Originally released in 2009, this Greek trio then signed to Aural Music who reissued it in 2011 with some additional material and new artwork. These guys have an interesting concept in that they state that they are “not quite metal, not quite rock, but the best of both.” Okay, I guess I can go with that as a description, as what they are clearly adept at is taking bits and pieces from both genres and then mixing them together within the same song. Let’s get one thing clear at the outset though, when these guys are heavy, they are right up there with the real heavyweights as all three of them combine to produce power chords and solid slabs of music that can bring down walls if played loud enough (and I live in New Zealand, so I know all about earthquakes).
But, this is not just about music that is powerful enough to walk on, but instead they have many strings to their collective bow. Singer Anastasios “Tas” Ioannidis (who is also the bassist) is an incredible asset, with a voice that has a breadth and depth as well as range. Although not quite a deep as Danny Joe Brown (RIP), he has a similar style in that when he sings it is almost as if he is singing chords instead of single notes, such is the richness and tonal qualities. Also, an added asset to Western ears is that there is no accent whatsoever.This is album that is meat and potatoes, something that is filling and satisfying, which makes one want to go back for seconds. Some of the runs and fills within “Eye to Eye” for example are just stunning. Alexandros “Alex” Alexiou obviously uses treetrunks instead of drumsticks, while John “Chief” Stergiou is happy to play gentle notes in the background, or provide powerchords that Iommi would be proud of, or blistering runs and solos when the need requires.
This is easily one of the finest albums, whatever genre, that I have ever come across from Greece and I can only hope that it isn’t the last we hear from these guys who appear to be currently unsigned, but are still gigging. This is a superb release.
www.phasereverse.com
