THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(11-TRACKS)1-JUDGEMENT DAY2-CURSING AND CRYING3-TEN CRY OUT4-THE LORD WILL COME5-MARY6-PARABLE7-STAY8-ENDURE THE NIGHT9-WARRIOR ANGEL10-ENDURE THE NIGHTBIOGRAPHY:The group called "Kreyson" was founded in 1989. Their album "Andel na uteku" (Angel on the Run) was released in 1990. It was recorded in Hannover, where both Czech and English version emerged. The frontmen of the group were Ladislav Krizek and Jaroslav Barton who participated in music creation to a great extent. For the album „Andel na uteku“ the group was awarded a Gold Disc. The next Gold Disc was awarded to them for an album called „Krizaci“ (Crusaders). Kreyson was met with great success in Germany and Japan in the 1990s. Lada Krizek (Vocalist) was invited by Running Wild to record two CDs. Ladislav Krizek has been awarded 1 Diamond and 6 Gold Discs,As Founder of KREYSON, the first white (Christian) metal group from the heart of Europe.“Hailing from Czechoslovakia, Kreyson is a professional band, which could hold on its own in the Hollywood circuit or anywhere else,(8 panel fold out digipak) The Czechoslovakian group, KREYSON, was founded by Ladislav Krizek (vocalist) in 1989, and became the first Christian metal group from the heart of Europe. The group released Czech and English versions of their first two releases Andel na Uteku (Angel On the Run - 1990) and the follow up Krizaci (Crusaders - 1991). For these classic releases the group was awarded Gold Records. Both Kreyson albums released in Germany (Flame Trader) and Japan (JVC) in the 1990s. With 20 Years of Kreyson, the band headed back into the studio and re-recorded 10 of their fan favorite classic tunes for their first ever North American release! Recent triumphs from the likes of Saxon, Ross the Boss and Impellitteri further the resurgence for true metal and, on 20 Years, KREYSON proves they can still strike the irons like the 90s never happened! This disc is a full on, fist in the air assault of power chords, polished guitar solos and searing vocal harmonies! In short, this is the type of release that not only gives 80's metal purists a reason to go out and buy new music, but allows the new breed of headbangers to march forward with pride! Let 20 Years serve as an important reminder that the majestic, melodic Classic Metal sound always prevails!!! (Enhanced disc with video of Saleeme) 10 tracksAbove the inscription and logo of KREYSON: there is the Hebrew letter “TAU”, which is the last word for a letter of the Hebrew alphabet and its shape resembles to the cross before the desk with Pilate’s inscription was nailed to it. He letter “TAU” is mentioned in the Old Testament already – when in a difficult time for the people of Israel the prophet Ezekiel accepts a command from God to cross Jerusalem and with the sign of “TAU” to mark foreheads of men who sigh and moan over all the falsities that are committed in it (Ezekiel 9,3-4). Thus, “TAU” is a sign of repentance, humility and turning to God for both an individual and people. Christians soon recognized a sign of the cross in it.(http://www.holymetalrob.com)
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(11-TRACKS)1-RIVER RUNS WIDE PART I2-MONA MAE3-HEAVENLY4-SAVEYOUR SOUL5-AGE OLD STORY6-WITHOUT YOU7-TWEEK ME8-DREAM LOVE9-GUITAR MAN10-SILK & LACE11-WITH A WOMAN
SYMPHONIC SLAM-BEWARE OF DOG-2002
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(14-TRACKS)1-AGE OLD STORY2-CITY HEART3-CYCLOPS4-DREAM LOVE5-FIND THE ONE6-GUITAR MAN(Les On Vos)7-MONA MAE8-SAVE YOUR SOULS(Les On Vos)9-SILK & LACE10-THE HUNTER11-TIMOLI12-TOUCH DOWN13-WITH A WOMAN I LOVE14-WITHOUT YOU(Les On Vos)SYMPHONIC SLAM-SYMPHONIC SLAM-1976/2006(first.jpg)
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)1-UNIVERSE2-EVERYTIME3-FOLD BACK4-I WON'T CRY5-LET IT GROW6-MODANE TRAIN7-TIME RUNS SHORT8-DAYS(Instrumental)9-SUMMER RAIN10-HOW DO YOU STAND(Before The Lord)CREDIT:Timo Laine / Guitar Synthesizers, Guitar, VocalsJohn Lowery / Drums, Backing Vocals-David Stone / Keyboards,Backing Vocals
