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"Fans of epic melodic metal can rest assured that Pyramaze is still on top shape, delivering a powerful yet soothing "Bloodlines"."
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4/5
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Three years after the sensational "Epitaph", the Danes of Pyramaze are back. "Bloodlines" is the seventh album from this band, who were more into power metal when they started out in 2004. Since then, the band has gradually infused its sound with modern impulses, progressive constructions and, more recently, alternative and AOR/pop tendencies. Their most recent effort displayed a welcome diversity that attracted a wide range of fans.
The Scandinavians' latest effort won't figure in the pantheon of long-playing records. Forty-four minutes, six of them intro/outro, is far from the generosity common to the genre. Characterized by grandiloquence, quasi-operatic effects within devilishly epic structures and often atmospheric but always judiciously placed piano touches, the compositional work of Pyramaze is as remarkable as ever. Even if, melodically speaking, the impact is a little less percussive than on "Epitaph".
"Bloodlines" is less AOR/pop-oriented than its predecessor. Less easy listening as a result, it requires several listens to become fully absorbed. Once the difficulty has been overcome, the listener can enjoy this work, which sounds like a concept album. Tossed about by the firepower of the metal movements, it will enjoy all the more the caress of the refined melodies and the quiet moments offered by the systematically ethereal bridges. Pyramaze has a flair for the dramatic, and combines emphasis with virtuosity, making its theatricality addictive.
On the beautiful ballad 'Alliance', Melissa Bonny (Ad Infinitum) supports the excellent Terje Harøy. This mix of sweet voices magnifies a track with a rather classical format. The more progressive 'The Mystery' features two killer soli from Andrew Kingsley (Unleash The Archers) and Olof Mörck (Amaranthe). 'Taking What's Mine', with its enchanting vocal harmonies on the bridge, takes us back to Evergrey while 'The Midnight Sun' sees Tim Hansen, son of guitarist and founding member of Helloween, step in on guitar.
Pyramaze continues on its promising path, offering us a fine album of melodic metal. Less accessible than its predecessor, it should nonetheless once again satisfy the motley crowds of listeners who enjoy disparate musical pleasures. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Bloodlines
02. Taking What's Mine
 03. Fortress
04. Broken Arrow
05. Even If You're Gone
06. Alliance
07. The Midnight Sun
08. Stop The Bleeding
09. The Mystery
10. Wolves Of The Sea
LINEUP:
Andrew Kingsley: Guitares / Invité
Jacob Hansen: Guitares
Jonah Weingarten: Claviers
Melissa Bonny: Chant / Invitée
Morten Gade Sørensen: Batterie
Olof Mörck: Guitares / Invité
Terje Harøy: Chant
Tim Hansen: Guitares / Invité
Toke Skjønnemand:
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READERS
4/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (2 view(s))
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