not require extra immiscibility, it is already blended to perfection. The pounding drum, the beautifully played piano, and riffs; they strike a perfect balance between heavy and melodic. There is a sense of immenseness about the music, despite how straightforward it is. There is a great deal of passion behind it, and I believe that comes through immaculately.“ (Sputnik Music)
80 / 100 ➤ „… beautifully done Symphonic Metal songs with fresh and hard-hitting Power Metal … variety of styles … at all times musically … reflexive, melodic … Rebecca’s beautiful voice stands out a lot, it gives a unique softness to each track …“ (Darkzen Dragon)
8 / 10 ➤ „… has a very appealing orchestration … to enjoy, with eyes closed … beautiful vocals … RAVENLIGHT please keep it up, since today you have at least one more regular listener!“ (Obliveon)
8 / 10 ➤ „… I’m very impressed! Symphonic Power Metal is not my thing generally, but what this band are doing is unique to the Irish scene and offers something completely different. It also helps that they’re extremely good at what they do!“ (Burning Metal Irl)
8 / 10 ➤ „Symphonic class and not bombastic noise is what we expected, and they bring it with more than a little of their beautiful Irish charm layered in as well …“ (Powerplay)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… some potential … good balance between the metallic and orchestral side … catchy melodic arcs … I really like its oldschool interpretation of Symphonic Power Metal and provides a nice counterbalance to the many identical sounding bands that populate the genre these days …“ (Powermetal DE)
72 / 100 ➤ „… arrangements are kept simple and, to some extent raw, providing an ideal backdrop for Rebecca Feeney’s mesmerizing performance. She excels both in technique and emotional expression, displaying impressive control and a remarkable low register that adds weight and gravitas to her singing. The transitions between operatic and powerful rock vocals are seamless and a major strength of the album.“ (Metal Archives)
70 / 100 ➤ „Although ‚Immemorial‘ addresses itself primarily to the users of Symphonic Power and related subgenres, I believe it can easily have its say outside this narrow market as well thanks to a down-to-earth, immediate and catchy making, which shrugs off the all too cloying excesses of certain colleagues and distances itself from certain disposable music. Well done.“ (TrueMetal IT)
7 / 10 ➤ „… somewhere in the intersection of Nightwish, Edenbridge, Crystal Gates and The Dark Element … Rebecca Feeney puts the stamp on the tracks with her expressive voice … should be a welcome addition to the collection of fans of this style of playing …“ (Hellfire Magazin)
7 / 10 ➤ „… not simply looking back … the band also push forward by integrating interesting influences … a strong album that will appeal to a diverse range of listeners … fans of early Nightwish and traditional European Symphonic Power Metal will enjoy it, especially if they’re seeking something less pop-oriented … ‚Immemorial‘ is more than just retrogressive Symphonic Metal and may resonate with Metalheads who enjoy Occult Rock and even female-fronted Progressive Rock.“ (Metal Observer)
3,5 / 5 ➤ „… vocal approach inspired by Nightwish’s Tarja … contains some interesting influences of traditional Irish music …“ (All Around Metal)
10 / 15 ➤ „… with fine prog elements. Vocally, Mrs. Feeney moves in the higher, opera-like areas on … RAVENLIGHT know how to please in this genre, which is overflowing especially in recent years. Especially the now and then interspersed progressive elements, the piano passages and the wise decision not to inflate the songs too pompously, let you listen again and again …“ (My Revelations)
➤ „This optimally functioning, catchy melodic mix can make ‚Immemorial‘ a small, fine treasure for all those who would like to experience it as dreamy and enchanting as possible.“ (Sonic Seducer)
➤ „… true, signature Symphonic Metal style … like a good stew, it evolves on low heat … let its flavors meld and blend into each other … Rebecca’s vocals are once again superb and at times rise to the sublime, to a level that definitely and defiantly rivals some of the bigger and indeed biggest names working in the genre … excellent …“ (รber Rรถck)
➤ „Balm for the ears! … RAVENLIGHT definitely can’t escape a comparison with Nightwish, but that’s not necessarily a bad attribute … RAVENLIGHT, however, don’t reach so strongly into the symphonic box and so ‚Immemorial‘ could please all those who like clear female voices and like to lose themselves in pleasant tones …“ (Metalmamas Neuigkeiten)
➤ „… a remarkable Symphonic Metal work … with front lady Rebecca Feeney, the Northern Irish band has a singer with an excellent voice in its ranks, which should not only appeal to fans of classically trained voices, but also to fans of more Rock-oriented vocals …“ (Female Fronted Power)
➤ „… durch ihren variablen Gesang erlebt man Emotionen, die fรผr solche Songs sehr wichtig sind … eine talentierte Band, die ihre Instrumente perfekt beherrscht … musikalisch sind sie wirklich sehr gut …“ (Nightshade)
➤ „… guitars play an important role in RAVENLIGHT’s music. They are strong, with great overtones, with flashy lines, and, most of all, prominent … RAVENLIGHT give Rebecca all the chances to bright very shiny and she does … great …“ (Metal Addicts)
➤ „… full of freshness, but with a certain nostalgic touch … a good album, strongly reminiscent of Nightwish in their first phase, combining this concept with a more progressive development … from beginning to end we can enjoy different subgenres in it … enjoy them!“ (Nada Hay Bajo El Sol)
➤ „… RAVENLIGHT have grown a lot … will definitely surprise you … it’s really different and a big step forward …“ (D Metal Galaxy)
etc.
