Symphonia – Satria Naga CD review

Symphonia – Satria Naga CD (Symphonia Musical Fidelity Inc.)

If you wonder what “Neoclassicism” really means, then the easiest way nowadays is to do a simple…web search! If you do it, you’ll definitely find something like this: “Speaking and thinking in English, "neoclassicism" in each art implies a particular canon of "classic" models”*. Neoclassical Metal was always based on structures that will never fade the test of time. Demanding, inspirational and highly qualitative, it is still considered the most demanding genre of Metal. A brief look to the artists that tried to “go by the Neoclassical book”, proves that talent mixes with excellent performance in order to create some advances musical forms.
When I discovered the band Symphonia, I was extremely surprised to witness that they were coming from Kuala Lumpur! It was a pleasant shock to see that Malaysia was lucky enough to present a wonderful Neo-baroque Metal band which will surely has the right to hope for success! Symphonia’s debut “Satria Naga” was released lately and includes 11 songs of bright virtuosity. Aman, the “brainchild” of the band has completely dedicated his musical studies in re-inventing traditional Neoclassical Metal and he surely has the class and the ability to compose songs with that significant guitar sound which always give a vibe of joy to the devoted followers of the scene! Apart from Aman’s amazing composing and playing abilities, Zul’s voice is smoothly fitted into the songs and gives the necessary strength contrast (sic) in the vocal lines, something that cannot be avoided in traditional Neoclassical Metal. Z9’s (strange nickname!) bass lines keep the rhythm going and provide an additional positive mark in the CD. The debut album from Symphonia is an enjoyment form the beginning to the very end and if you want to taste some of their greatness, just listen to the riff from “Wira” and you can immediately get the idea! The band is preparing their 2nd effort, which will include exclusively English-sung lyrics, sin hope that this will help the band to expand their reputation in many countries. I strongly suggest to each and every fan of this significant Metal to help these young musicians, since their enthusiastic beginning should be continued! Get all the necessary info on how to obtain their album on their mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/symphoniamalaysia
Dimitris Starakis

P.S.: The band is also participating in the “A Tribute to Yngwie.J.Malmsteen Project” album which is the 1st YJM tribute album from local Malaysian bands! Symphonia covers “Rising Force” and “As Above, So Below” and their performance is once again splendid!

*wikipedia

OSV - Mission One CD review

OSV – Mission One CD (Independent)

Having witnessed the interesting collaboration of some fine and high-skilled musicians like Bassist Steve Sexton, drummer Gary Oppert (who both cooperated with my always favourite guitarist Matthew Mills) and guitarist Brandon Vaughn I was expecting the OSV project and when I finally got it, I witnessed some wonderful musicianship form guys who didn't just decided to invite guitarists like Mathias Holm and Paco Hernandez for fun. “Mission One” consists of 12 tracks of faultless executed Fusion/Prog/Neo-classical and at times Shred Metal, inspired mostly from our beautiful and mysterious Universe. This music could be easily characterised as the “Official Soundtrack Of Our Solar System”! Dreamy melodies, prog rhythms and a special atmosphere consists the world that the listener will meet as soon as he starts listening to the CD. It's really hard to pick a certain song, since evey single one captures a variety of positive emotions, proving at the same time that sometimes music can be intensively expressed without the help of words. The power of sweet melodies, demanding rythm breaks and inspiring riffs is steel strong and I believe that this album is not destined from musicians to musicians only. I should also add here that in “Mission One”, guitar parts are also contributed from Jean-Do Leonelli (742) and Chris Cavera (Killbot Zero). “Mission One” is distributed on several web-stores through the net, so check the band's mySpace profile (http://www.myspace.com/osproject) for additional info on how to obtain it.
Dimitris Starakis

