Melodic Metal – Page 15 – Metal Express Radio

REXORIA – Queen Of Light

January 22, 2018 Zac Halter

Sweden’s Rexoria describes their music as Folk influenced Melodic Hard Rock with powerful female vocals, burning guitar riffs and blasting drums. Unfortunately Queen Of Light, the quartet’s first full length album, isn’t always powerful, burning, or blasting. The muted mix of the rhythm section stifles the bass and drums forcing the guitar and vocalist to carry the album. Also, the songwriting lacks variety and complexity. Ten 4-6 minute songs follow an unfortunate atmospheric intro and feature mid-tempo or slower pacing resulting in little differentiation between them. The songs contain decent musical ideas which are, for the most part, well performed vocally and instrumentally but are overstretched. When the band adds some depth with keyboard and background vocal harmonies, the results are highlight tracks such as the inspirational title track, “Queen Of Light”, and the lilting, “Voice Of Heaven”. Unfortunately, the band employs these touches sparingly and are often underrepresented in the mix. Other highlights are “My Spirit Will Run Free” which has a vibe similar to Hammerfall’s “Crimson Thunder” and “Way To Die” which features both mid and up tempo riffs and a catchy chorus. Unfortunately, the latter song pushes the vocalist, who is solid throughout the album, out of her range from too low to a cringe-worthy scream. While Queen Of Light could’ve benefited from some editing and better differentiation between songs, it is a solid debut effort which highlights a band with excellent potential. Recommended for fans who like their Melodic Metal with a dash of Folk. TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!! Tracklist The Land In Between Stranded Queen of Light Voice of Heaven Way To Die Song By The Angels Next Generation The Saviour Hurricane My Spirit Members Frida Ohlin: …READ MORE

TRAGEDIAN – Unholy Divine

December 10, 2017 Zac Halter

Tragedian’s self-described Melodic Power Speed Metal “…combines musical virtuosity, speed, heaviness and melodic elements within a variable format.” The Hamburg band’s third album since forming in 2002 delivers all these elements but fails to combine them into a coherent and listenable whole. An unfortunate mix bulldozes the musical virtuosity and melody under a crush of bass guitar, bass drums and atmospheric keyboards. A one-dimensional vocal performance wears thin over the 11 song album. The album’s lead track “The Devil Calls You” kicks off with a deep spooky keyboard intro later joined by a great guitar riff. Once the overpowering bass guitar and drums kick in the song becomes a mud fight featuring a monotone vocalist with a penchant for vibrato battling for space with a respectable guitarist. This pattern repeats for the next ten songs. The moments when the keyboards are backed off during guitar solos provide the best listening. Songs such as “Over The Edge” and “Casting Shadows” are two such songs. The clumsy production is especially noticeable as the guitar fades out at the end of these solos. Unholy Divine suffers from monotonous vocals combined with a heavy-handed mix creating a bludgeoning din burying any melody. It’s clear Tragedian didn’t set out to write a tragedy as the name implies, but that’s what happened. There are solid Melodic Power Speed Metal songs on this album. The tragedy is, you can’t hear them. TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