Freitag, 30. Dezember 2022
An epic return!
[ Logo: Gaetano Amodio & Max Aguzzi ]
Action: DRAGONHAMMER https://www.metalmessage.de/PR_DRAGONHAMMER_en.php Base: Rome • Italy Genre: Melodic Power Metal Title: Second Life FFO: Stratovarius, Freedom Call, Rhapsody Of Fire Format: Album Label: My Kingdom Music Distro: Plastichead Release: Nov. 04, 2022
DRAGONHAMMER are available for interviews via phone, Skype, Zoom & email !
Bulletpoints: • Their long awaited return with the 5แตสฐ studio album • Epic, precisely & catchy Melodic Power Metal • Powerful & determined – renewed songwriting & sound
DRAGONHAMMER are one of the pillars of the Italian MELODIC POWER METAL scene, a band that marks the history of this music from 20 years.
[ Artwork: Luca Martinotti/SoloMacello ]
TRACKS 01. Prelude To Conquest 01:29 02. Kingdom Of The Ghosts 04:53 03. Diamond Of Peace 04:49 04. Into The Warrior’s Mind 06:55 05. Shattering Hope 05:40 06. Fallen Brother 04:39 07. Sickness Divine 04:43 08. The Rising 04:35 09. Silver Feathers 06:04 10. Second Life 06:35 11. Ending Legacy 05:10
total: 55:32 min.
With the new album „Second Life“DRAGONHAMMER open a new chapter giving a turn to their music, that is now more powerful, more epic and technically as sublime as it was in the past.
It is the evolution of the band’s way of creating music, renewed in sound and formation. Among the new characteristics of this work, the addition of new vocal elements, more symphonic keyboards and more powerful guitars stand out.
„Second Life“ stands for an album that opens up new visions for the future and wants to be the starting point of this new identity. So definitely you’ll get an explosive mix of Power and Epic Metal with great Symphonic parts!
„Second Life“ sees the official studio debuts of Mattia Fagiolo on vocals, Marco Berrettoni on drums, and Alessandro Mancini on guitar.
„Second Life“ is the first album without Max Aguzzi, one of the two historic founders of the band in 1999, who was also crucial for the artistic side of the band. Therefore, this album also represents a new way of making music for the band, which has found a way to regroup and continue on its path.
„Second Life“ is an album that incorporates all the stylistic characteristics of DRAGONHAMMER but evolves them with a fresher sound and a more advanced songwriting. It is a Power Metal album that, compared to the past, has a strong symphonic character and new vocal styles. The production was entrusted to the Kick Recording Studio in Rome (Italy).
About the lyrics, „Second Life“ tells a timeless story, where the thoughts and feelings of the men of yesterday flow to the present day. A story that, song by song, tells the evolution of a character from the past, delivering to the listener a set of experiences and considerations.
The key message is the one of the band’s literally „Second Life“: a moment in which they are granted a second chance and become aware of what is really important!
