Symphonic Metal

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Pittsburgh, PA 12/23/2003

Tag: Concert Reviews, Heavy Metal, Symphonic Metal, Traditional Metal

Trans-Siberian Orchestra has come a long way from playing the small theaters and select (but sold out) dates that started things off just five years ago. With three stellar albums to date and more to come, the unprecedented blend of hard rock and orchestrated Christmas favorites can now be found in live performances from two touring companies packing arena-sized houses across the United States from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Read the complete Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Pittsburgh, PA 12/23/2003 review...

BLACKMORE'S NIGHT - Fire’s At Midnight

Tag: Music Reviews, Symphonic Metal

Ritchie Blackmore fans who do not quite understand the Blackmore’s Night project are not really looking at the picture I believe. Instead of going out on the road and playing the same songs that are 30 years old over and over, he is able to create songs that reflect his current moods and passions. “Fire’s At Midnight” finally sees an American release after achieving huge success is Japan. This is Blackmore’s Night’s 3rd release and the band continues within the vein of their previously released celtic flavored renaissance music. Read the complete BLACKMORE'S NIGHT - Fire’s At Midnight review...

Wuthering Heights - To Travel For Evermore

Tag: Music Reviews, Symphonic Metal

Based out of Denmark, Wuthering Heights is a symphonic metal band that also relies on progressive structures as well in their songs. Produced by Tommy Hansen (Pretty Maids, Chroming Rose, Helloween) Wuthering Heights relies on epic compositions that highlight their ability to handle complicated material.

Most of the tracks on "To Travel For Evermore" clock in at 6 minutes or more. These songs weave have a stark contrast of emotions through the symphonic speed metal massages then falling into the technical progressive passages. Read the complete Wuthering Heights - To Travel For Evermore review...

ULI JON ROTH TRIBUTE - Beyond Inspiration

Tag: Music Reviews, Symphonic Metal

Lars Eric Mattsson has gathered a wide variety of artists associated with the Lion Music label in a celebration of the music of guitarist extraordinaire Uli Jon Roth. "Beyond Inspiration" works well as a tribute as opposed to the all too common cash in tribute releases in the fact that much of Roth's material is almost intimidating to a first time listener. Read the complete ULI JON ROTH TRIBUTE - Beyond Inspiration review...

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Chris Caffery Interview

Tag: Heavy Metal, Interviews, Symphonic Metal

While Savatage, the core of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) has recently lost two of its band members, namely guitarist Al Pitrelli and vocalist Zak Stevens, the band has moved on by refilling the empty slots for the immediate need to tour as Trans-Siberian Orchestra and hopes to consider permanent replacements for a Savatage tour in the New Year once they have had time to regroup after their holiday efforts. In the meantime, we spoke to guitarist Chris Caffery about the latest happenings on the Savatage and TSO fronts when we caught up with TSO East in Cleveland, Ohio. Read the complete Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Chris Caffery Interview review...

OPERATIKA - Dreamworld

Tag: Female Fronted, Gothic Metal, Music Reviews, Symphonic Metal

Operatika is a 5-piece female fronted band from New York who has released a 4-track disc titled "Dreamworld". Vocalist Slava Popova bears a striking vocal resemblance to former Nightwish vocalist Tarja Turunen. While this comparison can be made, musically, Operatika takes a heavier, more straight-ahead approach to their music. Lead track "Dreamworld" not only features Slava's gorgeous lush vocals, but some serious guitars riffs and solos from Bill Visser. Read the complete OPERATIKA - Dreamworld review...

OVERLORD'S PERPETUAL

Tag: Music Reviews, Symphonic Metal

Perpetual is a shred metal band led by 21 year old guitarist Overlord hailing from Athens Greece. This 9-track CD shows influences from such artists as Yngwie Malmsteen and Stratovarius. Joining Overlord in Perpetual is keyboard wizard Bob Katsionis and Phantom Lord lead vocalist Vasilis Axiotis who sounds very similar to Geoff Tate. The songs are of classically influenced and Overlord’s dueling guitar with Katsionis’ keyboards make for a full-assault of contrasting instruments which work well together. Read the complete OVERLORD'S PERPETUAL review...

MERCURY RAIN - St. Matthieu

Tag: Female Fronted, Music Reviews, Symphonic Metal

"St. Matthieu" by Mercury Rain is a brooding, dark piece of symphonic, atmospheric metal that will call to mind the glory days of the Gathering and After Forever without the modern leanings of say Evanescence. The heaviness with "St. Matthieu" comes from bleak emotions that bleed throughout the 10 tracks. Read the complete MERCURY RAIN - St. Matthieu review...

FORGOTTEN TALES - All The Sinners

Tag: Female Fronted, Music Reviews, Symphonic Metal

Forgotten Tales second release is another disc of splendid melodic symphonic metal. "Lady Of The Forest" and "All The Sinners" start the proceedings off in fine style with a frantic pace similar to Seven Keys era Helloween. Read the complete FORGOTTEN TALES - All The Sinners review...

Dark Moor

Tag: Music Reviews, Symphonic Metal

Right out of the gates the first thing you will notice about the new Dark Moor CD is a new lead singer in Alfred Romero replacing Elisa. Now I am definitely partial to female vocalists, but in this case, I think Dark Moor has done themselves right in upgrading to a vocalist who sounds like he could be in the Tony Harnell league in terms of range. Romero leaves his immediate mark on "A Life For Revenge", a fast paced symphonic metal track that then leads into a similar paced track "Eternally". Read the complete Dark Moor review...

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