Symphonic Slam was mainly about Timo Laine (born in Finland, and moved to America as a child), and his Polyphonic Guitar Synthesizer. The rest of the band was filled out by Drummer John Lowery, and Keyboardist David Stone.Timo had been playing the club circuit for a while, but it wasn't until he relocated to Canada that things began to happen. It was there that Symphonic Slam was discovered by A&M Records. What set them apart was The $10,000 360 Systems Guitar Synthesizer prototype. This led to the release of their 1976 self-titled album.They toured, and played gigs with some of the big names of the time (Rush, The Rolling Stones, and the Village People). Soon they were asked to go to L.A. to work on a new album. Not being interested in this tack, Stone took the opportunity to defect to Rainbow.After the album was completed, A&M wasn't pleased (they wanted disco). Timo took it to Canada, and created his own label on which to release it. It had some modest success, but Laine wasn't interested in going back to L.A. to fight disco once again.Musea's 2001 re-release of the first album inspired Timo to get back on the horse. Apparently he had been working on another album for many years. "Her Fire" is supposed to be released some time in the future. He is also working on an instrumental solo project.You can hear some influences of Styx, Kansas, Wakeman, Emerson, a bit of E.L.O., and even some funk. However, this is not like most of what we consider to be the classic '70s progressive sound. Some of those qualities are woven in, and there are some lovely moments. But make no mistake, this is mid 70's rock and roll at the core. The main point of interest here is really the fact that Laine basically pioneered the synth guitar. It was a very new thing at the time.http://timolainemusic.com/home.html.
Symphonic Slam, PKA Timo Laine.Timo Laine, the groups founder has Become Known As the Father of the Guitar Synthesizer. In addition to being A Master Guitarist, Timo has applied his talents into expanding the Guitar into Guitar Synthesizer Technology. His new CD, Her Fire, reflects the long awaited results. Much earlier in Timo's career, he released an album with A&M Records worldwide. The recording ended up as being the first major guitar Synthesizer Work. The album was called "Symphonic Slam."Timo has performed with acts such as the Rolling Stones, BB King, Tina Turner, Rush, and Chuck Berry, to Name A Few.Today, on the "Her Fire" CD, Les Carlsen, Former lead Singer and Dancer For the Musical "Hair" and more recently, "Bloodgood" sings many of the Lead Vocals. He also fronts the Band In Live performance. Noe Cruz, Timo's Bass man since the early years, performs with an aggressive edge on this work. Noe replaced Jimmy Haslip, during the production of the SSII album in the eighties. Jimmy, since then, went on to form the group Yellow Jackets. Bob Winn plays the Roland V-Drums on "Her Fire". Guest artist include: Mike Meucci, Mark Vaughn, Dennis Brown, and Larry Class.For anyone interested in the older releases, Musea Records acquired the rights from Universal Records, to re-issued the first Symphonic Slam album as a cd in 2002 world wide(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(11-TRACKS)1-CASTLE IN THE SAND2-LAY IT ON THE LINE3-DON'T YOU KNOW WHAT IS LOVE4-SNAKE EYES5-ALWAYS REMEMBER6-FACE TO FACE7-MAKE UP YOUR MIND8-TOUCHED BY YOU9-HEART OF STONE10-WHAT YOU NEED11-LOVE COMES DOWNCREDITS:Wizard Rick- Hunter Martinez- GuitarsJeff Lemas -DrumsRob Bonstin -SuingerDave Scott -Bass
BIOGRAPHY:Walk The Sky is a new band that plays old-school melodic hard rock like it was made back in the 80s and they don't follow any trends. I was really surprised how good this album sounded with a bombastic production, truly an album for those that miss the good old days with bands like Dokken and Stryper.Walk The Sky makes no apologies about the kind of music they play. Lightning guitar riffs, bombastic drums, melodic vocal harmonies and driving bass abound on their debut CD. From the opening riff of “Castles in the Sand”, to the brilliant vocal harmonies on the cover of the Touch classic “Don’t You Know What Love Is”, to the fading feedback of “Love Comes Down”, they never let up with the rich guitar tone and catchy melodies.It began as the brainchild of Guitarist Rick Hunter-Martinez from the ashes of Regime and Soldier, ‘80’s bands that Rick felt “the material was just too good to forget about”. With a few gems from his previous bands and many new tunes as well, Rick and Drummer Jeff Lemas began crafting what would become this new CD. They enlisted the help of