Zandelle Twilight on Humanity
By
Eden Capwell,
Contributor
Saturday, April 5, 2003 @ 7:09 PM
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I have to say this is a bit different and refreshing on the power metal front. This band hails from Greece and has a different take on a genre that needs some spark. They utilize dual guitar attack courtesy of Durfy & Maglio that make twin leads, excellent harmonies, and work in a fluid manner. Searing scales and inspired riffing, with excellent solos throughout. George Tsalikis' vocals are simply outstanding -- let’s make that clear right up front. He doesn’t hit high notes because he can, he hit’s them when he should. Both soothing and inspirational vocal delivery. Occasionally they get a nasally twinge to them, but you get used to it. Overall song structure is typical for power metal, with standard verse, chorus, bridge, solo, verse… you get the idea. Drumming is very good, and at time kicks it hard in the ass. Some use of double bass, and extremely fast hand work. Songs are generally quite long, averaging about 6 or more minutes.
1. “Warlords of Steel” -- Galloping drums, heavy riffing and high notes. It’s so power metal!
2. “Champion” -- Iron Maiden-like riff opens this little beast up, excellent riffing with the dual attack. Nice melodies are created vocally. Sweet solo.
3. “Hero's Quest” -- Sounds like a medieval song, with beautiful guitar work. At around 4 minutes this kicks in with faster and faster scaling guitars. Drummer matches every note the guitarists make. Throughout the whole disc everything is in unison with the drumming.
4. “Lord of Thunder” -- Lord of thunder starts with the sounds of rain and marching drums. Then kicks in with near death metal like drums, and fiery guitar work. Overall a fast paced number.
5. “Immortal Realms” -- This is straight up classic head banging mode. My favorite on the disc as a whole. Has a gurgling roar in the middle that is quite cool.
6. “Delusions” -- Acoustical guitars and a moody, saddening vibe start it out, only to kick in hard like the previous song. Ultra high notes are hit, and this galloping song takes off. Vocal melodies are created quite nicely.
7. “Eternal Love” -- Is there such a thing? I doubt it, but the beautiful guitar work might make you hopeful. Till you hear the nasally vocal delivery, and I’m afraid my doubts are dashed to the pavement in a bloody heap. The he hit’s the lower part of his register, and it kicks into full gear. Incredible, and long solo that flows into the ending verses.
8. “Sunrise” -- 1:30 minute breather. Which is called an “interlude” by professionals. It’s an instrumental breather with exquisite guitar work and extremely light keys and drumming.
9. “Cycle” -- David Wayne? Is that you? Oh, wait… it’s not. Good guitars, high pitched vocals… that’s the only pertinent thing I have to say.
10. “Twilight on Humanity” -- 12:01 minute long song, where it just won’t let up. I wish wash between wanting it, too, and then appreciate the very good guitar work. The vocals are pretty high on this one: The Evil Witch delivery. Ending piece of the song has a spoken portion that is nicely evil, and breaks up the higher range method.
Fans of Iced Earth or Blind Guardian would be especially interested in this one.
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