Cruz Del Sur
2006
1. Sunrise
2. I am the Hammer
3. In the Violet Fire
4. By the Night Sky
5. Endlessly
6. The Longest Night
7. Fighting
8. Like a Ghost
9. Up the Gates
10. Never Run
The Longest Night marks the second album by this band, fronted by Tim Aymar of Control Denied fame and I think it's safe to say any fan of the last should like this as well. And to those who are missing out... you really are.
Pharaoh's sound on this album can best be described as a fusion of Iron Maiden and older american traditional metal such as Omen. The music shows it's Maiden influence often in it's galloping and it's atmospheric moments and songs like I Am The Hammer are straight out of the warrior metal textbook. At the same time though, this band's fusion of sounds comes off as their own and it's all delivered with a great deal of intensity and energy. Truely a headbangable experience and I don't know how any fan of old school american traditional could not like this. Vocally Aymar often resembles JD Kimbal (Omen) with his gruff yet melodic warrior shouts and at other times sounds more high and clear ala his Control Denied days. It all comes together brilliantly, supported by some slashing guitar solos and even some progressive moments such as the proggy jam session in the middle of Sunrise.
In conclusion this is a very tight album that will surely further this band's career and sound. If you haven't heard them yet and like Maiden inspired american traditional then you really should. Any fan of Maiden or Omen should really love this I would think. Traditional metal at it's best with the polished, refined sound of a power band, and the technical skill of a progressive act.
Highlights: Sunrise, Up The Gates, I Am The Hammer, The Longest Night
Rating - 4.0/5
2. I am the Hammer
3. In the Violet Fire
4. By the Night Sky
5. Endlessly
6. The Longest Night
7. Fighting
8. Like a Ghost
9. Up the Gates
10. Never Run
The Longest Night marks the second album by this band, fronted by Tim Aymar of Control Denied fame and I think it's safe to say any fan of the last should like this as well. And to those who are missing out... you really are.
Pharaoh's sound on this album can best be described as a fusion of Iron Maiden and older american traditional metal such as Omen. The music shows it's Maiden influence often in it's galloping and it's atmospheric moments and songs like I Am The Hammer are straight out of the warrior metal textbook. At the same time though, this band's fusion of sounds comes off as their own and it's all delivered with a great deal of intensity and energy. Truely a headbangable experience and I don't know how any fan of old school american traditional could not like this. Vocally Aymar often resembles JD Kimbal (Omen) with his gruff yet melodic warrior shouts and at other times sounds more high and clear ala his Control Denied days. It all comes together brilliantly, supported by some slashing guitar solos and even some progressive moments such as the proggy jam session in the middle of Sunrise.
In conclusion this is a very tight album that will surely further this band's career and sound. If you haven't heard them yet and like Maiden inspired american traditional then you really should. Any fan of Maiden or Omen should really love this I would think. Traditional metal at it's best with the polished, refined sound of a power band, and the technical skill of a progressive act.
Highlights: Sunrise, Up The Gates, I Am The Hammer, The Longest Night
Rating - 4.0/5
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