melodic thrash metal

AMONG THESE ASHES - Embers of Elysium
Album Reviews

AMONG THESE ASHES – Embers of Elysium

December 15, 2024 Lana Teramae

Among These Ashes are a melodic power / thrash metal band from Detroit, Michigan. Their debut studio album, Dominion Enthroned (2022), a concept album inspired by current issues in modern society, was initially released independently, and rereleased later under the band’s current label, Alone Records. For their second album, Embers of Elysium (2024), they shook things up a little by having only the final four tracks (minus the bonus track) part of a concept titled, “Chronicles of the Obsidian Reign.” The first eight tracks have no relation to each other whatsoever, but they still tackle real world issues such as war, politics, and identity. Embers of Elysium was mixed and mastered by Matt Roach, the album cover was designed by Jason Cessna, and the lineup that plays on the album includes Richard Clark on guitars, Jean-Pierre Abboud on lead vocals, Dylan Hamann on guitars, Kane Bochatyn on bass guitar, and Kyle Wagner on drums. Heavy Topics and Heavy Music Once getting past the tasteful, but not necessary title track, which is basically a two minute instrumental, “Serpents Among Rats” starts up the engine and pushes the speed limit to 100. The Rob Halford screams, the ripping bass lines, and the barnstorming double kick drum work set the vibe perfectly for the dark lyrics about corrupt politics. However, there’s also lots of melody with the backing harmonies and ear candy guitar solos. “Faceless War Machines” tackles the negative impact of war and going in without mental preparation. There’s an underground vibe to it that resonates with misfits and metalheads combined. More killer bass work and excellent guitar playing. “Of One Blood” goes more in the positive route, as the lyrics encourage listeners to fight and conquer the divide. Little bit of power metal and a little bit of thrash metal. It’s …READ MORE

STEEL PROPHET - The God Machine
Album Reviews

STEEL PROPHET – The God Machine

April 21, 2019 Zac Halter

It’s been five years since Steel Prophet released Omniscient and their latest release introduces significant changes. They enlisted R. D. Liapakis (Mystic Prophecy, Devil’s Train) on vocals, songwriting, and production. The band identifies as a US Progressive Power Metal band. Though Liapakis’ broad influence makes it sound closer to the Power/Thrash Metal sound of Mystic Prophecy. Their Progressive influences occasionally are evident on slower tracks “Buried and Broken”, “Damnation Calling” and during the bridges of “Crucify” and “Fight, Kill.” Listeners who fear a vocal-favouring mix will be relieved to find restraint. One exception occurs, however, on “Buried And Broken” where the vocals are noticeably dominant.  The title track leads with adrenalizing Speed Metal ferocity. It shares similarities in lyrics and style with Nevermore’s “Poison God Machine” which isn’t bad as both songs are excellent. “Crucify” maintains the aggression but mixes in layered vocals punching up the melodic impact of the chorus. This technique is used to even greater effect during “Thrashed Relentlessly” which downshifts into Melodic Metal without sacrificing impact. “Dark Mask (Between Love And Hate)” is another quality Melodic Metal offering which bookends four high-quality early songs. The remainder of the album fails to chart above average with the exception of “Lucifer – The Devil Inside” and “Life = Love = God Machine.” Both songs bring a refreshing blast of Traditional Metal with the former laying down rapid-fire riffs reminiscent of Accept and the latter the powerful yet restrained riffs of AC/DC. The band’s record label is hyping The God Machine as a high-quality metal album that will become an instant classic among Steel Prophet’s catalogue and one of the top albums of 2019. There are indeed some high-quality songs here though probably not enough to rank it as one of the year’s best. It remains to be seen whether …READ MORE