Evil Masquerade
Third Act Nightmare Records

by Franco Wissa
Staff Writer

Comments: Formed in 2003 by Danish guitarist Henrik Flyman, (formerly of Wuthering Heights) Evil Masquerade released their debut CD, Welcome To The Show in 2004, with Theatrical Madness released in 2005. A few changes in their lineup later and the band hits us with their latest Third Act, already released to worldwide acclaim. Heavy with melodic vocal harmonies, powerful rhythms, a speed metal guitarist who can wail on the six string, a bassist who plays like a man possessed, this metal quartet cuts loose with one solid track after another. Guest keyboardists David Rosenthal (Rainbow, Billy Joel, Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen, Whitesnake, Robert Palmer, Steve Vai) and Richard Anderson (Majestic, Adajio, Time Requiem, Midnight Sun) showcase some murderous keyboard riffs here, and their solos especially that which is heard on “Far Away,” and “Third Act,” (respectively) can be only described as jaw dropping good. If this is possible, envision a faster Steve Harris for bassist Thor Jeppeson’s fingers virtually fly up and down the neck of his bass and never miss a beat.

Third Act is solid, the tracks are well written, the lyrics tight, and the band members play and feed off each other extremely well. Occasionally the vocals are a tad cluttered, especially at the low octaves, but when Apollo Papathanasio gets into his comfort zone, his voice becomes crystal clear. From the opening “The Devil’s Last Temptation,” to the closing “Bozo the Clown,” this is one monster of a CD. Lovers of Rainbow, Savatage and Stratovarius are going to have to latch on to Evil Masquerade, for this is a progressive/metal lover’s dream.

Starting with the 1:19, “The Devil’s Last Temptation,” this almost begs the listener to hear of the sinful vibe that then cascades into the “Third Act.” This soaring, stirring title track grabs the listener with delicious guitars, hammer fist drumming and gorgeous vocals. The same can be said for “Descended From the Grave,” the infectious, hard rocking “Under The Surface Of Water,” the Renaissance period sounding keyboards of the .35 second, “Orchestration For More Than One Horn,” that then gives way to hard, thumping slap bass work by Thor Jeppsen that is heard on the following track, “Bring on the World.” This superb track keeps the head banging momentum going throughout offering some of Henrik Flyman’s best work. The also can be said for the guitars and vocals heard on “The Dark Minstrel Plays.” A title that says it all, perfectly named, perfectly played. The background vocals heard here are also noteworthy with all the band members lending their voices adding a fullness and orchestral sounding choir. The heaven reaching vocals on “The Wind Will Rise,” are striking. The brooding introduction to “Far Away,” with its 3-chord guitar fill is just evil. But couldn’t be played any better.

Unfortunately, track 7, “I’ll Make You Burn,” drudges along during its 43-second introduction with Black Sabbath-ish heavy power guitar chords, and sadly the track never seemed to come to life as one would expect hearing the tracks up to that point.

Closing Third Act is the pompous and rousing “Bozo the Clown,” that clutches the listener and refuses to let go. Almost operatic and symphonic this quickly becomes one of this CD’s high points.

Evil Masquarde has done it again with13 tracks of room filling metal, voices that come from everywhere, and guitar mastery from the axe god himself – Henrik Flyman. Third Act’s excellent delivery shows in each band members wanting to give the best of what they have to offer. With the exception of a few minor details, they have done so once again.

Band Members
Apollo Papathanasio - vocals
Thor Jeppeson – bass
Henrik Flyman – guitars
Dennis Buhl – drums

Track listing:
The Devil’s Last Temptation
Third Act
Black Raven’s Cry
Descended From the Grave
Far Away
The Dark Minstrel Plays
I’ll Make Your Burn
Under The Surface Of Water
Orchestration For More Than One Horn
Bring On the World
The Final Goodbye
The Wind Will

HRH rating: 8.2/10