THE FERRYMEN: The Ferrymen (MELODIC METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

If we do not know the origin of this international arrangement, The Ferrymen sees Ronnie Romero associated with the Swedish multi-instrumentalist Magnus Karlsson with a pedigree as big as his directory (Kiske/Sommerville, Primal Fear, Bob Catley among many others) and the American mercenary of the battery Mike Terrana with an even more extensive hunting list. Fifteen years ago, at a time when people were swearing only by power metal, the fruit of their record would have been a hit. In 2017, the listening of this eponymous album cannot leave a tenacious impression that it has already been heard.

Launched on rails that it will never leave at any time, this album investigates the melodies forged in the steelworks of Germany, which only Romero's powerful vocals saves from boredom. This judgment may seem harsh, but we expected more from an addition of talents than this lukewarm record, resembling a thousand others even in the titles of its songs. With regard to the experienced musicians present, the ensemble benefits from impeccable packaging and interpretation, but this is not enough.

'End Of The Road', where the Rainbow singer can roar with panache, 'Fool You All' with its "malmsteen guitar", the obligatory ballad 'One Heart' without forgetting 'Welcome To My Snow' are the best tracks in a record blocked in the 80's. The reptilian 'The Darkest Hour' illustrates, however, that the trio would be inspired to go deeper into the dark groove of a leaded heavy rather than staying into a classical speed power metal. Without Ronnie Romero who give his devastating energy, it is questionable whether this album would not have gone completely unnoticed.

It remains to be seen whether The Ferrymen will survive this business card, which is as effective as it is devoid of personality, but which should nevertheless appeal to fans of the genre. - Official website

THE FERRYMEN

THE FERRYMEN

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MELODIC METAL