Rick’s old high school pal and studio virtuoso Tom Young, owner and president of Mohair Productions Studio. Tom says “Come on over guys and let’s make a CD!” Rob Bonstin, fresh from recording the first PRESS CD at Mohair, was then recruited for vocal duties. “I was honored to be involved”. What followed can only be described as magic. After several months of recording at Mohair, Rick and Jeff took on the dubious task of mixing these songs at Final Mix Studios with Don Budd (Strata). World renowned Mastering Engineer, Ken Lee (Queen, U2, Eric Clapton), was then brought in to put the finishing touches on the disc. Heavy, melodic, bluesy and always catchy, Walk The Sky’s music is reminiscent of West Coast commercial hard rock bands of the ‘80’s with a hint of 70’s. Dominant is Rick’s lightning guitar virtuosity in this Guitar-heavy music. Jeff’s Grums as part of the mighty rhythm section are tight and keep the engine running. Dave Scott’s versatile bass playing fits right into the mix and grooves right along with Jeff. Rob Bonstin’s Vocals are in the upper range and are always melodic with lots of harmony in the background. The lyrics are heartfelt and sincere. Hooks abound in the songs and go from heavy, shredding riffs into bluesy grooving with a few moments of clean, slow balladry. Fans of fist-in-the-air anthems and infectious melodies will not bedisappointed.Melodic/Commercial/Heavy/Hard/AOR Rock w/Lightning guitar riffs, bombastic drums, melodic vocal harmonies and driving bass abound is Walk The Sky. Their music is reminiscent of West Coast commercial hard rock bands of the 80’s, with a hint of 70’s.It began as the brainchild of Rick Hunter-Martinez from the ashes of Regime and Soldier, ˜80’s bands that Rick felt “the material was just too good to forget about”. Rick decided some songs needed to be given the full studio treatment and recruited the drum duties of his good friend Jeff Lemas. With a few gems from his previous bands and many new tunes as well, Rick and Jeff began crafting what would become this new CD. They enlisted the help of Rick’s old high school pal and studio virtuoso Tom Young, owner and president of Mohair Productions Studio. California's Walk The Sky is guitar wizard Rick Hunter-Martinez, drummer Jeff Lemas, singer Rob Bonstin and bass player Tom Young-owner/president of Mohair Productions Studio. The new CD is a self titled, financed, and produced piece of old school inspired US Hard Rock/Metal at its best. A lot of praise to the entire WTS camp! WTS's excellent singer Rob is reminiscent of Tom Malicoat(Lethal), Michael Sweet(Stryper) and Steven Patrick(Holy Soldier). Also excellent are the Great Bass lines and stunning drum sections. The guitar duties by Rick Hunter-Martinez gave me thrills.His fretboard racing, flashiness, professionalism, and over the top quality guitar shredding takes my breath away. Walk The Sky's debut album is a wonderful item, and that's a statement coming straight from my heart! Melodic all over in the vein of Lethal, Holy Soldier, Fifth Angel, Stryper, and Sacred Warrior. A bluesy touch brings some variety and that's nice! Walk The Sky's debut is a blend of genius, old school inspired US Hard Rock/Metal music full of brilliant elements. What I've heard is music that hits me real deep. Walk The Sky surprised me right away and deserve a place on top of my favourite US Hard Rock/Metal bands. An independent release with such great talent on board, it's time for some people to open up their eyes and gives these guys a fair chance signing a record deal quickly, i mean real fast. Thumbs in the air for Walk The Sky(http://www.holymetalrob.com)
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)1-ZEALOTS IN THE LAND OF NOD2-INTRIGOBONDOGO3-KARMA4-HYPER-ALTRA-AMAZING5-SUPERNATURAL6-TRINITY7-THE WATCHERS8-DIGITAL DISCIPLE9-GETAWAY10-THE WAY HOMECREDITS:Mars Alan - Vocals, Guitar ,KeysRon "Zilla" Campbell - Drums, PercussionDon Williams - Bass , B.Vocals
