The Countdown....#18

by Bijan J. Hosseini

Immortal by Pyramaze 

“Up from the ashes, back from the depths, and the voices have risen, fire becomes flesh.”

So begins the 1:03 intro “Arise” -set to a dark and foreboding landscape of slow resonant drums and a haunting etherial build up before the opening lines of the second track “Year of the Phoenix” explodes in fury that culminates with (former Iced Earth frontman) Matt Barlow howling in a key octaves higher than the spoken word we heard moments before.

This marks the return of one of my favorite vocalists ever! And, it could not have been more exciting, better or apt; the verse and bridge follow shortly after another 4 lines of spoken word:

"The time has come, the stars aligned

It's meant to be, I see the signs.

Out of the ashes of beauty and power,

A new beginning, this is the hour.

Thirsty souls bound by the silence

Shall be reborn by their own story

And when the voices have risen

We will seal this pact of resurrecting glory"

I was in love with this album. All it had to do now, was not let me down. And it didn't.

This, Pyramaze's third album will unfortunately (most likely) be Barlow's only contribution to the band (as he's rejoined Iced Earth – thank god, no more Tim Owens). This progressive metal album roars and swoons with Barlow all over the map - guitars blazing, bass and drums thundering, and keys maneuvering in the cracks between with all the prowess of the dragon they sing of in Caramon's Poem (based on the Dragonlance Chronicles).

Barlow is a key figure; adding something a little darker, and fuller to Michael Kammeyer's (primarily) songs than we've heard in the past - pushing them a little more into the American Power Prog/Metal realm than the European. The production, particularly the vocals, is spectacular. Epic and wonderful this album travels nearly the entire gamut of rock, prog, and metal without ever sounding lost, weak, or the slightest bit out of place. Very creative songwriting, both unique and catchy, by Kammeyer coupled with Barlow, who proves yet again why he's one of the absolute best in the business – showcasing a nearly unparalleled range – makes this a must have for any and all who have some rock in them, or want to.

My CD sampler 3 tracks* for this album are:

Arise/Year of the Phoenix*

A Beautiful Death

and Caramon's Poem

*(first two tracks on the album as Arise is a 1:03 intro)