H R H - R E V I E W S

Crimsonfire
Crimsonfire Independent

Comments: Australia’s Crimsonfire is starting to make waves outside of their native shores, and for good reason. The band blends the intricacies of Progressive Metal juggernauts like Dream Theater with the more melodic Power Metal stylings of a band like Power Quest and really hits the middle ground in both genres. Not only that, they have a singer by the name of Louie Gorgievski who can hit some criminally high notes. Putting this together with atmospheric keys, expert drums and strong guitar playing, and you’ll want to keep listening.

The CD begins with “Eternal Days,” a triumphant and racing track. On drums is Domenic Pinto, and you’ll be paying attention to him for this entire journey. He isn’t just there to keep a beat—his playing is machine-like and impressive. Vocalist Gorgievski has an extremely smooth and clean delivery, much like you’d expect from this brand of music. When the song closes out, he hits a perfectly pitched high note that would have King Diamond saying, “Wow, that’s pretty high.”

“A New Dawn” is next with a cool guitar riff from Anthony Tabone. Bands of this nature can sometimes get in their own way trying to prove their musicianship. Crimsonfire seems more song-oriented, as you’ll understand the more you listen. Each player has their role, none more important than the other. The keys by Dianne Melichar are flowing and smart, especially between verses. Pinto is nuts on drums again. He’d be a maniac in a live setting.

Crimsonfire doesn’t go overboard with their song length, and one of their longest is the song “Morning of the Magicians.” This is a keyboard and voice only track at first, really allowing Gorgievski to steal the spotlight. This is the first time Tabone slows down his guitar playing and becomes more delicate. By two minutes in, drums and bass join the fray, and if you aren’t reminded of Dream Theater, you aren’t listening. The song morphs into a heavier entity after three minutes, and spoken lyrics are sent your way. When Gorgievski sings again, his voice has an edge and is much heavier. The song just builds and builds, with those amazing Pinto drum fills again. A shredding riff and then a scream from Gorgievski send the song to another land, and this is one of Tabone’s best solos as well.

Lest you start thinking the band is more progressive than just metal, check out “Empire of Fear.” Gorgievski actually sounds like Bruce Dickinson on this track, shouting with real anger yet on key, and the opening riff is immense as well. “Region of Legends” is another ripper, a full-speed blazing track. They do this sort of track with the same vigor of their slower ones.

“Tears in a Greystorm” has a regal feeling to it, sounding like a song you’d hear if Tad Williams made movies about his books. This is another keyboard-led song that builds and builds until all the other instruments join. Gorgievski will be compared to singers like James LaBrie in his lower range, because it is less throaty and softer than his higher range.

You may ask yourself if Metal needs another Progressive/Power Metal band. The answer to that question will always unequivocally be YES … if they are good! All of the members in the band know how to wield their instruments, their songs are strong, and considering that they just opened for Queensryche, you don’t get that slot if you aren’t worth it. Check Crimsonfire out today.

www.crimsonfire.com.au

Track listing:
01. Eternal Days
02. A New Dawn
03. Reign in Fire
04. Morning of The Magicians
05. The Age of Aquarius
06. Empire of Fear
07. Darkside to Sanity
08. Region of Legends
09. Tears in a Greystorm
10. The Rising Sands

HRH Rating: 7.6/10

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