Demo Tape

Although there's been some stylistic changes here and there with their sound since the 85' EP, this demo still shows off a lot of tremendous skill and originality from these frozen metallers. I also really have to stress the production on this demo is incredible, it's pretty hard to believe it's just a self financed demo with the mix even beating out their previous EP. Definitely more clear and the mix stays consistent. Overall it's got quite a strong Maiden-esque sound to it and indeed, the bass stands out a -lot- perfectly throughout the whole thing. Just as the bands guitar work has always been swift and majestic, the same thing can easily be said about the bass. Overall, this demo has more of a consistent style than their previous EP and it's probably something you could compare to stuff like Fates Warning, Titan Force, with some tougher Helstar, Liege Lord-esque moments here and there, etc.

There's no notes about the vocalist on this one here at MA or at the bands [out of date] fansite (previous EP had three different vocalists throughout), so I'm not exactly sure who's singing here, though it does kind of sound like the guy off the EP I really liked, Rex Macnew. Vocals are very moving, very majestic, clean, melodic, nailing every note with perfect timing and so forth. The vocals are definitely top notch. As suggested in my title for this review, the leads (which I also highlighted on the EP) are truly remarkable here and they're all over the place. This is utterly obvious right off the bat with the intro for the first track, it's just as memorable as Helstar's opening for Burning Star or Liege Lord's Transgressor, etc. You can just tell this is timeless stuff at the start. The vocals are really powerful and flow perfectly with the music, with a poundingly heavy chorus that leaves its mark. This song has some interesting solo work kind of comparable to old Dream Theater. The quality continues to be carried out with The Blind Leadin' The Blind, being a little more dramatic than the former song. Again, the leads on this one are incredible with some insanely cool dual harmonies while the bass dominates in the clear background. The long solo on this one is just crazy, it sounds like something you could've heard in the old NES Megaman games (I'll blow you up if you think that's bad). The Writers Eye comes creeping around the corner and comes off as a bit, odd? A very weird track and at times it seems like I might lose interest, but then (and you probably totally guessed it!) the multiple leads here and there take this one to new heights and oh yeah, while the bass continues to really impress. Silence Is Golden (odd track name?) comes stampeding in with traces leading back to their EP, it sounds a bit more war-like and so forth. The guys also loved the bassist themselves and rightfully gave him some solo time in this one, followed by some great neo-classical soloing. An amazing ending.

Folks, do yourself and get this demo along with their previous EP or you'll just really be missing out on some epic classic stuff here, especially the classic US power metal fans. I mean hell, I can't believe how good and clear the mix is on this demo, blowing some full length albums at the time away. They're pretty technical here and the leads are truly something to be heard. Goes along with their excellent 85' EP as well, get both.