Monsterus are a power trio who've come up with an ambitious, sometimes byzantine, sonic amalgamation that forges a number of classic rock influences, all of it slathered with a heavy dose of hard rock muscle." Music Connection Magazine"Monsterus, has to be the most ambitious group we've come across in a long time."Modern Drummer Magazine"Monsterus reflects their faith in original compositions that fall somewhere between Alice In Chains and Pink Floyd."Guitar Player Magazine.For all practical purposes, Monsterus began in 1988, when Ron set out to assemble a band that would "change the world." "My intent was to put together what seemed, at the time, to be a paradox; a band of committed Christians that were rock & role-model material that could hold their own in the mainstream. I had no idea of just how hard that would actually be," Ron says, "But I never gave up." Simultaneously, some 3,000 miles away in Canada, Mars would begin full-time touring with a road act and Don would start an all original Christian band, based in New Orleans.Back in the U.S., after three years exhausting his local and regional music scenes, Ron decides a change of scenery might help in his vision quest, so off to Hollywood he goes. With his sights set on relocating, and joining the mass exodus of musicians already crammed into the 'city of angels', Ron spends several weeks out west networking and deciding his next move. Upon his return, Ron contacts an independent talent scout out of Orlando (instrumental in helping many signed bands locate new members) to aid him in his now international search for other musicians. After weeks of reviewing an unbelievable database of the best "Christian" musicians on the planet, Ron assembles an audition brochure/direct mail campaign, spelling out the specifics of what he is looking for, and mails it to over 1,000 prospective guitarists, vocalists and industry honchos. What was to follow were months of sorting through audition packages and holding cattle-call auditions. It was now, three years into it, when the stars would align, and unbeknownst to anyone the Monsterus embryo would be conceived.Meanwhile, in the Great White North, Mars was getting a demo together, after just coming off a grueling 3 years on the Canadian Club Circuit. Fate, they say, had Ron's brochure and Mars' demo on guitar guru, Mike Varney's (president of Shrapnel Records) desk around the same time. Varney called Ron and said his latest guitarist discovery, Mars, was just the guy he was looking for and to go pick up the latest issue of Guitar Player magazine in which Mars was being featured. "Varney thought together we could have some serious potential," Mars says, "And he was right." However, due to distance and circumstances beyond their control, the reality of hooking up seemed virtually impossible. For the next 2-1/2 years Ron would remain in contact with Mars while he completed 3 more demos. By now however, one of 999 other audition brochures had found its way on to yet another desk, that of Doug Van Pelt (Founder of HM Magazine). "Doug called me and said he had just received this package from an almost 'to good to be true' guitar player out of New Orleans named Don Williams he thought I should check out," Ron recalls, "He said this guy seemed to have it all together."Placing the call to Don, Ron instantly felt a connection and asked Don to fly up and check out this musical situation. Upon Don's arrival, he also felt the same connection and knowing that this was where he was meant to be, yet no future plans were established do in part to some upcoming pre-scheduled auditions Ron had already committed to. Don returned to New Orleans and shortly thereafter, Ron received a call from Don saying "If you want me, I've got to come now". Don packed all his belongings and began the trek north arriving in November of '92. Don moved into Ron's house and the 2 began building a 400 sq. ft. pre-production studio, still used by Monsterus today. With similar interests a lifelong friendship begins. "Our musical relationship has always been secondary" Don says, "it's never been the unifying thing." However, the two would split paths to pursue different musical interests yet remained friends, and worked together on occasion.In February of '95 through a series of events too numerous to list, Mars becomes the second mainstay in Monsterus and in May relocates to the U.S.. Together the two begin laying the groundwork for what would literally become Monsterus. By this time, Ron and Mars had become close friends with Don and decided it's time to make the long anticipated call to see if he might be interested in stepping in as the bass player for Monsterus. "I always knew I'd wind