Cycles

Another band which would surface only to soon disappear, forgotten and unnoticed - our list of crimes is growing long indeed. Before disappearing from the metal scene (they changed style, released two more albums, and then quit) they gave us this small, largely unknown gem released during a time when grunge ruled the world and true metal bands like Wicked Maraya were thought of as passé.

It’s not easy to describe the music, but the closest comparison would be Crimson Glory’s Transcedence, or Queensryche’s Operation Mindcrime in sheer emotion and inspiration...
Musically, it’s like a mix between Sanctuary, Nevermore and a tad of Alice in Chains (for the groove). Wicked Maraya comes through as the heaviest and most methodical of the three. I would describe it as heavy and somewhat groovy US power metal with a slight progressive tinge.

It’s an inspired offering to say the least; songwriting, riffing, singing - the whole package emits an aura of pure creativity. Did I mention it’s progressive? Well, in all fairness, don’t expect Dream Theatre. Wicked Maraya is progressive in a whole new way, as their style and songwriting is in a class of its own. It’s not a particularly technical band, some would even call them simple, but they make use of what they have to get their point across. It’s often a matter of small nuances: slight tempo changes, subtle keyboard melodies or the way the vocals are produced.

There’s so much ground to cover I could write a full review on any one of the songs… where to begin? The track list is so juicy there’s scarcely a weak song to be found, and there’s precious variety throughout…

Opening track 'Another Day' starts the journey with a killer riff. Man is that heavy? Then suddenly, guitars go quiet and Lou Falco, the vocalist, makes his entrance with a slow, spoken passage… suddenly the pace picks up and the guitars are back with another crunchy riff. ‘Another Day’ speaks volumes of what Wicked Maraya and ‘Cycles’ is all about, namely, dynamic and varied songwriting, soaked in heaviness.

'Watching Over’ has an intro and main riff that goes straight to the history books. That has to be one of the most inventive riffs I have ever heard! With it’s non-stop pace, the song grabs hold and won’t let go… but hey, same can be said about every damn song on here.

Both 'Resurrection' and 'Face in the Mirror' are classic slow burner’s ala Metallica's ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls'. ‘Resurrection’ has got to be one the best ballads ever written and Lou Falco is at his best here. He possesses an amazing voice and a style that’s very versatile – he has no problems whatsoever whether a scream is required or just some emotive singing.

The crowning achievement would be 'Sign of Heaven' in its masterful simplicity. Heavy, catchy, melodic – this song could be played on any radio station and without sacrificing integrity, which is something the band has a ton of.

Overall, this is a well-written and superbly produced album with “simple”, yet heartfelt musicianship. Seldom has the word “gem” been as aptly applied - don’t let this brilliant piece of an album from a forgotten time go unnoticed!