MEDIA FEEDBACK:
90 / 100 ➤ „… fantastic backdrop of orchestral magic … a gargantuan album of Power Metal to its core … symphonic power is what really makes ‘Second Life’ come to life … have all the hallmarks of fellow Italians Rhapsody, but also Blind Guardian and Twilight Force with their rapid-fire guitars, rhythmically thumping drums driving forward like caterpillar treads on a tank and a superb vocal performance from Mattia Fagiolo making this release really something special … this is classic European Power Metal done to a professionally high standard and any fan of the genre should invest in a copy …“ (Metal Digest)
9 / 10 ➤ „… DRAGONHAMMER decided to go big for this album … the orchestration is exquisite, the rhythms are excellent and the guitar work is incredible … vocally, they hit all the hallmarks of Power Metal … powerful leads, big backing vocals and huge choirs to give a massive backdrop for the soaring musical themes. This is an album you can picture in your mind, complete with soundtrack, score, and action scenes …“ (Metal Temple)
4 / 5 ➤ „… returned a bit more to their fantasy inspired style … epic atmosphere … a classic kind of Euro Power Metal … a bit more orchestration and symphonic elements this time … we get to hear the sounds of strings, lutes and flutes adding a bit of a medieval flair … songs surge along with a nice sense of velocity, many of them double-kick driven … lots of great solos, the one on ‘Sickness Divine’ being a favourite for me … it would be a shame for fans of the style to overlook this band … ‘Second Life’, being a strong album maybe give them just that, the second chance they need to break through …“ (Metal-Rules COM)
8,9 / 10 ➤ „… in the 1990s, this record would probably have won the favour of many … ‚Second Life‘ is not just a record for nostalgics, but a mature, well-constructed and equally well-played work that will surely provide moments of joy for lovers …“ (Heavy Metal Webzine IT)
17 / 20 ➤ „… filled with fantastic epic atmospheres and an accomplished phantasmagoria ‚Second Life‘ will only meet the approval of the public … I just hope that this work meets a wider audience. In any case all the trumps have been shot to succeed in this enterprise …“ (Kaosguards)
8,5 / 10 ➤ „… action-packed Power Metal … ‚Second Life‘ is just fun and didn’t bore me even on the umpteenth ‚repeat‘, you always discover new nuances … I really like Mattia Fagiolos‘ voice … drummer Marco Berrettoni totally inspires me … a round thing and in this compilation hopefully really a second life for the band …“ (Powermetal DE)
8,5 / 10 ➤ „… especially worth mentioning is the powerful-precise drumming of drummer Marco Berrettoni … know their craft … combine dynamic hardness factor with opulent, suspenseful captivating mood level – exactly what it comes down to in Classic Melodic Power Metal … recommendable … for the followers of Majestica, Stratovarius, Freedom Call and Rhapsody Of Fire …“ (FFM-Rock)
81 / 100 ➤ „… adorable …“ (Hatena Blog)
8 / 10 ➤ „… great keyboards merge with vigorous riffs and excellent solos … 55 minutes of a good experience …“ (Riff Of Metal)
8 / 10 ➤ „… another great work to their already lush discography … does not afford a single weak song and convinces with individual highlights, such as the incredibly great ‚Kingdom Of The Ghosts‘, which should bring tears of joy to the eyes of every genre fan.“ (Soundmagnet)
8 / 10 ➤ „… nicely balanced, energetic and despite the rather classic Power Metal quite fresh … if you want to remember classic Power Metal, DRAGONHAMMER and its ‚Second Life‘ is a great way to go. People who adore the genre and don’t like novelty might also find it to their liking. The tempo and melody changes are a bonus of the album.“ (Hellmagazine)
16 / 20 ➤ „… the new member Mattia Fagiolo delivers a performance that will please those who prefer singers who are not only in the high notes … guitar lovers will find many typically neo-classical solos … I was pleasantly surprised and believe that any Power Metal lover will be more than thrilled …“ (French Metal)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… a successful rebirth … melodies are by no means presented too briefly … quite racy in places … pull out all the stops …“ (Crossfire)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… finally again a work full of fast, European Power Metal and then also from one of the mother countries of this genre, Italy … naturally I like the speedy Power Metal stompers like `Kingdom Of The Ghosts‘ or `Into The Warrior’s Mind‘ best, but DRAGONHAMMER also know how to integrate now and then skillfully epic and symphonic elements into their sound … well-dosed synths, great vocals … choirs and a pinch of pathos … majestic-hymnal … best, coherent and entertaining Power Metal entertainment …“ (Obliveon)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… preference for high-speed anthems with plenty of double bass … lightning fingers … broad-based choruses … the whole thing does not seem as overloaded as with Rhapsody, because the synth debauchery is kept within limits and fits comfortably into the overall structure … epic … everything is performed very catchy and ear-pleasing, but without crossing the border to sugar shock … DRAGONHAMMER have found their own band style for themselves in certain ways …“ (Hellfire)