up back in the band," Don said, "We were all close friends, we all attend the church where Ron's Dad is pastor...it just made sense. You knew once we got together this is what God had intended from the beginning." Come February of 2000, Don becomes the third and final member of the now primed and growing Monsterus. Together Monsterus stands at the threshold of taking their "Spooky-Mood" music to the masses."The direction of Monsterus is definitely gonna turn some heads." Ron says, "but isn't that what rock n' roll is all about? Making a statement? Some people might think we have attitudes, but I can't help but think that's a good thing." Refusing to compromise, be pigeon-holed or follow trends...Monsterus is truly unique in a music world gone mad.For anyone out there who is a true Christian believer, but loves Heavy Metal...it's probably very hard to find a great Christian Heavy Metal album. Well...search no more. This album is killer!!! I bought this album, and I listen to it just about every other day...and I've owned it for over 6 months now. They almost sound like a cross between Rob Zombie, Nine Inch Nails...and a little something else I can't put my finger on. The guitar riffs are bad-ass! The choruses often pump you up...and the beats are heavy. These guys are the future of Christian Metal...and I think with them, not only has the standard been set, it'll be tough to beat. Praising God has never been this much fun before! (http://www.holymetalrob.com/)(http://www.myspace.com/monsterus)
THIS DEMO CONTAIN(5-TRACKS)1-BORN TO DIE2-CONVINCE YOU3-WARFARE4-WITH HIS LOVE5-BORN TO DIE(Bonus Track)ANOTHER DEMO ON 2004DEMO LIVE: CLAMS & ALL1-ROCKING WITH YOU2-WITH HIS LOVE3-GIVE YOUR LIFE4-HOW CAN I CONVINCE YOU5-IN THE NIGHT6-WAFARE7-MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE8-BORN TO DIECREDITS:Will V - VocalsDale Burton - Guitar (X-Letter 7)Justin Frear - Guitar, VocalsBrian Weldin - BassSteve Slack - DrumsFormer/past members:Jeff Braynard/Randy Michaud: -Vocals(Troglodyte Dawn)Robin Ryvord -Bass and Vo
cals
Like many bands, it could be said that Tykküs formed simply by being in the right place at the right time. However, there are those who do not believe in coincidence. The early weeks of 2003 found Justin and Steve exiting the band Next Realm with a desire to continue their musical partnership. And while the specifics were undetermined at that point, it was agreed that the project would consist of focus and truth. Within a handful of days, Justin and Dale bumped into each other while shopping with their families. Friends since a stalled band in the mid-1990's, they had kept in touch over the years, and as both were sans band, the invitation was given to meet at Steve's house and compare ideas. The chemistry was clearly still there, and the charge given to "see where it goes". Within a month's period, the music was tighter than any of them could imagine after such a short period of time. After filling the bass and vocal position, 2004 found the band playing regularly and paying their dues in the clubs around Phoenix. Over the next several months, as is the norm with many bands, personnel changed, and the threesome again found themselves needing to rely on faith to bring the appropriate personnel forward. That faith was not in vain, for God had already had His plan in place. Through a chance meeting on a Christian metal website, Justin and Randy became fast friends. Not only was Randy a vocalist, but also had vast experience within the metal scene from earlier bands on the East Coast and was a venerable encyclopedia of musical knowledge. After several weeks of careful, prayerful consideration, Randy was invited to join the band full time and fill the lead vocalist position, propelling Tykküs to the next level. But that was not the end of the plan. The latter part of 2004 found the band performing with a number of different bassists, however none seemed to be a good fit with the rest of the band. Early in 2005, the band was contacted by a guy who had seen their first ever live show nearly a year previously, and had heard the call sent out for a bassist. Enter Brian Weldin, who has chops, passion and a knack for Monty Python and Cheech & Chong dialogues. Brian was invited to join Tykküs in March, thus completing the line up(http://www.holymetalrob.com/).
