Livesay - Awaken The Giant CD review

Livesay - Awaken The Giant CD (Shredguy Records)

Now this was the big surprise of 2010! I am familiar with Livesay’s previous releases, beginning from the album “Under The Table“ (released on tape format) until the “Darkest Hour” CD. To be honest, Gregg’s albums were missing some grandiose tunes that would establish him as an important composer. But in “Awaken The Giant” things have rapidly changed. A spectacular CD indeed, featuring 8 songs that will definitely satisfy every fan of guitar-driven Hard Rock/Metal music. Gregg delivers two amazing instrumental tracks on the album entitled “Aphasia” and “Dance Of the Egyptian King” and showcases his devotion to Neoclassical Metal music, combined with many eastern influences. It is pure pleasure to listen to such a fine guitarist, in times where virtuosos are still handled as “egomaniacs” from some narrow-minded critics and fans.
Including songs like the bombastic “Tower Of Silence” with a storming riff that bursts into the song and transforms it to a metallic hymn, the splendid  tribute to the unforgettable eastern-influenced tracks “Flesh & Blood”, to the ABSOLUTE Mega Opus titled “The Agonist” (a 12-minute hymn which fairly earns the title of the “Song Of The Year”!), Livesay’s latest effort should receive worldwide success. Featuring singer Dean Sternberg(ex Into Eternity, Toby Knapp) which does a fine job, the band shouts that qualitative and inspiring Metal music is not dead! My enthusiasm is surely intense, since I feel so pleased to listen to this CD again and again!
I believe that “Awaken The Giant” is by far the heaviest and most wonderful Livesay release and I hope that Gregg will continue to compose songs in this very favorite style of mine.
Do not neglect this CD by any means. It is one of the greatest albums of 2010 and a resurrection of a band that has a lot to contribute to the scene! You can buy the album here. Livesay’s mySpace and facebook page.
Dimitris Starakis

Fortress Under Siege – Promo 2010 review

Fortress Under Siege – Promo 2010
 

Now this is an important resurrection for all those nostalgic fans of Greek Power/Progressive Metal. Fortress under Siege are back with a new album, after 18 inactive years! For those who are not familiar with the band’s history, I must remind to all that they formed back in 1992 by Fotis Sotirpoulos (Guitars) and John Vasilakis (Guitars) after the split up of Gladiators (another legendary and qualitative Power metal band that never had a proper release). With the addition of Michael Smeros in vocals and Nick Dedes behind the drum kit, FUS invited bassist Aris Matheakakis and started recordings for their debut EP, which originally came out on tape format, but later released in 1996 as a self-titled mini CD from Metal Mad Music. In the meantime, Vangelis Xatziandreou (Bass) and George Georgiou (Keyboards) joined the band and gave several live performances.
Although inactive since 199,8 FUS continue composing and finally reunited in 2009, with the addition of drummer Spiros Zenebisis on October 2010.
The band released a three-track promo that gives a brief example from their 10-track new CD and they currently searching for a record deal. Their newest creations are sentimental, Power?Progressive Metal samples of their creativity and it’s so wonderful to realise that their talent remain unchanged.
“Deeds Of All Disgrace” begins with a melodic intro, followed by a storming change, while Smeros’ vocals are powerful and melodic, a distinctive trademark that characterize the band. “My Foulest Sin” combines the basic keyboard melody with a fast-paced rhythm section and is quite inspirational, while “Gods Of War” is the heaviest track of all, with grandiose chorus and majestic, pompous parts and wonderful guitar leads.
Currently (December 2010), FUS have finished recording and mixing of their new album.
Some other indicative song names are: , "The Mortal Flesh Of Love", "Gods Of War", "Alexander", "Last Temptation" and "Night Caress".
I believe that every fan of good Power/Prog Metal music should welcome Fortress Under Siege back and encourage them to release soon their comeback CD!  They surely don't deserve getting a bad press, having such wonderful songs! Contact the band: FORTRESS UNDER SIEGE, c/o Ioannis Nikolakopoulos, P.O. Box 29 , GR 19300, Aspropyrgos Attikis, Greece. 
E-mail: fortressundersiege@gmail.com
Band’s Reverb Nation page: http://www.reverbnation.com/fortressundersiege
Dimitris Starakis

