The Gale/Solar Vale

Ok, note to the reader, before I start I want you to know that this is perfectly captivating music well worthy of over 90%, the only reason it isn't is because it's a promotional single and isn't a full length of such splendorous music.

Well, 'The Gale' might just be Gunehyvar's best song yet. Tons of different sections, lots of fantastic riffing, stellar solo work, a much better mix than on the first demo (including a better mix vocalwise) and in general just a very beautiful atmosphere. The musicianship is excellent and the songwriting, as stated, is top notch. Considering these guys are only on their second demo they're way ahead of the level of talent and skillful composition they should be at. An album full of songs of this style could easily be considered a masterpiece.

'The Solar Vale' is a reworking of a classic from the first demo, probably the best track on there. It's pretty much the same song but fully rerecorded. The harsh vocals sound much improved, and the production really brings out the melody (unlike the production on the first demo, which was passable but did the band no favours). The clean vocals work much better here too, I guess it was just the mix bringing them down before.

I'd normally just mail a band for a free copy of a full length to review if I was interested in it, but in the case of Guenhyvar I'm definately gonna just go ahead and buy their full length when it's released. Excellent demo, excellent music, excellent band.