Innosense-Outcast CD review

 Innosense-Outcast CD (Steel Gallery Records)

It is so pleasant to follow a band since its beginning and witness its noticeable innovation.
The readers of Magic Starlight zine will definitely remember the review on Innosense’s demo CD that came out three years ago.
Their debut is a wonderful highlight of melodic Progressive Metal, so refreshing, modern and emotional that will definitely satisfy even the most demanding fan of the genre.

The band features one of my picks in vocals over the last years; I have said it before and will repeat it again: Vasilis Georgiou is one of the finest Prog vocalists that appeared in Greece, gifted with a sentimental voice in the vein of Roy Khan, something that add quality and expression in every band he participates in (he is also the singer in Black Fate, check out the review of their debut HERE). The band combined the dark vibes of the music with powerful parts, while the rhythm breaks and the catchy choruses showcases the bright road that that band is ready to follow

Just listen to the brilliant songs “Mystify”, “Release” and the unique ballad “Seasons Of Oblivion” in order to feel the passionate vocal lines, along with the wonderful music. All other seven tracks are so enjoyable, that leave me with no alternative than to name “Outcast” as the highlight debut of the year!

This is how sentimental Progressive Metal should be performed. I an sure that this CD will find its place in every discography that hosts some of the finest works of the genre.
Well done guys for forcing me to say: this is only the beginning of a bright band!

You can order the album through Steel Gallery Records.
Band’s facebook group

Dimitris Starakis

Until Rain - Pandemic EP review

Until Rain - Pandemic EP (Steel Gallery Records)

Now this is a band full of talented youngsters! “Pandemic” is the band’s second release, following their debut “The Reign Of Dreams” that came out a couple of years ago and it showcases the high potential that this band showcases!  Having already a new singer (Yiannis Papadopoulos) and bass player (Bill Gagavouzis) on the camp, they demonstrate their huge talent with an EP that delivers wonderful Progressive Metal, based on brilliant keyboard and piano lines by a wonderful performer named Lefteris Germenlis.
The band was formed in 2004, in Thessaloniki, Greece, by 14-year old schoolmates, Orestis Fikos (ex-Bassist), Lefteris Germenlis (Keyboardist) and Alex Hughes (Drummer). The band’s first name was “Delirium” and in September 2006 they recorded their first demo entitled ‘Season IX’. A few months later, a second demo, entitled ‘Hopes Forever’ was also released and two years later. Τhe band changed its name to “Until Rain” and released its debut CD. Two year after its release, we now witness a huge progression in the band’s ability to compose magnificent songs! The self-titled track that opens the EP is bombastic and powerful, but the real thrill comes with the astonishing, brilliant track titled “In A State Of Great Depression”! This particular song is a masterpiece, with one of the most wonderful choruses and intelligent musical combinations that I’ve listened to lately and proves that Until Rain have entered the right path that leads to worldwide recognition. “Pictures Of The Past” follows and it is equally brilliant, with sentimental vocal lines, brilliant riffs and catchy melodies, while the whole atmosphere is so intense!
The listener can also listen to two radio edits of the songs “Pandemic” and “Departure”, while the EP features also an acoustic version of the highlight song “Adaptability” (originally featured on the debut CD).
Until Rain really filled me with enthusiasm and I am already anticipating their next effort!
You can purchase pandemic through Steel Gallery Records.
 Band’s mySpace profile

Dimitris Starakis