ETERNAL FLIGHT – Retrofuture

November 27, 2017 Zac Halter

It’s safe to say France’s Eternal Flight is Gérard Fois’ band. Active since 2001, Fois wrote, produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered the band’s fourth album Retrofuture. The sound is self-described as a powerful and clear mixture of Judas Priest, Savatage, Deep Purple, Dream Theater, Opeth and Nevermore which is melodic, catchy, and interesting. Fois delivers, as promised, a powerful and clear sound. Would you expect a vocalist mixing his own album to feature himself prominently? You are correct! Fois’ vocals are clearly heard on all tracks. This isn’t a bad thing. He’s a decent vocalist similar to Warrel Dane of Nevermore/Sanctuary but less gritty. Fortunately, he doesn’t highlight his vocals at the expense of the rest of the band; he maintains a quality punch of drums and bass. Good examples are the pounding rhythms of “Angels Of Violence” and “Machine God”. The guitar work is generally average. Occasionally, there are interesting bursts of virtuosity such as the intricate solo near the end of “The Journey”. While Retrofuture’s songs feature melodic and structure elements of Progressive Power Metal, the consistent delivery of catchy songs proves elusive. Fois often chooses a slow, deliberate vocal delivery which the listener easily understands but tends to sap any sense of urgency in the lyrics. Good examples of this are the lead trio, “Poison”, “Retrofuture”, and “Danger Calling”. When Fois sings naturally such as in “Labyrinth” or “The Journey”, or with a mixed cadence as in “Succubus”, he achieves better results. Retrofuture succeeds in presenting a clear and powerful Progressive Power Metal sound but falls short on a consistent delivery of songs with memorable hooks. Recommended for current fans of the band and curious fans of the genre. TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS …READ MORE

THE DARK ELEMENT – The Dark Element

November 14, 2017 Maxxxwell Carlisle

Marking the metal oriented return of former Nightwish vocalist Anette Olzon, The Dark Element is a well-produced debut album carefully calculated to appeal to female-fronted Power Metal fans. All of the ingredients that the genre demands are well represented here. Lush, layered choruses, melodic vocal lines, subtle keyboard pads and synth elements, and classic Power Metal drum and guitar work, all come together nicely to make this release a listenable and enjoyable Melodic Power Metal debut. Featuring accessible song structures and a sound that leans to the heavier side of Melodic Power Metal, The Dark Element has a number of standout tracks like “The Ghost And The Reaper”, and “Dead To Me”. There are also some more synth leaning tracks which are not dissimilar to the style of Battle Beast or Beast In Black. This style is very noticeable on the opening track “The Dark Element” and the mid-album “Halo”. Overall, this is an excellently produced debut Power Metal release that draws from the most successful and popular, current female-fronted metal acts. If there’s anything negative about the release, it could simply be that the formulaic strategy is so carefully followed that it could seem lacking in passion and genuine enthusiasm. There is also the strong melodic element which may not be embraced by fans of heavier styles. However, all things considered, this is a difficult album to find fault with, and could serve as a not-so-guilty pleasure for even the most elitist Progressive Thrash fans. TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

BABYLON A.D. – Revelation Highway

November 13, 2017 Zac Halter

Formed in 1987, Babylon A.D. is a cohesive unit as all original members of this five-piece unit are still together. The San Francisco, California, band have longevity but aren’t prolific as they have released just their fourth studio album Revelation Highway in 30 years. The band shares the album is “…10 tracks of energetic classic hard rock…sure to please fans of the band’s classic early material.” It delivers mixed results with some difficulty both in energy and capturing the spirit of the band’s late ‘80’s and early 90’s vibe. The band seems to be trying too hard to be something it’s not on the first half of the album. The opening track “Crash And Burn” has a decent riff, but the lyrics are a ridiculous blend of Hair Metal lyrics culminating with the illogical “…I could see that cop car siren screaming…” While “Fool On Fire” is much better lyrically, poor mixing buries the melody. “Tears” finally gives the listener a glimpse of the band’s strength; stripped down power riffs and vocals comfortably within range but the pleading chorus is off-putting after the first repetition. “She Likes To Give It” closes the first half of the album with a vocal performance forced far outside the vocalist’s comfort zone and mixed far too hot. Perhaps by this point only true fans will be listening and they’ll be rewarded with the next five songs which sound like the band is in their comfort zone. The songs have an 80’s Metal feel about them, and that’s what fans are seeking from a Babylon A.D. album. “I’m No Good For You” is a classic blend of cliché lyrics and powerful riffs as easy to slip on as a worn leather jacket. “Saturday Night” and “Don’t Tell Me Tonight” close out the album transporting you …READ MORE