Black Fate – Deliverance Of Soul promo CD review

Black Fate – Deliverance Of Soul promo CD

How can someone be totally objective when he listens to the newest work of one of his all-time favourite Greek bands? Black Fate were formed in 1990 in Larisa and thrilled the followers of Greek Underground Metal by releasing two magnificent demos entitled “Black Fate” and “A Piece Of Dream”. In 2002 their first full length "Uncover" was released from Secret Port Records, presenting also some line-up changes. 5 years later, with singer Vasilis Georgiou in their line up, Black Fate released a promo including 3 tracks: “Blood Red Sky”, “If The Silence” and “Dying Freedom”. That particular “appetiser” showcased an almost radical change in the band’s sound, since Georgiou’s voice added a sentimental direction and made them focus even more on melody in their Power/Progressive Metal style. I remember being a huge fan of Herakles Fanarakis (the band’s first singer), but I must admit that their new singer is the ideal person for Black Fate’s new musical direction. Black Fate sound more modern than ever, but the refreshing breeze in their sound made them even more appealing. Passionate compositions and vocals (with an intense influence from Roy Khan, so you can understand the high level of quality!), great and mature musicianship featuring quite some catchy moments in their songs are the highlight’s in Black Fate’s trademark, so I personally believe that since the band is looking for a record contract to release this album, the labels must contact them! Don’t ask me to choose my favourite track. It’s impossible since I never stop enjoying the wonderful “Inner Warning Of My Soul” (fantastic chorus as always!), the astonishing “Blood Red Sky (with my favourite eastern influences, this song, along with “Dying Freedom” and “If The Silence” that appeared in Promo 2007 were re-arranged for this full length CD). There are also some fine acoustic moments like the song “Wicked”, while “Thorn In My Hand” is ultra-melodic, groovy and another highlight! "The Conscience Of The Brave” starts with a totally inspired riff and great leads while the tracks unfolds (you’ll meet a lot in this album!) and “Angry Silent Scream” is a mid-tempo song, featuring the heaviest parts of the entire album, along with a sing-along chorus! I would lie if I wrote that I didn’t enjoy every single moment of this album! Band’s mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/blackfateband
Dimitris Starakis

Wrath Of Wolves – The Obstreperous Dragon Demo review

Wrath Of Wolves – The Obstreperous Dragon Demo

Definitely a name for a Black Metal-oriented band! But that's half the truth! Well, this project was formed when Blackstorm witnessed the decline of Black Metal in 2005 and fortunately guitarist Antony Storm decided to follow a more qualitative direction by composing skillful music with progressive and Neo-classical elements. What I got from the band is a four-track demo with inspiring moments, deeply influenced by Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth and the great pioneers of the scene! In the band's forthcoimng album, Derek Sherinian will contribute the keyboard parts as a session musician, while current Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force’s drummer Patrick Johansson will be also invited to torture his drum leathers. All four songs are fast-pasted tracks, with precisely executed parts and crystal clear performance from Mr. Antony something that will not pass unnoticed from all Neo-classical Metal aficionados! Shining arpeggios mix with galloping rhythms and memorable riffs showcase the great abilities and many promises that this project reveals. The band is also ready to enter the studio in order to record their debut full length with the above mentioned guests, so stay tuned for some major updates from the band’s camp! Check their mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/uswolves
Dimitris Starakis

White Witch – Never Dies The Dream… CD review

White Witch – Never Dies The Dream... CD (Independent Release)
I delayed the review of White Witch’s third effort that was released right before the end of 2007, but that happened to some obligatory circumstances that I could not overpass. I expected the follow up to “The Power” with great anticipation and I was pleasantly surprised to witness a nice starter like the song “Slaughter In Salem” is: Powerful and catchy so my appetite for the rest of the album was growing. The duet “Singleman” and “Game That I Play” however pulled my break, they were it was too commercial for my ears, while “Prince of Darkness” was in the same vein, but I enjoyed most its chorus. But since i trusted this band in their previous album, I somehow felt that they would not let me down! “Underneath The Lights” is the song that White Witch knows how to create and turn the power up. That’s the style of the band that I enjoy again and again: Decent Hard Rock, with wonderful chorus and guitars that stuck in your mind! Uncle Jeff’s performance in that song and the way that sings is what really appeals to me! “The Seed” is mid-tempo track with an atmosphere close to the first era of Black Sabbath when the song begins. This is the song also tha carries the guitar parts that gave White Witch that specific trademark which makes them special! “Street Corner Madness” is the most powerful song of the CD and definitely my pick! I think White Witch saved the best for last and really offered us a great dynamite! The third album of the band showcases once again their talent and if they manage to be careful with the production and with some Rock N’ Roll songs that reduces their might (guys, the style that fits you lies in “Street Corner Madness”), then their 4rd CD might give them also their first record contract! Contact the band for more info at: http://www.whitewitchrocks.com/ . Their mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/whitewitchrocks
Dimitris Starakis

Andy A. Sartori Interview

To be honest, when I first listened to the samples of the forthcoming solo album of guitarist Andy A. Sartori, I couldn’t believe my ears! Finally his first album “Dragon’s Fire” is available through itunes and it proved to be a real masterpiece Of Neo-classical Power Metal! I lost no time and I contacted Andy for a detailed interview, so you can read the rest…

Can we have some more info regarding the rest of the members of your Symphony project?
Sartori: Well....the band consists of: Scott Board on the vocals (ex Cerebus), James Creed on the bass who's someone who's with me for years since my London times and on drums I have Dino Castano. Dino grew up in New Jersey but he's from Italy and he’s the only new member on this project at the moment.

