A melodic power metal band from Russia, with members being Andery
Lobashev (vocals), Roman and Ivan Guryev (guitars), Denis Popov
(bass), and Anton Smolianin (drums). It started as "Vortex," and, as
such, played on Aria Tribute, but then changed it to "Arida Vortex," and, as such, released "Evil Sorcery" (2003). The follow-up, "Flames Of Sunset" came out in 2006.
EVIL SORCERY (2003)
RATING: ****
BEST SONGS: "Vortex," "Break The Fetters," "Prison For My Soul"
The name does not really fit the content of
this album: there is nothing evil or, for that matter, magical,
about the music or the lyrics here. Nice and pleasant melodic speed
metal, like a more simple Angra, or Stratovarius
without the guitar wizardry. Nevertheless, these Russian kids play
their music with energy and conviction, and the victorious wail of
Andrey Lobashev is up with the highest of them, at times resembling
Tobias Sammet. The Guryev brothers are
clearly under the influence of Adrian Smith's
melodic harmonies. Ultra-fast "Vortex Is My Name," "Break The
Fetters" (nice solo), "Prison For My Soul" (nice melody in the
chorus), "When Tomorrow Comes," and mid-tempo "Revolution Time" are
all NWOEPM-by-the-numbers, and these numbers are very well executed.
Naturally, there have to be ballads, and, unfortunately, they are
nothing special, although Lobashev does pull some impressive yells
at times. Title song is the only track with a trace of complexity,
but it's merely a trace. Production is a little thin (although at
least the bass is not absent). Unfortunately, it seems like the band
would fit better in 1999-2000, but, again, definitely not bad for a
self-produced debut. The lyrics all call for "breaking the chains"
and rebellion against all the corrupted powers of the world: "And
all the world is a prison for my soul!" Another thing that would
help these guys greatly is a truly original memorable riff, melody,
or vocal line, which would stick out and give them identity (kind of
like the main riff in Conquest's "The
Last Sphinx"). Let's see what the future holds in store for them.
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