Zephaniah - Stories From The Book Of Metal |
Published April 01 2008
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The Metal Prayer |
| Genre | Power Metal |
Logan Detwiler
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Vocals
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| Tracks | 9 |
Justin Zych
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Guitar
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| Runningtime | 54 Min. |
Tyson Miller
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Guitar
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| Label | Self Released |
Ian Bender
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Bass
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| Release | 2008 |
Tyler Sumwalt
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Drums
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| Country | USA |
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Keyboard
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| Similar artists | Dragonforce, Eternal Legacy, Engage | ||
American Power Metal is alive and.... well, thriving in the Mid-West. From Fort Wayne, Indiana, ready to hail and thrill, comes the true avengers of souls known as Zephaniah. Heed their battle cry as they harness the reins of bloodsoaked tyranny. Named in honor of the ancient Biblical prophet, hell bent on enforcing the chosen ones to repent, Zephaniah rally their soldiers to arms, wielding the axes of glory, in an alliance of true mettle. This quintent of musical skill and technology fondly fight for their love of fantasy and history. They present the listener with a vibrant pallette of artistic melodies, sear shredding diatribes, and a harrowing choir of the damned.
Although, comparisons to Dragonforce are rife and acceptable; Zephaniah rightfully deserve a more solicitous listen, and deeper clarification. The dynamic dual guitar antics of Justin Zych and Tyson Miller characterize an alluring arrangement of indelible notes and rythyms, balanced by a subtle harmonic convergence of metal and physical prowess. The fretboard gymnastics and six string sting engagement serve as an allusion to the propitious and prodigious talent of such Euro Power Metal icons as Gamma Ray, Helloween, and Blind Guardian. The prominent Neo-classical elements also lead me to suggest inspiration from Power Quest, Dark Moor, Domine, and Rhapsody Of Fire. Justin is a self-professed Manowar enthusiast, and his adulation for these Gods Of Metal is defintely demonstrated.
Drummer Ian Bender over-exemplifies his skill on the kit. His broadcast of energetic acceleration and swiftly, dexterous dynamics is quite resourceful, as he emulates several well-known drummers through blugeoning blast beats and beatific time assessments. Bassist Tyler Sumwalt keeps the toxic pace, maintaning the Steve DiGorgio style, as witnessed on the intro for Fight For Love.
The only weak link is Logan Detwiler's vocal performance. His honest attempt is respectable, given that he is classically trained; however his wild range does not always match the musical attributes. He is no Z.P. Theart, although his enunciation is pellucid. This serves as my caviat to listeners who will be frustrated to discover the vocal harmony deficit.
Once the Book is opened, The Metal Prayer commences. This evocation qualifies as an ode to valor via a reworked translation of the Lord's Prayer. This brave chant is told from a warrior's perspective, envisioning the chaos and madness of war which will unfold. Antietam is concerned with the dark graced story in American history, when brother was pitted against brother in brutal, bloody ephemeral slaughter. Iced Earth fans will relish in the cold Civil War reflections. Avenger Of Souls and Sword Of The King return to fantasy, characterized by charismatic guitar repercussions, played at a frenatic fretboard pace. Hear the hail of bullet belts as Logan aggressively metes out each note in the metal of all things, wisely insane. Listen for the clash of swords, the cry of war, and the pending death knell, as the ambitious performance predominates.
Given the enormous success of the Pirates Of The Carribean Trilogy, Blackbeard's Revenge is appropriate. Perhaps this is an homage to Running Wild and all their Years Of Piracy. Alestorm fans take note, because Blackbeard's Revenge rides the waves of sonic intensity, glistening over raging, shark infested waters. Prepare to walk the plank with a whiplash smile. This song exhibits the best example of quality song writing, both lyrically and musically. This track is a true highlight of the talent these five lads exude. Listen to Logan channel his treasured idol Long John Silver or even Captain Jack Sparrow, in this canticle of death or glory. It is a known fact Blackbeard was a ruthless pirate who robbed patriotic ships during the American Revolution.
The Lone Warrior will curse the Gods of matrimony through well-penned storytelling; divulging disharmonic orchestrations, referencing broken vows, and fortelling a soon to be sullied relationship. Subjective and personal themes systematically create another noble cause. Kudos to naming the female lead, The Ice Princess. I celebrate the Fight For Love, and its relatively positive assertion. The jazzy breakdowns and progressive time changes are most beneficial. The sonic fiestorm of Flame Of The Dragon mirrors Dragonforce's inhuman advantage; but essentially reflects The Fire And The Wind of the Demoniac.
The worst song - a definite skip-over, has to be the annoying power ballad - Deep Breath. I feel compelled to hold my breath as this song lingers forever on into abysmal impudence. The cheesy lyrics and deplorable vocals make this track utterly worthless, thus deducting that extra chalice. This song only breaks up the balance of an otherwise flawless arrangement of musical excellence and wordsmith proficiency. Please remove this from your Myspace and add Blackbeard's Revenge!
I express my ultimate gratitude knowing that finally Americans are creating a Power Metal awareness. Unfortunately, a great number of talented acts, like Armory, Engage, and now Zephaniah are completely ignored by record labels, thus compelled to release their albums on the on their own recognizance. These self-released efforts have decent production and are still worth purchasing, but are not given the professionalism of an Independent label like Nuclear Blast or SPV. These bands truly deserve more recognition! With such a positive vibe generated by support of such talent as Pharaoh, Eternal Legacy, and Cellador it is my sincere hope that Zephaniah and Armory are next in line for success. I strongly encourage you to get to know these young prophets and learn their Stories From The Book Of Metal. Heed the call, and follow these lone warriors of iron, the new defenders of the faith in steel.
See
also: interview
wih the band
See also: Song
By Song Commentary
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Performance
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Originality
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Production
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Vocals
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Songwriting
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8,5 |
7,5 |
7,5 |
6,5 |
8,5 |
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Summary
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8 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel |
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