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(TRACKS)1-BY FAITH2-FREEDOM3-LET ME KNOW PEACE4-THE STORY5-STAND6-HEAR MY PRAYER7-REMEMBER ME8-IRONIES 9-PATRIOT'S CALL10-THERE IS PEACECREDITS:MusiciansDavid Newell – Lead VocalsTroy Beaver – GuitarsLewis Layton – GuitarsDan Chase – KeyboardsMike Castro – BassLyle Hock - DrumsProdigal consists of six middle aged guys that love the Lord and love writing and performing rock music. The band was created on the concept of bridging the gap between old rock and new metal. In short, we wanted to write and record the type of music that we grew up with. The music is a mixture of sounds influenced by 70’s and 80’s rock bands, from Led Zeppelin to Van Halen, but with a modern Christian contemporary edge. The debut CD “STAND”, takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. From the song “Hear my Prayer”, dedicated to a small girl who lost her life in a swimming accident, to the controversial message conveyed in “Patriot’s Call”. All songs are originals, written, performed and recorded by Prodigal at “Back Creek Records” studio in Chambersburg Pennsylvania.LISTEN Today! “God loves you and He approved this message”Chambersburg,Pennsylvania based Prodigal describes itself as a “mixture of sounds influenced by seventies and eighties rock bands – from Led Zeppelin to Van Halen – but with a modern Christian contemporary edge”. After giving the groups 2006 full length debut Stand several listens, however, I feel it is necessary to go into a bit more detail. Actually, a blend of hard rock, melodic rock and AOR might be the better portrayal of what Prodigal - not to be confused with the sometimes-rock-and-sometimes-techno band of the same name from the eighties – brings to the table. Stand, for example, serves up a tasteful variety of guitar driven rock (“Freedom”, “The Story” and “Stand”), classic rock (“By Faith”, “Remember Me” and “Ironies”) and heartfelt ballads (“Let Me Know Peace” and “Hear My Prayer”). Rounding things out is the laid back rhythm and blues of “There Is Peace”. All in all, Stand might not deliver anything new or groundbreaking (and without a doubt we have heard this countless times before) but, still, all its material is well constructed and holds up under repeated play, which is testament to the strength of Prodigal’s songwriting skills. Lead vocalist David Newell, with his warm and richly textured voice, is a near dead ringer for Orphan Project frontman Shane Lankford. In other words, the guy is very, very good. The guitar work of Troy Beaver and Lewis Layton is adeptly done as well, best exhibiting their gritty (and at times bluesy) playing on “The Story” and “Freedom”. Keyboardist Dane Chase also deserves mention for providing the needed layered touch – while making occasional use of organ or a Styx-like piano – without overdoing it. “By Faith” and “Remember Me” even find him trading off with Beaver and Layton- and holding his own. Production values, on the thin and muddy side of things, represent the lone area in which Stand falls short. A certain element of big budget polish could not help but improve things here.Album opener “By Faith” brings an up-tempo classic rock sound. Standing out with its catchy hook, the song advances its distance with a trace of keyboards highlighting the backdrop (all the while intertwining with just the right amount of rhythm guitar). Guitar and keyboard solos highlight the instrumental portions of a number giving rise to a faith based message,“Freedom” moves in a bit more of a hard rock direction. The song starts to a stylish keyboard solo that gives way to a forward mix of rhythm guitar. Upholding the fixed setting for its first verse, “Freedom” transitions to an unwavering chorus focusing on the freedom one gains in Christ,The ballad “Let Me Know Peace” stands out with its commercial sensibilities. Characterized by its notable melody and tasteful use of piano, the song picks up in pace upon acquiring its second chorus when the rhythm guitar steps forward with just the right amount of edge. Very well done. “Let Me Know Peace” talks about the need for God,Up-tempo rocker “The Story” has a bit of a Daniel Band-like