Preview: Avaland - Theater Of Sorcery (Theatrical Metal Opera, 2021)

The release is set for April but the story revealed this far already feels like reading a book.

Inspired by heroic fantasy, history, mythologies, and esoterism, bandleader Adrien G. Gzagg decided to create an epic story album with 8 characters. 

Entitled “Theater Of Sorcery”, the debut will be a theatrical metal adventure that tells the story of a young sorcerer Adam Wilstorm who could be the salvation of bringing back the light to the kingdom of Avaland and during his journey, he must learn to control his powers linked to the Storm.  

The first single is the title track of the album. It has the typical broadband sound and refrain inside of it. But besides that I liked to hear that it is also able to keep things basic and simple in the verses. You can feel that that the music doesn't rely just on bombastic elements to keep you entertained. Instead it adds room to enjoy the moment on the simpler parts.

I'm looking forward to this. How will the story evolve ? How are the other chapters of the journey going to sound like ? With a guest list including Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Zak Stevens (Savatage/TSO), Zaher Zorgati (Myrath), Emanuelson (Rising Steel), Stéphan Forté (Adagio), Madie (Nightmare) is looks as if it could have very various moments. Keeping guests and instrumentation in mind I think maybe we will be able to follow the story just sitting in front of our stereo.

If you'd like to keep a eye on the release make sure to stick to Avaland's Facebook page. I'm sure more will follow in a not too far distant future.

CD Review: Riffocity - Under a mourning sky (Thrash, 2017)

We had a blast! Sometimes this saying can be spotted at posts on social media once a band has completed their set. I can confirm that this album of greek thrashers Riffocity gave me several highlights and left me more than once with complete astonishing behind.

The cover of Greece thrasher Riffocity debut full length, (c) by Riffocity, used with kind permission

Summary
Speaking of secret gems this one surely is one to have the closer look upon. If by any chance thrash is the metal style of your choice I'd like you to check out this release. At first glance you may smile about the band name but be sure once it reaches your ears you'll want more of it. It's not often I use this term but to me this disc is a little sensation in the thrash sector with it's many, many releases. It's hard to believe I never heard of this band before. Now that I know I'll keep my eyes on them that's for sure.

Where other bands take years to reach for perfection Riffocity gives it to you with "Under a mourning sky". Most of the tracks start the classic way with a introduction in a softer way or some first short riff introduction before the full part comes in. The band has a modern attempt on the genre but keeps the direction mostly straight forward but also put's in a lot of variations into each and every track.

It's the diverse use of a combination of power, fast rhythm, hard vocals but also clear structured songs and riff arrangements plus some softer sectionsthat gives this silver disc it's special power. Some of the tracks have been upgraded further with guest performances which add to the already strong basics mentioned.

Tips for quick check-out
Two songs stood out for me. It's the softer "Arnis Oblivion" which gives short moment for relaxation before the thrash goes back on track. But most of all "Perish Unloved" got me. Such a massive heavyness and the duration of seven minutes feels as if the track goes on forever. 

Purchase-Link and Preview-Track
I've listened to this step by step on various sessions. The fine thing is: it only becomes better with each run. So make sure to tune in to the teaser given below and pick up your copy of this thrash sensation directly from the band for 10 Euro plus shipping and handling.

Contact Data
The band has set up outlets on Facebook and YouTube so that's where you can get in touch with them or find more songs for pre-listening their debut album.

Dirk Verbeuren plays guest drums on Synthetic's track "Hollow"

"Every time you feel betrayed remember life is only a game."

Lyric video can have such a strong expression with it. This particular quote comes from Synthetic's lyric video for the track "Hollow" and I think it will speak out so clearly to a lot of people. The song is such a strong riff hammer. It comes with as many ups and downs as life has colors.

Support on the drums comes of Dirk Verbeuren, who is well known for his work with Soilwork and Megadeth. His typical signature of playing the drums shines very well throughout the song.

The song is taken off from the band's debut album "Here Lies The Truth".

Links to follow the further band activities or puchase the bands productions:
http://syntheticband.com
https://www.facebook.com/syntheticmetal/
https://synthetic2.bandcamp.com/

CD Review: Darling Down - Never Tell

Note:  If you have a own band or project that you think might fit in well here for a review or as a presentation / introduction please drop me a line or two in a E-Mail. Please see my profile for my E-Mail adress. I appreciate new suggestions very much so don't hesitate to contact me. I'm also interested in band news / updates / tourdates so keep the stuff coming. Thanks!

If you're having troubles writing in English please send me a E-Mail in your preferred language or use the free Google Translator to transfer your message to English. I also use that tool, it's of course not perfect but I think it will mostly likely work out for our purposes.

Short Introduction 

The band in my eyes is a classic symphonic metal band which is termined by the haunting, strong and sometimes even fragile voice of lead vocalist Amanda Legault as well as through the hard, compact guitar riffs while the rhythm section keeps the punch constantly and heavily moving forward.