Artizan – s/t EP review

Artizan – s/t EP (independent release)

To be honest, this EP can sum up a whole theory on modern Metal music: Minimalistic approach can be intuitive yet refreshing. It’s so encouraging for  the listeners to enjoy three wonderful musical creations of melodic and pompous Power Metal. Artizan showed the world their “manifest”. Drummer Ty Tammeus and vocalist Tom braden, known from their participation in the renowned US Prog metal band Leviathan (during their first EP and Deepest Secrets Beneath” days) really establishes the band’s reputation. Artizan may not follow a definite Progressive route on their musical approach, but focus on catchy songwriting with strong memorable vocal line and riffs. The result is wonderful and all three songs are a pleasure to listen to. Tom’s vocals are strong and contain that distinctive tone that usually follows the guitar line and makes the band’s sound much more solid and focused. I also have to give credit to Jim Morris and his splendid production; the band recorded the song at t Vision Sound, Orange Park, Florida and the mastering was done at Morrisound Studios, Tampa, Florida, USA, so they definitely picked the right option.
The good news also is that the band signed a contract with Pure Steel Records and their debut album is expected to be release in early 2011. So, you can buy their debut EP via their website or via iTunes instead of waiting for the first full-length and really enjoy an extremely promising US metal band!

Dimitris Starakis

Matthew Mills - The Neoclassical Journey Remastered 2010 CD review

Matthew Mills - The Neoclassical Journey Remastered 2010 CD (Matt Mills Music)

One thing crossed my mind when I got Matthew's fifth solo CD in my hands: "Good to have you back, Man!". For all of us who cannot attend Matthew's shows and guitar clinics, his albums prove that Neoclassical Metal still has some loyal and talented "servants". After I listened to "The Neoclassical Journey", I believe that probably is his best solo effort. The talented virtuoso contributes his finest guitar work in splendid songs like the opener "Thoughts Of Time", which once again highlights his favorite songwriting style: strong, catchy and melodic riffs combined with astonishing guitar cadenzas that established his reputation over the years. "Dark Matter part 2" is deeply emotional, sentimental and European-flavored song, with strong Baroque influences. Matthew reaches the limits of his performance and always tries to set new standards for his favorite musical style. Its difficult to follow a Neoclassical Metal path without being repetitive but Matthew proves this opinion wrong. Just listen to the song "Night Time": Melody and atmosphere combine smoothly and the result is wonderful. For all the above reasons, I cannot stop listening to Matthew's musical creations, even though I am not a guitarist, so that means a lot. 
"The Neoclassical Journey features also two guest appearances: David Shankle (DSG, ex-Manowar) contributes two solos on "Dragon's Fire", while Joe Stump delivers his distinguishable guitar solo in the song "Fire Storm". For all arpeggio fanatics, the closing track of the CD, "Arpeggio Travel part 3" ends Matthew's "arpeggio trilogy" that began in his second album titled "Neoclassical Rock guitar" delivers his insane performance and makes everyone ask for more! "The Neoclassical Journey" is  a highlight of modern Neoclassical Metal, proving that the genre still stands strong. You can buy the album through guitar9.com or digitally download it via iTunes.  Matthew Mill's official web-site

Dimitris Starakis

Arryan Path – Terra incognita CD (Pitch Black Records) CD review

Arryan Path – Terra Incognita CD (Pitch Black Records)