feel to it. The song delivers plenty of variety, opening to a church organ during its introduction before moving on to its guitar edged verse portions and layered chorus highlighted by the warm vocal flavorings of David Newell. The story in question is the story of Christ,The albums title track maintains the hard rocking direction. “Stand” amalgamates a mid-tempo blend of rhythm guitar and keyboards during its first and second verse, not gaining momentum until reaching a catchy chorus delivered in anthem-like fashion. A keyboard solo prevails over the instrumental section of a song touching upon the issue of spiritual warfare,“Hear My Prayer”, the albums second ballad, is upheld its full length by a joining of piano, string accompaniments and acoustic guitar (with occasional touches of rhythm guitar). While somewhat formula in nature and reflecting a bit too much of a CCM-ish feel for my taste, “Hear My Prayer” is well constructed and showcases a fine melody. “Hear My Prayer” proves a worshipful piece,“Remember Me” gets underway quietly only to pick up in pace as the rhythm guitar kicks in. Immediately launching into its up-tempo chorus, the song can best be describes as a quality example of classic rock with its extended instrumental break – featuring a very well done lead guitar and keyboard trade off – and lyrical direction written from the standpoint of the thief at the time of thecrucifixion,The six minute “Ironies” gives rise to some southern rock flavorings. The song is shored up by an acoustic guitar mixed with an occasionally rhythm guitar during its verse portions, a highlighting vestige of organ adding to the moving scene to bring out the best in the emotionally charged chorus that follows. Prodigal puts everything together on this one: great hook, pleasing instrumental portions and heartfelt“Patriot’s Call” starts to ringing bells followed by an acoustic guitar, the airy environs sustained as the song immediately begins to its atmospheric chorus. Once the rhythm guitar takes a hold of the mix, the song moves through its verse portions at the faster tempo as keyboards accentuate the backdrop. “Patriot’s Call” was written in tribute to those in our armed forces serving overseas: vocal performance. “Ironies” confronts the issues of faith, doubt and fear.Closing things out is “There Is Peace”, a laid back number reflecting a rhythm and blues influences with its amalgamation of acoustic guitar, piano and organ. The overall feeling conveyed is one of worship, not only musically but lyrically as well,Stand is a good Christian rock album. As previously stated, however, you will not find anything new or groundbreaking here; irregardless, Prodigal gives us ten good songs backed by top of the line lead vocals, quality musicianship and well thought out lyrics. Production remains the only area of improvement worth noting. If your musical tastes range from Resurrection Band to Petra (and everything in between) then Stand comes with a strong Recommendation(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)1-THE LAND OF FORGIVENESS2-WOULD YOU CARE TO ARGUE?3-NEW HEAVENS4-BEYOND THE GATES OF EDEN5-COURAGE6-RETURN7-SHAKESAPEAR8-IT'S ONLY SLEEP9-BELIEVE10-I WON'T GO DOWNCREDITS:Jonah Blaze- Vocals, Bass, Drums, PercussionAsa Blaze- Vocals, Guitars, KeyboardsThe mix of Heavy Guitars, Strings, And piano Brings to mind Queensryche circa the 'Empire' days and Savatage. There is some excellent atmospheric numbers intertwining the guitars and piano. "New Heavens" and "Return" showcase this point effectively. "Believe" and "I Won't Go Down" effectively close out this excellent debut CD. Worth tracking downThe CD, Beyond the Gates of Eden is good. It's got catchy tunes and the songs aren't repetivite. It's not a happy-sounding album, but it's not depressing either. It's definately worth listening to. In my opinion, the Gates of Eden are opening for them. "Beyond The Gates Of Eden" is a ten song and almost an hour of progressive rockbrought to us by the duo of brothers, Jonah Blaze(Vocals, Bass, and Drums) andAsa Blaze(Vocals, Guitars, and keyboards). The music X Of Eden offer isintelligent and classy melodic rock