ALTAIR – Descending: A Devilish Comedy

ALTAIR - Descending: A Devilish Comedy
  • 6/10
    ALTAIR - Descending: A Devilish Comedy - 6/10
6/10

Summary

Sleazy Rider Records
Release date: June 30, 2017

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Descending: A Devilish Comedy is the second studio release from Altair, a Power Prog Metal band based in Itlay. Descending finds the band evolving stylistically from 2013’s debut album, Lost Eden. Some lineup changes and a shift in musical direction produced a more modern and heavy sound for the band.

The current lineup features Simone Mala – Voice, Luca Scalabrin – Bass/Vocals, Gianmarco Bambini – Guitar, Albert Marshall – Guitar, Enrico Ditta – Keyoboards and Simone Caparrucci – Drums. The record is filled with impressive performances musically. Each musician turns in impeccably executed parts. Stylistically, however, the record sounds like a blend of styles that don’t always gel well. The Neoclassical influence is clear throughout, with shredding harmonic minor guitar runs, prevalent keyboard parts often reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen records, and high, often strained vocals: combined with modern syncopated sections, and even some growled vocals.

The band sounds a bit like an unholy union between Malmsteen and Soilwork at points. There are also several places where there are cringe-worthy attempts at key changes that just don’t create the desired effect. Sudden key changes and even dissonance can be great tools used correctly. When done well they create a pleasant, melodic twist. Fans of Power Prog Metal will find many good things to enjoy about this record, but there are a few points within this album that just sound like mistakes.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

Author

  • Stevie Shred

    Stevie was a reviewer here at Metal Express Radio. He is currently the lead guitarist for Melodic Rock band Red Reign, based in Richmond, Virginia, USA. Red Reign toured with Tesla in 2017, and shared the stage with Dokken, FireHouse, Lita Ford, Kix, Quiet Riot, and others at various dates around the US in 2018. Stevie heard his first KISS record at the age of 6 and was immediately hooked on Rock and Roll guitar. Over the course of years his tastes evolved, graduating from KISS to Ozzy and Van Halen; and then into Hair Metal. Over time, harder and faster music drew him. Bands like Metallica, Pantera, and Anthrax led the way, and Killswitch Engage took him over the top. Stevie has a deep passion for the guitar, not only playing them, but building them as well.

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