Will the line-up of your first CD remain “untouched” for the next releases?
Sartori: Well, as you know I'm a solo guitar player so I can't tell for how long these musicians will stay with me, what is something that happens to all solo guitar players anyway, but we all click together very well, so I hope we last together as long as possible!

9 splendid tracks of qualitative Neo-classical Power Metal are included in your debut CD and I must congratulate you for that. Can you focus in the lyrical content and tell us what your lyrics are about?
Sartori: I think it's really hard to make many comments on my songs as I'm the composer, but all of them were composed by inspiration, they all came from riffs and ideas and I love them all!! About the lyrics… well, all of my lyrics are very positive, you won't find anything evil or negative on my songs or my lyrics at all. In a few ones I talk about personal experiences I had through my life just because I use some fantasy, but who doesn't write about kings, queens and dragons???
“Through The Eyes Of My Soul” is a classic one already, in my opinion! Which is your favorite song from the album?
Sartori: In my opinion it's really hard to tell, like I said before I love all of them. Just think this: I don't compose songs just to finish albums or because I needed an extra song. All these songs were composed with inspiration and passion, so it's really hard to tell.

I must note however that the bad production of the songs posted in itunes is a major drawback of the album. Why they don’t have the proper sound? Do you plan to do something about it?
Sartori: Well record labels are for me what I call "necessary evil" because without them if you compose original music and you want to be in the business, you're not going nowhere. So I expected something good and they gave something completed different, but it's being fixed now !!! I was in the studio redoing all the equalization, mixing and mastering of it!!! So very soon, they will release the new version what will be what it suppose to be...a proper album!!! And I can ensure all my fans that they won't be disappointed!!!

When do you plan to release “Dragon’s Fire” in CD format?
Sartori: It depends on the label and I have no information at the moment about it! As more people will ask for the album in stores, the faster they will release it.

How difficult is for a virtuoso to survive in the current U.S. Metal scene? Does qualitative music is destined for extinction in the U.S.?
Sartori: It's not that bad if you are in the right place! there's a lot of market here for anything really...that's why a lot o bands can still tour and survive, and like any other kind of metal I can truly say it's something that will never die, that's space for everybody, you just have to find yours!

Tell me about your musical influences that forced you to play this kind of music. Which bands also attract you nowadays?
Sartori: Well, my mother is a classically trained piano player and my father always played the acoustic guitar so since I was a little kid I had always been into music, but I grew up listening to classical baroque music and metal and rock I found about it when I was about 10 and never gave up after that!!! my influences come from Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven and as guitar players I used to study many from Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, Kee Marcelo and the list goes. What I did was learn whatever I needed and from all of this, make my own style based on my influences, and I think that's pretty ok as often you don't copy anybody....

Is there any possibility of touring in order to promote your work?
Sartori: Yes, the record company doesn't set tours but they have some booking agencies they work with so they can hook us up. There's nothing set yet.

You released your album through itunes. Do you think that digital downloading is the future which will help artists survive against the “slavery” of big record labels??
Sartori: No, never!!!! Because like I said...record labels are necessary evil, but remember...necessary, so any band will always depend on them to go somewhere on their careers unless you make your own record label, I really don't think itunes is the future at all!!! Because from digital you have the songs but not the true album, so when you buy the album in a store you get the real thing with all the booklet, photos and etc....

What is your future plan regarding your project? Do you also plan to work on some other projects as well?
Sartori: My plans are just to keep going, my next album is already predicted for September 2008, and at the moment I don't have any plans to do any different project at all!

Add anything you may want.
Sartori: So I'd like to thank you once again for all the support and to all my fans around the world: thank you very much for all the love and support through all these years, you're the best!!!! God bless you all!!!
Dimitris Starakis

Andy A. Sartori & Symphony – Dragon’s Fire review

Andy A. Sartori & Symphony – Dragon’s Fire (Digital Album)

