|
Review:
|
Echoterra is a new project, started in 2007, by American
power metallers Jonah W, keys, of Pyramaze and Yan Leviathan,
guitar, of Avian. The duo enlisted soprano Suvi Virtanen
of Finland, who was part of Swedish symphonic power metallers
Therion’s choir for many years. Joining them are John Gensmer
from Epicurean on drums and fellow Avian Brian Hollenbeck
on bass and vocals. So this is band with a real top quality
pedigree. ****
After the orchestral intro are three Nightwishesque
symphonic power metal songs, but with two big differences.
Firstly, Yan is more of a rhythm guitarist (the only real
solo being supplied by guest Bill Hudson on ‘The Will of
Life), so this is a real tour de force for keyboarder Jonah.
If you like keyboards, you will love this album. The second
big difference is the extraordinary multi part vocals, created
by Suvi. She has really used her experience singing in a
choir, we are all so used to the lead and backing singers
singing the same line and notes, that this is a really refreshing
change and gives the band a unique sound and style. ‘The
Wind Surrounds You’ is an excellent piano ballad (nice to
hear a proper classical piano accompaniment, rather that
the normal plonking chords), followed by the atmospheric
orchestral ‘To Live Again’. Next up is the album’s best
song, the wonderfully named ‘Say, Try, Lie, Die’, which
features superb male (clean) and female vocal interplay.
‘Beyond the Seven Seas’ has a jolly pirate vibe, I half
expect Jack Sparrow to hove into view! ‘Water Falls’ gallops
along nicely, and the album ends with an orchestral version
of the afore mentioned ‘Say, Try, Lie, Die’, Jonah can really
twinkle those ivories. ****
This is a top quality album, a must for all prog and
symphonic metal fans. Available on CD Baby and readers in
the USA can also buy it on Amazon. 9 out of 10.
|