APPICE – Sinister

October 30, 2017 Zac Halter

If you were waiting to hear the powerhouse drumming of both Carmine and Vinny Appice on a studio album, your wait is over. The brothers Appice squeezed into their busy schedules an album Vinny says reflects their long history in the music business. The brothers call Sinister “a great-sounding, spine-shaking rhythmic foundation, along with big giant melodic guitars from hell, and on top blazing vocals and melodies that will tear it all up!” The album is masterfully mixed and sounds great. The drums are delivered thunderously without sacrificing guitar punch or burying the vocals. Unfortunately, the vocals and melodies of most songs couldn’t tear their way out of a paper bag. The brothers employ a half dozen vocalists but none are impressive. To be fair, the material didn’t give them or the rest of the veteran musicians much to work with. The title track opens the album like a prat fall down the stairs, over the couch and through the coffee table. It’s a stumbling, disjointed mess of guitars, drums, and repetitive lyrics which can’t decide what tempo it will be played. Ultimately, the song loses so much direction it’s mercifully faded out. The next song, “Monsters and Heroes”, is easily the best. It’s an up-tempo ode to Ronnie James Dio with a hooking riff and lyrics which will challenge you to pick out all the Dio song references. “Killing Floor” follows with a beefy riff to start but quickly becomes repetitive and fails to hook. The remaining songs follow the same pattern. While Sinister’s drum-centric mix is a refreshing change from the usual formulaic Melodic Metal sound, the song writing is too weak to recommend this album as anything but a curiosity. TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST …READ MORE

MARC VANDERBERG – Highway Demon

September 20, 2017 Zac Halter

Germany’s Marc Vanderberg has released his second album of Melodic Metal. Stylistically, Vanderberg’s guitar sound and noodling style is reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen. Remove the guitar solos out of the songs and there’s little else to get excited about. Song structures are basic; there’s not a whole lot of complexity happening in the ten songs offered up here. Lyrical content is formulaic featuring songs about cars, relationships and relationships with cars. With rare exception, most songs are either mid-tempo or plodding. The mix favors the vocals and guitar at the expense of the bass guitar and drums. Fortunately, the vocals provide a respectable Melodic Metal crooning that is up to the challenge of battling it out with the capable guitar work. The keyboard work is largely atmospheric and does a good job of filling out the songs. Unlike most albums that start with their best material up front, this album starts weak but ends strong. The second song, “Blue Eyes”, is the highlight of the first half of the album. It has a catchy riff that is just good enough to overcome the weak lyrical content. By the sixth track, “Indispensable”, the lyrical vapidity may overcome your patience. Saccharine sweet lyrics like “…you are the one who makes me smile…” are tough to take. While the lyrics of the next two songs “You’re Like Poison” and “When I Turn The Key” are cliché, the guitar riffs and hooks make them enjoyable. The next to last and best song on the album is “The Final Chapter”. A song where Vanderberg combines tempo changes, hook-laden riffing, and a catchy chorus. The album ends with a spirited instrumental romp “Total Eclipse”. Highway Demon is not a strong enough album to recommend to casual Melodic Metal fans. Vanderberg has obvious guitar skills that will …READ MORE

MASTERPLAN – PumpKings

August 16, 2017 Zac Halter

When a band re-records their music the potential for disappointment increases. Fans don’t like their favorite songs disturbed; it takes an inspired performance to shift their preference. Masterplan’s PumpKings features reworked versions of Helloween songs with credits by guitarist Roland Grapow. Grapow states, “…new versions of the songs are heavier…” and feature “…different vocals and overall more rough attitude…”. Grapow’s enthusiasm for the album is evident in his inspired guitar performance. His riffs and solos are indeed heavy and rough which are highlights. Unfortunately, Rick Altzi’s vocals are not a good fit. His vibrato-laden rasp is better suited for songs of grit and anger. The mix is guitar-centric (surprise!) with prominent vocals and drums. It’s an average production, if not for the egregious ear-piercing sound effects in the intros for “Someone’s Crying”, “Mankind”, “Still We Go”, “The Time Of The Oath” and “The Dark Ride”. The listener may scramble for the mute button on these numbers. A Metal album should never induce a listener to turn the volume down. There moments of reprieve in which guitar, vocals, and mix create a horns-up experience. “The Chance” sets the bar a little high with an excellent up-tempo bite and urgency coupled with an unhinged guitar solo. Afterward, the album remains mired in underachievement until the closing “Take Me Home” which elicits Hair Metal groove and swagger rewarding the listener for an arduous journey through the badlands. Grapow, no doubt, had fun revisiting the songs, however, the result struggles towards average and ultimately comes up short. It’s not recommended for a first-time Masterplan experience but fans of Helloween may find the fresh take on the 90s-era songs interesting. TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

