Awakening the World

This is a landmark. A real milestone in music. But, the problem is that most people will never hear it, realize it, or care. Which is a terrible shame, because this is one of the most incredible power metal, metal, or musical albums to come along in a very long time.

Opening the album with the nearly mandatory ambient intro, the Quickening sets a slightly futuristic tone, which is apt considering the names these guys have chosen for themselves. (Try Cosmic Antagonist, Preternatural Transmogrifyer). Though the lyrics can be quite cheesy in their humanism at times, and the photographs certainly are, this should not be allowed to take away from the album itself.

Simply put- it's a masterpiece. All gimmicks and corny lyrics aside, this album smokes from start to finish. Well, there are a few dull interludes (leaving only 7 real songs on the album), but it doesn't matter. There are no weak songs. There are no ok songs. Hell, there are no good songs. The worst song on here is great, or at least has great moments. I try not to overpraise or be a fanboy for albums, but this one's making it hard.

The production really helps enhance the power of this album. Each instrument is audible, with a thick but clear sound. And of course, production don't mean (much more than) jack if the band can't play, but these guys put those fears to rest within the first 15 seconds of Heart of Storm. Pounding gallops from the drums, thrashy riffs, Maiden-esque bass loops, hell, Maiden-esque a lot of things. But spiffed up and sped up for modern tastes, with racing solos and some great tricks from guitarist and song-writer Lisicki.

All this instrumentation is well and good, but the best part of this album is yet to be gotten to. Daniel Heilman. What a voice. I've heard him referred to as a Scandinavian Geoff Tate, and I'm inclined to agree. His style is different- far less conversational, much more intense- but his range and emotion is incredible. With a voice like that, its easy to go overboard, and on the next album, A Flame To The Ground Beneath, there are times where he does. But here, I can't find a note or a vocal line that doesn't make me wish I could do that.

I'll stop ranting now, and let you listen to this for yourself.