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Greece does it again!
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Another incredible power metal band. Whatever is in the water supply there needs to be added to the water in the US because there seems to be no shortage of great music coming from the region. And, the fans make it possible, otherwise Steel Gallery Records wouldn't be signing great bands like Wardrum, and the band who I've just spent the past hour listening to, BanDemoniC. (Rocking out, cranked up to 11 is more like it.)
Hailing from Ioannina City, Greece, BanDemoniC has been perfecting their craft in 2009. They began writing songs and performing in 2010, and has played shows with heavy hitters like original Iron Maiden singer, Paul DiAnno, Grim Reaper, along with countless regional metal masters. And, it won't be long before they add even more big names to their list. In 2014, they were signed to Steel Gallery, and their album, Fires of Redemption was released.
Right off the bat, it should be noted that Fires of Redemption was mastered by Jacob Hansen, who is the (master)mind behind the iconic sounds of bands like Volbeat, Epica, Pretty Maids, Doro, Primal Fear, etc. The album cover was done by Dimitar Nikolov, a true metal artist. In other words, the album sounds and looks great. I'm sure I'll be jamming to it for years to come.
BanDemoniC's Fires of Redemption is a hard and heavy band whose music is an all out assault on the senses. They have a style all their own, yet you can tell who influenced them. Nothing but talent. Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Iced Earth, Metal Church and old school Megadeth come to mind. Their album is full of twin guitar attack/ harmony solos, complimented by an extremely powerful rhythm section. And, you have to stand in awe of the vocal performances on the album,
On vocals, George Manthos has a consistently powerful mid range, but also has the ability to reach the stratosphere with his incredible piercing high range. He has a very pure sounding voice, but don't let that description deceive you. Its pure, but it will still knock you over. Not to mention the skill in the lyrics. Great lyrics throughout the album.
The guitar team of Eric Karamanis and CA Chairopoulos is top notch. It easily belongs in the same conversation with Iced Earth and even Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. I love the twin axe attack, and this album delivers it perfectly.
The rhythm section of bassist, Panagiotis Bletsos of and drummer, Adrian Kyprianos are rock solid, and tight. The unit has the precision of a 'bullet' fired from a master sniper. (It doesn't miss.Ever.)
All the songs on the album are perfect to the point that each one grabs you by the throat and won't let go. Each song is its own individual journey into metal bliss. Track 3, Disingenuous is anything but. It and all the songs are completely honest power metal. Hard, heavy guitar assault. But, they show versatility too. Track 9, Guardians of Time has a slow and deep groove, with some incredible acoustic guitar and vocal performances. Similar to the feel of Beyond the Realms of Death by Judas Priest, yet completely unique in its own right.
If you are a fan of heavy power/progressive/speed/thrash metal, then BanDemoniC is for you. Their album, Fires of Redemption has and delivers it all. I haven't been this blown away by an album since I heard Wardrum. Maybe I should move to Greece and start my own band there!
And, for Heaven's Sake, Steel Gallery...SEND ME MORE METAL!!!!
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