ABSOLVA – Defiance

July 31, 2017 Zac Halter

Defiance, a double album, is the latest release from Absolva, a band with a strong pedigree: Chris Appleton, Guitar & Lead Vocals (Iced Earth), Luke Appleton, Guitar & Backing Vocals (Blaze Bayley), Martin Mcnee, Drums (Blaze Bayley), and Karl Schramm, Bass & Backing Vocals (Blaze Bayley). Their sound falls solidly in line with their professional experience and cited influences such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saxon, Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Dio, Accept, and Thin Lizzy. Disc One features all new studio content and Disc Two contains a mix of live recordings and studio tracks consisting mostly of new acoustic versions of songs from earlier in the band’s career. The mix on Disc One is heavy on vocals, and the drums lack bass and have a hollow-sounding snare which struggle to propel the band. Disc Two features live tracks with a lighter mix on the vocals but repeats the drum issue. The vocals on acoustic tracks are so hot it’s often painful at high volume. The band shares that the album has insanely catchy choruses, an unmistakable lead vocal, and expressive, passionate, and viciously fast guitar work. The first half of Defiance Disc One admirably lives up to the marketing. “Rise Again” comes closest to the ideal with up-tempo pacing mixed with mid-tempo bridges, high speed guitar shredding, and a hook-laden chorus. Absolva is at its best when mixing tempos in songs as “Life On The Edge”, “Alarms”, and “Life And Death”. The second half of Disc One struggles to meet the ideal. “Connections” has an acoustic, keyboard, and vocal intro which lingers for five minutes before the plug is mercifully pulled. “Reflection” attempts to create an epic sound but is derailed by awkward lyrics sung with syllables drawn out to distracting lengths. Disc Two is a curiosity recommended for serious fans …READ MORE

INSATIA – Phoenix Aflame

July 5, 2017 Zac Halter

Recall Lene Nystrøm’s vocals of the Dance-Pop group, Aqua, and imagine her fronting a Melodic/Power Metal band; then you’ll have a solid idea of the experience of listening to Insatia’s sophomore release Phoenix Aflame. Perhaps, a comparison to “Barbie Girl” is too much, but Zoë Federoff’s lead vocals are so thin it’s difficult for her to put any power into Insatia’s Power Metal. Many bands start an album with a short instrumental to set the mood. Though one doesn’t find bands starting an album with a tension building intro track complete with lyrics and the cryptic statement “…welcome back to the land of living…”, only to follow with songs that lose every ounce of momentum gained. The four following songs contain insipid lyrics and overly simplistic melodies, repeat choruses ad nauseum, and often mix it into a wall of sludge. Nowhere is the sludge effect more evident than in “Sacred” where keyboards, string accents, and layered guitars are combined in a mudslide of sound. Albeit a pretty average song, the album’s highlight is the title track “Phoenix Aflame”. The chorus isn’t too offensive, the band lets the guitar out to play a bit, and the mix is open. Not surprisingly, the band sounds better on the ballad “Not My God” and the Folk-sy “Velvet Road”, which are a better fit for Federoff’s vocals. There isn’t enough fire in Phoenix Aflame to overcome the album’s soggy mix, and the band’s songs aren’t good enough to distract the listener from Federoff’s deficiencies. TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!