I’ve been following Arryan Path’s career since its early stages and I was fortunate to receive their newest album which should be already considered as the band’s highlight. At the same time, I was curious to find out why this band chose this particular name and I asked the singer of the band, Nicholas Leptos, if the band is connected to any racial segregation theories. Nicholas replied back to me immediately, assuring me that Arryan Path has nothing to do with hate doctrines. I was satisfied to know this, since Magic Starlight ’zine is not associated with extremists and does not support racial hate at all.
“Terra Incognita” begins with one of the finest songs ever composed by the band. “Cassiopeia” is a solid and uplifting Power metal tune, featuring, along with Nicholas’ splendid vocal performance, Vagelis Maranis of Sanvoisen fame! The “vocal duel” is a remarkable effort and really places Cassiopeia among the greatest songs that were released in 2010! The album was recorded and mixed at Maranis Studios in Germany and the band manage to feature Vagelis in the song, while they also gave us the opportunity to realize that he is always in great vocal shape.
    Another favorite of mine is “Open Season”: majestic and triumphant, with wonderful chorus, full of glorious emotion, it definitely brings to mind the finest moments of US Power Metal! The self-titled song of the CD incorporates folk elements of Eastern and Greek music, with the outcome being refreshing and interesting. Moreover, it reflects the intention of the band for broaden mind inspirations and experimentation, something which will not keep them stagnant. “Ishtar” is another pick of “Terra Incognita”, with the Eastern music influences being dominant once again. Some other favorite songs of mine are “Elegy” (melodic, vividly emotional and atmospheric again), “Angel With No Destination” (check out the galloping chorus) and “The Mind” (catchy guitar riff and overall a more simplistic song, yet the same interesting as the others). Every time I listen to an album from the beginning to the end without a single pause or skip, I know it’s a good one. Definitely the best effort from the Cypriots…till the next one (this is a prediction, guys don’t let me down)! Order the CD from their label’s website. Band’s mySpace profile:
Dimitris Starakis

RagenHeart – S/t CD review

RagenHeart – S/t CD (Metal On Metal Records)

Yes, it’s been already almost 4 years since the release of the band’s first demo release titled “In The Name Of God” and time has finally come for this superb band to release its first album. I always distinguish RagenHeart from the average Power Metal bands since they have something special that I really cannot describe it completely. I think it has to do with their music attitude in composing songs that stress emotion, melody and lyricism. Their self-titled debut now prepares the ground for a great career, if they overpass the obstacles that a newcomer band faces in today’s music industry (lack of sources to fund their recordings, poor distribution and a few more). I was from the very beginning obsessed with John Koroneo’s voice: touching, expressive and melodic, plays an important role in the band’s musical structure, while Angel’s fire-blazing guitar work is the band’s trademark. Moreover, RagenHeart compositions ranked them among Greece’s brightest hopes. The album includes re-recorded versions of the tracks featured in their brilliant demo, but also new songs like the opener “Illusion Of Life”, which prepares the ground for the rest of the album. The Eastern music - influenced intro “Winds From The East” and the majestic “Talos” showcase the quality that the Athenian quintet has. “Black Gold” is the darkest RageHeart song and will satisfy the fans that want them with a stronger edge. I also loved the re-recorded songs since the production is better, as expected, with the needed clear and powerful sound. It is really encouraging for the fans not to witness and dull or weak song in a debut, so this is the greatest advantage of this album!

Allow me to feel overwhelmed by the song “Here I Am”. I am pretty sure that if this power ballad was released during the 80’s, it would surely become a huge success. Almost no band can capture the shivering feeling that such a song creates to the listener and I really cannot stop praising this divine musical composition. You should definitely check it for yourselves, since the band rearranged the song and added also a powerful break near its end.

RagenHeart raised our expectations by releasing such a debut. I wish that their follow-up will be out soon. The genre needs bands like this, the brightest hope of the Greek Metal scene.

You can buy RagenHeart’s debut via paypal.com through Metal On Metal's shop. It comes in two editions: Regular CD case and Special Tin Case Edition. Special tin case Edition includes 2 exclusive photos, plus the booklets of the normal case edition CD, Price for regular case is 14 Euro and Special Tin Case Edition costs 18.50 Euro (all above prices include postage + shipping rates worldwide). Here's the link: http://www.metal-on-metal.com/shop.html. Band’s official website and mySpace profile.

Dimitris Starakis

Fibonacci Sequence – Numerology CD review

Fibonacci Sequence – Numerology CD (Fibonacci music / Independent Release)

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144…..well, you are not reading my futile attemps to write a code or turn Magic Starlight ‘zine into a host for math lovers (well, also math lovers are still welcome here!). What you have just read is the Fibonacci Sequence. Now what is this sequence? Let’s see what Wikipedia tells us about: “By definition, the first two Fibonacci numbers are 0 and 1, and each subsequent number is the sum of the previous two. The Fibonacci sequence is named after Leonardo of Pisa, who was known as Fibonacci (a contraction of filius Bonaccio, "son of Bonaccio"). Fibonacci's 1202 book “Liber Abaci” introduced the sequence to Western European mathematics, although the sequence had been previously described in Indian mathematics”.