7,5 / 10 ➤ „… Power Metal, arrangements full of ideas, orchestrations, pathos and a lot of passion … yes, perhaps the ’second life‘ of DRAGONHAMMER starts here and I must admit in the best way …“ (TuttoRock)
7 / 10 ➤ „… approaches the sounds typical of Rhapsody – and in general of the great tradition of Symphonic Metal of the 90s – without, of course, forgetting the ballads … a journey, yes, into the clichรฉs of the genre, but realised with all care and attention, also thanks to the excellent work of Marco ‚Cinghio‘ Mastrobuono in the studio, who has brought this ‚Second Life‘ straight to the point … true resurrection of a band … a good album … written with care and passion …“ (MetalItalia)
7 / 10 ➤ „… da wird mรคchtig Dampf gemacht … die Jungs sind spielerisch sehr begabt … der Sรคnger ist in einigen Bereichen mit seiner Stimme unterwegs, die so manch anderem verwehrt bleiben. Auch dem Schlagzeuger muss man allerbeste Qualitรคt attestieren. Von Anfang bis Ende zeigt er keine Mรผdigkeit, fรคllt durch ein bestรคndig gutes Drumming positiv auf. Einmal beim Lob austeilen, mรถchte ich auch nicht die Leistung an den Gitarren vergessen … fรผr Vinyl spricht das exzellente Cover-Artwork, das dann erst richtig zur Geltung kommen wรผrde … fรผr Power Metal-Freunde empfehlenswert.“ (Bleeding4Metal)
3,5 / 5 – great ➤ „… deserve to be more well known. They can write on the same level as big name bands – even better in some cases. Lots of bands peeter out and resort to Eurovision Metal, but such is not the case here. DRAGONHAMMER know exactly who they are and how to present themselves professionally within their cheesy, yet effective motifs … if you come across this album don’t skip it … it’s at the very least a great one-time listen, though it deserves another listen to let the songs sink in …“ (Sputnik Music)
3,5 / 5 ➤ „… the catchiness has definitely improved, then there is the focus on melodies, thanks to clever guitar and keyboard solos and many epic choruses … the drums are very crisp … the new singer Mattia Fagiolo is much better suited to Power Metal than his predecessor … this ‚Second life‘ constitutes a sort of rebirth of DRAGONHAMMER; now all that remains is to continue on this road and improve even more, since the qualities and talent are not lacking!“ (All Around Metal)
➤ „… more powerful, more epic and more symphonic than ever …“ (Metal Utopia)
➤ „… Giulio Cattivera‘s keyboard orchestrations are always on point, and never cheesy, whilst the engine room – piston-legged drummer Marco Berrettoni and bass-playing pal Gae Amodio – play their part unobtrusively but with deathless precision … cinematic … if your’e a fan of this kind of music then there’s very little here that you won’t enjoy …“ (Sentinel Daily)
➤ „… an album that opens new horizons for the future of the band and wants to be the basis of this new identity that the band wants to adopt. So you will definitely get to listen to an explosive mix of Power and Epic Metal with great symphonic parts …“ (LifeSteps GR)
➤ „… there is no lack of energy here … fast and melodic riffs, clean and high vocals, catchy and epic themes, etc. … fans of the style will be well entertained …“ (HellHeaven)
➤ „… more epic, more symphonic, and more… well, everything … delivers 11 bangers crammed to the rafters with all the speed, gallantry and majesty anyone would very much hope to get barraged with when faced with an album cover that features bearded dudes throwing down against an immense black dragon … pretty much a win from most every angle, but new vocalist Mattia Fagiolo is the definitely the not-so-secret weapon delivering the death blow that vaults things over the edge … if you like the idea of kicking your day into full gear with a more raw form of Rhapsody, you will definitely find a very willing and well-armed companion with this record …“ (Last Rites)
➤ „… another brilliant and beautifully crafted dose of Power Metal as only boot-shaped land can achieve (well, maybe they don’t use the symphonic pageantry that since Skylark and Rhapsody gets used to it there, but they develop their art very well, let no one doubt it) … recommendable …“ (The Dark Melody)
➤ „… a beautiful Power Prog Metal album, where all the human emotions were not lacking …“ (Tempi Duri)
➤ „… an epic journey that will make you sing along from beginning to end … with a great melodic structure, brutal riffs, a dynamic and versatile base … impressive vocals …“ (Metal Pedia)
➤ „… vocals are good … very tasteful … the orchestration and the arrangements on this album are absolutely killer and worth a listen alone … songwriting is really top-notch … the years of practice and maturity really shine through … quite long at 54 minutes, but it never feels like it drags or stumbles and the runtime goes by very quickly … DRAGONHAMMER have really put together a good album and if you’re someone who appreciates Power Metal, then I highly recommend you give this one a listen …“ (BloodFireJeff)
➤ „… everything fans would expect from a Power Metal band … it’s strong, it’s emotional, it’s full of details … bottomline, it’s perfect …“ (Metal Addicts)
DISCOGRAPHY 2001 • The Blood Of The Dragon • Full-length 2004 • Time for Expiation • Full-length 2013 • The X Experiment • Full-length 2017 • Obscurity • Full-length 2022 • Second Life • Full-length
METAL MESSAGE แดณแดธแดผแดฎแดฌแดธ • Est. 2001 - Bull's Eye for passion & professionalism !
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