CONSTANTINE – Aftermath

If an average Metal fan was asked to name a band from Greece, it might take them some time to think of any band that rose to global fame. Of course, there is Rotting Christ there. There is Septicflesh and other rather heavy bands that have achieved international success. Not everyone in the world knows that Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe is half Greek. But back to the point: Greece is not really known for being home to globally known Metal artists. However, not being heard of across the planet does not equal being a bad musician. There is a much more to becoming a legend of music than just making some amazing tunes. It’s mostly about being in the right place at the right time. And among those artists awaiting their breakthrough stands a Greek guitarist Constantine. Maybe his second album titled Aftermath will be a big step towards having his name written in the cards of history of Metal music.

First thing that can be said about this record is that despite an extensive use of synths it does not sound any cheesy or excessively melodic. This particularly concerns the opening instrumental composition “Bushido” which is packed with them and yet does not sound like an attempt of combining Metal music with Disco (like for instance “Crush’em” by Megadeth). The music on Aftermath is certainly very diverse. This can be proven by the third composition “Press on Regardless” and the fifth one “Holding On ‘til The End” – the way the calm, melodic parts intersperse with the aggressive heavy ones makes it one of the best compositions on the album. Another thing worth mentioning is that this album features various guest singers. The list includes Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear) and Marcel “Schmier” Schirmer (Destruction) among others, on the aforementioned “Press on Regardless” and “War and Pain” respectively.

The album incorporates many influences. Despite its overall heaviness, it  brings less progressive and technical bands to mind, such as Iron Maiden (from Paul Di’Anno era) and Iced Earth, but with a subtle touch of keys to them. It could be described as true Heavy Metal enriched with occasional melodic and synth parts. Constantine is setting his own standard. The final composition “War and Pain,” which is also a bonus track, is a perfect treat after the quality main course the whole rest of the album surely was. Tight riffs and solid beats, the beautifully sounding solo (fans of the harmonic minor scale will appreciate that one!) topped with Schmier’s powerfully evil vocals makes it a very exciting ending of the decent record.

It is incredible how much power and energy can be crammed within barely above half an hour. Some may find that not enough, but Aftermath certainly has no single bad or boring song on it. It is a quality Metal album that can be recommended to anyone who likes heaviness combined with melody and occasional catchiness. All that is left for the audience and Constantine himself is to be in the right place at the right time someday – because this album is definitely good enough to be heard by more than the 1600 people who have decided to “like” Constantine on Facebook and hopefully there is more to come.