Committed to lyrically thoughtful and melodically engrossing songwriting with powerful hooks, Darling Down's lyrically relatable songs full of enough edginess, passion and real life to appeal to a wide audience. The deep lyrics are sometimes juxtaposed with eerily strong, pretty vocals and heavy guitars, as on their earlier recording, “Revenge is Sweet Like Cherries.”

In 2014 Darling Down released the new album, “Never Tell,” produced by the nationally acclaimed producer/ engineer/mixer Chuck Alkazian (Soundgarden, Trust Company, Pop Evil) and recorded at Pearl Sound Studios. “Never Tell". This album features guest appearances by Clint Lowery of Sevendust, Vinnie Dombrowski of Sponge, Stephen Richards of Taproot, and Brett Hestla of Dark New Day.

(c) by Darling Down, used with kind permission

The band has performed alongside many notable acts including Theory of a Deadman, Nonpoint, Taproot, Smile Empty Soul, Pop Evil, Red, Ra, Framing Hanley, Saving Abel, Evans Blue, Saliva, Hed PE, Mushoomhead and many more. Make sure to see the linked websites for tourdates and more information.

Official website: www.darlingdown.com
Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/darlingdown
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darlingdownband

Summary / Purchase Links / Player

The record comes as a package full of beautifull and heartfelt music. While the music is kept straight forward and comes directly to the point with the pumping rhythm and sharp guitar riffs and effects (very cool effects at some parts that really rip the tone for a while) it's also the contrast with the female vocals that gives this album such a great atmosphere.

Those vocals are set with many variations. Sometimes they are powerfull and strong, sometimes you can feel the doubt in there and some parts feel like fragile, broken pieces. There are quite some parts in there where you party to the music but there are as much in there that will make you think again or even cry a bit.

"Never tell" is a superb record which should find a lot of fans out there, especially if you like music in the style of Evanescence or In This Moment you should definitely give the songs in the player a listen. The fine thing about this record is that it comes with so many various songs on it. So it will feel like a musical journey when you listen to it - something which only very few records offer to the listener.

The album has been released worlwide digitally, so you can purchase it directly through itunes or at the Amazon MP3 Store. If you prefer to download music to your Smartphone you might like the possibility to download the album at the Google Play store.

Update 2015/06/24: If you're in need to save some money you can purchase a "Value Edition" of the album the band just released via Bandcamp. It contains the first seven tracks of the album so it misses out the softer songs of record but you'll only need to pay 5 Dollars to get your hands on this. 

 
Track-by-track review

Pressure (feat. Stephen Richards)
A direct and very powerfull start to the album. The song goes straight forward and the vocals show the direction - while kept more compact in the verses it's the refrain with releases the Pressure unleashing the full vocal power and letting some of the pressure burn. The guest appeareance of Stephen Richards adds some diversity and surprise towards the songs end. Great opener!

Collide (feat. Clint Lowery)
Pumping, hard riff and rhythm starting this one. This goes over to a straight rocking number and back to the compact riff of the beginning again. A soft refrain giving it a softer note. Very melodic and direct tune.
   
Scars
The song start directly with music and vocals together. Pumping riff in here with a very catchy refrain that perfectly fits to the message of the lyrics and reveals some fragileness that makes the music of Darling Down so special. The guitar effect ripps this nicely up and will make you even more remind this one.

Never Tell
A burning riff kicks this one in before we are lead over to a sharp riff-hacker. The refrain gathers a lot of guitar power along with straight vocals keeping it more straight forward yet with a yelling ending that lasts at especially at the end for a good amount of time and ends with a hard riff-cut.

Empty Nights
It's time to relax a bit. A beautifull half-ballad with much power and technical finesse. Strong refrain showing even more of the deep emotions Amanda Legault is able to transport through her voice. Very cool ending giving some live-feeling towards the record (as if you're directly with them in the studio).

(c) Darling Down, used with kind permission

No Expectations
Some variation in here. A slower midtempo number with some nice bass guitar arrangements. A fine solo section part you wouldn't expect - a surprise on the first listen and also fine for listening again to it. The song burns out in blast of melody and great vocals - so much intensive feelings in here.

Gypsy Soul
Anothere diverse track showing a different side to the band's sound and giving a good idea on other musicial sides this band is also able to perform. Softer and slower tune yet with a very intensive refrain. A good bridge to the upcoming tracks which are all softer.

Sex Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll
Surely not what you would expect from the title. Not a party song, not a track saying it's good. But surely one saying it's time to get sober again. A very fragile and sensible acoustic ballad with great vocals.  

Scars (Acoustic)
What can be made of such a powerfull track when transformed into a acoustic track? This example shows how great this can turn out. The message comes out even stronger. If you like the distorted version already you'll love this one. Hope they'll do it live one or another day.

Empty Nights (Orchestral Mix)
Soft orchestration was carefully added to the outstanding vocal performance giving this a more breath taking atmosphere. This gives so much positive vibes that you don't want to let it go. A great song to end this fine album with. I've given it a repeat immediately and will do again and again. Go and get this album!