Ph-Aces

I usually keep my classic rock and my Italian power metal strictly separate, I also try to set strict boundaries between prog metal and the former two. Not much good can derive from such impractical mixtures and I know that I am a pretty closeminded prick for saying so. But Lord Brummell (coolest band name ever!) seem to lure me in with their charms and I am not even drunk, so what the hell?

The mixture of the three styles into one homogeneous serving of Italian underground passion owes its coolness to three components:

The songs are crafted very carefully, detailed and wholesome, the technicality is never self-serving and leaves enough room for the occasional stadium rock chord or cock rock solo. Since the delicate night sky leads in the vein of early Labyrinth are always there to balance things out, this record never becomes stale, cheap or even stupid. Quite the accomplishment! Lord Brummell have some great catchy tunes in store but never developed the great melodies of eternity like Dream Theater or Rush, but in the end, who really did? This record is strong in itself and does not need the rest of the world. And if you can find another Italian band from that time that could make the hammond organ sound and some gang shouts(!) work in a power metal context like they did on "Show the Real Face", I pay you five bucks! These guys are no legends, but real musicians, for fuck's sake. They incorporate balladesque parts into uptempo songs like it's nothing. Phew!

Component number two is the drummer: He was involved in the writing and recording process and it most certainly shows. Most power metal bands do not give a flying fuck about the rhythm section and here this fine gentleman elevates his set to an equal part of the gang. The drum sound is clear and attentive, the playing fresh, varied and powerful. Every drum kick feels like a face slap from an angel. Thank you for shining a light on an often overlooked part of the whole circus. I appreciate it, sir!

The third ingredient is the singer. His voice is nothing that you can take home to introduce to your parents, no one in the industry will remember his name after he is gone, but he brings that specific Italian power metal timbre to the table that I like so much. Soft but firm, overly dramatic, a dreaming accent between the stars. Power and shyness in productive harmony. More heart than talent, more passion than knowledge. He rules because he likes his band and his music and keeps away from every undertaking that would reveal a lack of charisma

So, who is this record for? You would have to be a pretty tolerant and open minded fan of old school Italian power metal to give this a real chance. I find it endearing and pleasurable for what it is.