with progressive elements. Beyond the Gates Of Eden isn't instantly catchy but after a few listens songs like "New Heavens" and"Courage" sink in with some catchy hooks. This is the type of band that would fitcomfortably on Frontiers Records' roster. It's late eighties, early nineites hard rockat its best, minus the juvenile lyrics the peolple may be more familiar. Most of thesongs here are lengthy excursions and allow Asa and Jonah to show their musicalskills while also maintaining a song oriented environment. X Of Eden offer aspiritual journey into their world and fans of classy melodic rock like Crown OfThorns, Millenium,etc.will find X Of Eden enjoyable.Fans of power and progressive metal have cause to rejoice with the release of Beyond the Gates of Eden from X of Eden. The group, made up of Asa Blaze onVocals, Keyboards, Guitars and Jonah Blaze on Vocals, Bass Guitars, Drums, putstogether a feast of melodic metal that is full or power chords and progressive Elements. If that was not enough, the band mixes in classical elements like Piano and Keyboards to provide even more atmosphere. The band has definite Iron Maiden andQueensryche influences streaming throughout the music. The guitars rage withprecision and skill on this release. The hooks are very interesting and grab the listeners attention. Once hooked in, the guitar onslaught continues with some excellentchords throughout the music. Piano parts are mixed in to give the music some variety.While most bands cant pull that off X of Eden does it with expertise. Their training inclassical music is very noticable. The fusion of hard rock with classical music makesfor a very satisfying listen. Keyboards make bridging from one track to the next seemalmost seamless. The chops and crunch that guitar fans appreciate is handled verywell by the combination of lead and rhythm guitars. The ability to move at a franticpace and then slow down to almost doomy piano parts and then back up to full steamgets the listener into the music. The band takes creating music as a serious task and does not disappoint. The guitars are backed up by drums that fit very nicely into thescheme of the music. They are not too loud nor do they get pushed into the background. It is rare to find drums that are done well on independent releases butthis release is not an ordinary indie release. Production is well thought out and donewith a lot of care. Piano meshes well with guitar and neither is louder than it shouldbe. Vocals fit well over top of the music and the harmony of the chorus parts arevery satisfying. There is a departure from the power chords to classical vocals andpiano parts. Some may think this is strange and out of place but it fits the mood X of Eden is working up to. The nearest comparison might be Saviour Machine with themood building elements. Vocally both members of the band contribute to the tracks.The trade-off between the vocalists is interesting and their voices compliment eachother very well. Both have the energy to front a metal band. The chorus parts arevery catchy and provide listeners with some memorable listens. Lyrically the bandtalks about Gods grace to man, not following the right path on the journey of life, andhaving courage to stand up to the problems of life. Songs on the album include TheLand Of Fugitiveness,"Would You Care To Argue?",And "New Heavens", Beyond The Gates Of Eden, Courage, Return, Shakespeare, It's Only Sleep, Believe and I Won'tGo Down. X of Eden has here one of the most interesting releses of the year andwith it the talent to make some big noise on the metal scene. Beyond the Gates ofEden is an excellent release and should stand the test of time because of strong song-writing, excellent guitars, big chorus parts and energetic vocals.Fans of melodicmetal will want to get this release and indulge in the good music. Copies of the albumare available at http://www.xofeden.net as well as sound samples. A classic releasefrom a band that shows it is not only interested in writing good Songs but makingmusic that is appealing to all metal fans(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)
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