Power metal
has always been a hit or miss deal with me, in the sense that some of the
bands' efforts to make epic compositions often work against themselves. This is
especially the case if the production value of the recordings are unable to
keep up with a bands' ambition. With the Italian Power Metal outfit Wind Rose
and their sophomore album however, I am glad to say that these issues are nowhere
to be found.
Having been joined by musician and producer Cristiano Bertocchi (Labyrinth) for bass duties, Wind Rose entered the studio to create an album that has little to envy from some of the genres' long-running heavyweights in terms of composition and production.
Having been joined by musician and producer Cristiano Bertocchi (Labyrinth) for bass duties, Wind Rose entered the studio to create an album that has little to envy from some of the genres' long-running heavyweights in terms of composition and production.
The band
plays a form of symphonic power metal inspired by the likes of Gamma Ray and
Blind Guardian, mixed with some folk metal elements that remind me of Ensiferum
and Wintersun to some extent. The guitars mostly serve as a rhythm instrument
that adds a heavy low end to the compositions, leaving the lead instrumental
duties to the synths and orchestrations. We can appreciate the bands' focus on atmosphere
and composition rather than flashy musicianship. There really isn't any
instrument that sticks out in the songwriting, as every idea seems to have been
perfectly integrated to serve the overall atmosphere and composition. Every song
has a nice progression that always pushes the compositions forward to keep
things interesting. The vocal melodies handled by the very talented Francesco
Cavalieri are supported by choir chants that further add to the catchiness and
epic feel of the songs.
What we get
from Wind Rose is a sophomore album that is well paced, well-orchestrated and
superbly produced, an album. Wether you're a hardcore power metal aficionado or only an occasionnal listener of the genre like I am, this album is sure to strike a chord in the hearts of any heavy metal fan. Be sure to watch out for this band, as this release constitutes yet another reason to believe that we'll be hearing more from them in the future!
Be sure to check it out!
WIND ROSE
Wardens Of The West Wind
Scarlet Records Release: 17 February 2015
Official Website
http://www.windroseofficial.com/index.html
https://www.facebook.com/windroseofficial
Scarlet Records
http://www.scarletrecords.it/
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