When Andy decided to release "Dragon’s Fire" through iTunes, I downloaded the album with no hesitation. The three demo songs I reviewed some months ago really made anticipate for the full length album and now that I have it, I dare to say that this is one of the best albums I’ve listened to the last couple of years. Andy’s compositions are truly faultless on “Dragon’s Fire”! Having a gifted singer like Scott Board on the band’s marks (for those who don’t know, Scott sang on Cerebus’ “Too Late To Pray” album), the combination of brilliant guitar playing and triumphant, crystal clear vocals is what is needed for an album to become a classic one! It’s almost impossible to choose a favorite track in Dragon’s Fire: “Through The Eyes Of My Soul” has a riff that is inspirational, while the vocal lines makes want to listen to this pompous Metal Hymn again and again! “Evil Heart”, Dragon’s Fire” and “Devil In Disguise” are based on thunderous, pounding rhythm, while once again Scott delivers the message for starting the battle! “Battle In The Distant Lands” is once again triumphant epic opus with a Neo-classical riff that fits the song and a sing-along chorus! “From Hell To Heaven” showcases Andy’s abilities to compose more melodic-oriented songs and once again the result is astonishing! “Castle of Lost Souls” was once named “Desert Of Lost Souls” and is an instrumental based on Phrygian scales, while not neglecting a strongly Baroque influence, so you can understand that passion and inspiration here are quite high! I could write for hours and hours cosmetic words about this masterpiece that made me proud being a fan of this demanding genre of Metal music! Andy’s solos really sending each and every song to the next level and the most important thing is that he isn’t based on clichés in order to create a boring Power Metal album with intense Neo-classical melodies. Andy is truly one of the most inspirational guitarists and composers that I’ve listened in the underground scene!!
The digital version of "Dragon’s Fire" has only one drawback, and this isn’t the quality of the songs. I’m referring to the bad production that the songs have and it really destroys in songs like Through The Eyes Of My Soul” the grandiose feeling that the composer want to create. I’ve talked to Andy and he told that he will personally remaster the CD before its normal release, so the people will have soon in their hands a true state-of-the art! “Dragon’s Fire” is not only highly recommended, but its our duty to support gifted artists like Andy! Visit his mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/andysartori for all the latest updates concerning his next steps.
Dimitris Starakis

Maestro – Diary Of A Vampire CD review

Maestro – Diary Of A Vampire CD (Independent Release)

Dany Milett is a rare singer by any means. Dany's vocal cords are very thin like a young boy and his larynx is smaller than a normal man. This has a result of producing some high pitched vocal lines, reaching also up to five octaves! His CD is more of a concept album, with songs based on lyrically on vampirism, was released in 2005 and reflects Danny’s passion for Power Metal with many Neo-classical elements. One bright example of my saying is “To My Mentors”; its melodic riff is ideal for the fans of this musical style and Dany’s voice is expressive, contributing the ideal atmosphere to this song. Dany is definitely gifted and reveals his abilities on the CD, but I have the opinion that he must control his falsetto, since there are times in a few songs in which he is exaggerating. On the other hand, when a gifted vocalist is releasing his debut solo CD, it obvious that he needs to showcase his abilities, by presenting a wide range of singing styles. His classical studies have also helped him to incorporate his classical oriented vocal attitude to his singing. As a songwriter, Dany does a fine job. Songs like the Heavy “Blood Hunt”, the brilliant “Burning Eternity” (my favourite track of the CD) and “Blood Bath” with the haunting riff really show his songwriting talent and his passion for quality Power Metal music. Each of the songs on “Diary Of A Vampire” showcases a riff that stuck in the listener’s mind, while the solos are enjoyable. I am pretty sure that Dany will be featured on many albums in the near future since his skills cannot be neglected. Remember his name, there’s surely a promising career for him. Check out Dany’s mySpace profiles: http://www.myspace.com/danymilett and http://www.myspace.com/lordcastrato

P.S.: I was later informed by Dany himself that Maestro Pero (guitarist) was the composer of the album "Diary Of A Vampire", so credit for the songwriting must go to him.

Dimitris Starakis

Ofsoski Interview

I always enjoy talking with multi-talented musicians, like Richard Ofsoski. His first solo CD "Later Than Never" was really promising as far as the future of this uprising artist, so I thought that he could share with us his opinion on several matters...

You got a courageous decision to release an album on your own. Why you decided that?

Ofsoski: Probably because in the past songs Ive written and recorded with other musicians never came out soundingthe way I wanted them to. I guess I'm a bad communicator haha, it's not their fault.Also I wanted an album that was just me so my children would be able to distinguish as being just their Dad. That's not to say I wont use other musicians on my next album because I probably will with the network of musician friends I now have. It is a hell of a lot of work doing it by yourself.

What were the impressions that you got from fans and press for your debut effort?

Ofsoski: It's been extroadinary really !! The album is not going to break any sales records being totally independent, but the feedback I've had has all been extremely positive .Initially I just wanted to do an album I could be proud of myself and if other people liked it then great. The great thing is my fanbase albeit small keep messaging wanting to know about what Im working on and how they cant wait for the next album which is extremely rewarding.I 'm starting to feel the pressure to finnish my next album haha and being a family guy it can be hard to find get enough time to do as much as you would like.

