Writings of Fiction: Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Commentary, and Humor by Craig Hartranft
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German heavy metal is alive and well with Wolfen and their appropriately titled fourth full-length disc, Chapter IV. The genius of Wolfen is that they effortlessly combine elements of traditional heavy, power, and speed metal in a melodic wrapper. Yet, fundamentally, this is ‘true’ metal, with little compromise.
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Probably best known for his work with Horizon, guitarist Patrick Hemer steps out on his own with his first solo album More Than Meets the Eye. The album, like most of its kind, is an platform for Hemer’s rather impressive neo-classical guitar style in a tradition melodic heavy/power, sometimes, progressive metal context. In this sense, for song composition, Hemer strays far from work akin to Horizon and other bands operating in the field. Therefore, whether a fan of the genre or a lover of this classic metal guitar style, Hemer and company do not disappoint.
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Okay, so here’s the short review: Buy this album. If you dig well-composed and entertaining melodic progressive power metal with powerful and versatile vocals, then Lance King’s first solo project, A Moment in Chiros is simply primo material. So head on over to Nightmare Records and order the album; otherwise read on if you want more of my verbose commentary.
Now, let’s get one thing clear: I’m a fan. So don’t expect an unbiased commentary here.
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Halcyon Way’s significant Building the Towers and the future of American melodic progressive metal
4 November 2010 American CultureGeorgia’s (USA) Halcyon Way could be the future of American melodic progressive metal. Their significant and entertaining sophomore effort Building the Towers certainly suggests this promise. With new vocalist Steve Braun (ex-Ashent) on board, Halcyon Way brings a perfect blend of metal heaviness, melodic sensibility, and technical fireworks to Building the Towers.