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H R H - R E V I E W S
Crimsonfire
Comments: Australias 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 youll want to keep listening. The CD begins with Eternal Days, a triumphant and racing track. On drums is Domenic Pinto, and youll be paying attention to him for this entire journey. He isnt just there to keep a beathis playing is machine-like and impressive. Vocalist Gorgievski has an extremely smooth and clean delivery, much like youd 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, thats 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 youll 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. Hed be a maniac in a live setting. Crimsonfire doesnt 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 arent reminded of Dream Theater, you arent 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 Tabones 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 youd 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 dont get that slot if you arent worth it. Check Crimsonfire out today. Track
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