Which is your favorite track of the album and why?

Ofsoski: Probably 'Flame' although there are some others pretty close to it. I guess because it has all the elements I like in music.It has a nice majestic type classical sounding theme, heavy riffing, progressive elements, shred guitar and I dont seem to get tired of It. It takes me to a nice place.

Symphonic, Neo-classical, Baroque-ish Hard Rock and Metal are the best words in my opinion to define your musical style. Why you chose this particular style to express yourself?

Ofsoski: You're pretty much on the money there I think. I have been a fan of many styles of melodic style metal for years now andI guess that has rubbed off on my writing style. Also a big fan of classical style melody and mystic type themes and I think this style of music helps me to express my true self.

Which are you main musical influences?

Ofsoski: I listen to a lot of melodic metal which can cover a wide range. I grew up loving Yngwie Malmsteen, Dio, Judas Priest, Kiss, Metallica, Whitesnake etc. and also dig a lot of the newer stuff like Nightwish and Sonata Arctica. I also really love Bach and Vivaldi and I guess a lot of these styles have rubbed off on me.

How difficult is for a musician in Australia to find some “partners in crime” that share the same musical taste?

Ofsoski: It's growing rapidly of late, we are having so many bands announcing tours, so its hard to keep up. It was pretty dead about 5 years ago but the new generation has really warmed to it. I've met a lot of people recently who share similar tastes in music.

If you had only one opinion in you career what would that be: singer or guitarist?

Ofsoski: Guitarist !! I only sang because I'd form or join a band and get lumbered with the job because they could never find anyone. I don't mind singing now but used to hate it because I just wanted to concentrate on guitar. Things have changed now and I quite enjoy fitting all the different instuments together it can be a lot of fun. I really don't even practise the guitar anymore unless I'm putting a solo together.

Is it true that you have already new material for a new solo effort? Tell me how it sounds like..

Ofsoski: Yes, it's pretty much written. I'm just refining and experimenting with things at present. Theres a wide variety of styles and grooves incorporating all the music elements that I like and I think the songs are very stong, If they weren't, I would scrap them. I'll have a demo mix on my mySpace profile very soon.

You are also a member of the band Sedition. Why you joined them and which are the main differences between your solo band,in terms of sound? I've been friends Ofsoski: With Sinclair the guitarist for a number of years and I knew he was having trouble finding a new singerfor the band. he had started demo recordings for the new album so I offered to help him out singing on the demos untilhe could find someone permanent. He had never heard me sing before and really liked how my voice fitted into the music andasked me to join. I was a bit sceptical at first because I wouldnt be able to commit fully but its turned out ok and has been lots of fun performing live with the guys. Sedition is a bit different to my solo stuff, it has more of an old school thrashy style edge to it and a different songwriting of course.

Do you plan to include full-time members and do some touring as Ofsoski in the near future?Ofsoski: There will be other players on the next release. So far I'll be using Simon Polhil to do bass duties, he's a phenomenal player and great kid. Check out this link to a video of him playing http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=111000312 .As far as playing live I'm starting to get asked this a lot so I may have to at some stage, especially if things keep going the way they are but it wont be until after the next album then we'll see what happens.

Dimitris Starakis

Seasons Of The Wolf – Nocturnal Revelation CD review

Seasons Of The Wolf – Nocturnal Revelation CD (Earth Mother Music)

Seasons Of The Wolf was founded on 1988 and up to now the band established its name in the U.S. Underground scene by releasing 4 CD up to now. Their latest album, “Once In A Blue Moon” was released this summer and it’s starting to receive its first positive reviews. The band’s style remain unchanged as the deep blue sea: Obscure Heavy Metal, with haunting vocals that often remind me Udo Dirkschneider’s voice, while the whole atmosphere is haunting, eerie and totally obscure! The band also contributes some keyboard parts in their sound in order to make their sound more pompous and the result is clear in gloomy tunes like “Skulls”. SOTW’s music never followed the wave of a current trend, that’s why they kept a stable amount of fans. Some 70’s Hard Rock touches are reflected in their sound, but they have created an overall unique result, by making things heavier and quite more “metallic”. Their solid sound and the authenticity that characterizes their stuff in “Nocturnal Revelation” makes me predict that their new album is even better, since they seem to progress in each CD they release. I can’t wait to listen to their new album!! Check their mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/seasonsofthewolf Band’s web-site: sotwmetal.com
Dimitris Starakis