So now you got the definition of Fibonacci’s sequence, since you already know the band from Milwaukee, WI that quite amazed me, after listening to their first ever release titled “We Three Kings”. I recently received their debut full-length album titled “Numerology” and since then it is once again my pick when I want to enjoy music that stimulates the soul.

10 instrumental songs cause the desired tension to the mind, which prepares the ground for objective judgement. That is what Socrates believed, so if we accept his opinion, then “Numerology” can act as the gadfly that will upset the status quo in your brain and make you realize that music without vocals is quite expressive and creative. It is really hard to pick up a certain favorite from the album. “Primrose Path” has the most versatile change in a song, from acoustic, groovy style to mystical eastern paths, followed by a sentimental piano solo that makes the song grandiose. “Work In Progress” has brilliant electric guitar and bass work, while acoustic parts and keyboard solos combine so smoothly. “Catlord” can easily become one of the finest and heaviest “hits” of the band. “Io” closes the album with its atmospheric intro and the guitar riffs and solos expresses intensively the word “farewell”. Yes, “Numerology” is a fine piece of art, destined to become an instant classic. I feel so lucky that I have expressed a concern for the band some months ago and believe me, I have already became a fan of their talent. I am sure that you will do the same. Last but not least: “Music without vocals carries the same passion and magic, just let the gadfly free in your mind”. You can (or should I say must?) order the cd through CDbaby or download it via iTunes. Band’s Facebook and mySpace page.

Dimitris Starakis

Innosense's new song, "Revolution Rise"

Innosense,the great Prog band from Larissa, Greece, uploaded a new track titled "Revolution Rise", which is taken from their forthcoming album. Good job guys!

We miss you so much Ronnie James Dio...

Our hearts bleed today...we miss our hero, our light in the black, our Dreamer...from now on, our life will never be the same again...I wish my baby daughter will be inspired from your lyrics Ronnie. You are now immortal and we all Fools want to sail away with you...

Your Greek follower, Dimitris

OSV - Chapter Three CD review

OSV – Chapter Three CD (Independent Release) 

The long-awaited third strike from this highly-talented project is out and it managed to exceed my expectations! Steve Sexton, bassist extraordinaire and Garry Oppert, the octopus-drummer have gathered again the cream of the crop and released a fine CD, full of unique musical ideas.
 “Chapter Three” features again a solid amalgam of talented guitarists, with the renowned Marcel Coenen (Sun Caged, Pre-Lemur Voice etc.) on top of them. OSV’s latest project includes fine guitar works from skillful guitarists like Achilleas Diamantis, Gianluca Ferro, Borge Olsen, Jonas Tamas and Phi Yaan-Zek. The musical project welcomes also multi-talented Russian keyboard player Sergey Boykov, member of the Estonian/Latvian band Shadow Cry. Sergey’s lines are proving that the music world will enjoy  the birth of a new keyboard hero, with some fine melodic arrangements that re-arrange the leading use of keyboards in a band. I was so happy to witness that Sergey contributes some fine keyboard solos in the songs (check out “Perilous Premonitions” and “Strategic Alliance” as a fine example) en route to a leading part in this experimental band. Don’t miss one of the finest keyboardists you’ve listened to lately!
“Chapter Three” is enjoyable from beginning to the end; “Timeless” is definitely a grand pick, while the all-star song “Rhyme Of Reason”, featuring solos from five guitarists, except Marcel, showcases the endless quality that this project has. A-class progressive music, with fusion/experimental musical parts, eastern musical influences (“Seven Times Seventy” is grandiose!), combined with catchy riffs and melody, stuck me on the wall once again! I want to highlight something I will never stop believing: instrumental music should be accepted from all fans since it creates equal emotions, compared to music with vocals. Let yourself free, remove any musical clichés that you might have and enjoy this album to the max. Maybe the best of all OSV releases so far and once again congratulations to Sexton and Oppert for the courage and “mental bravery” to walk against the typical musical paths! You can buy the Cd via cdbaby.com: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/osv3 . You can also download OSV’s stuff via iTunes. Band’s mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/osvchapter3 . OSV's facebook profile

Dimitris Starakis