Representing New Jersey

Some, including myself, may have lost hope in New Jersey the second that My Chemical Romance signed to a record label. Alas, we can now rejoice, for a new band, amongst several other good ones belive it or not, has emerged. This band is none other than Mutiny Within.

They are a blend of power metal with progessive metal. In other words, they are a recipe for greatness. Throughout the album it is apparent that every musician in the band is wonderful at their respective instrument. Even the bassist has his moment(s) of glory with intricate bass lines. Mixing in keyboards lends a fuller, atmospheric feel to the album.

The singer, Chris Clancy, is the hardest member of the band to forget. His vocal capabilities are quite impressive. He appears to change his vocal style for almost every other song. All the while it does not seem out of place, but rather adds to the diversity of their music. Sure, he can do the harsh metal growls, but he really shines with clean vocals. His range is quite impressive, especially when he hits the high notes.

Lyrically it is difficult to comment upon because the lyrics are not yet online. Therefore, I do not want to falsely critique lyrics because of not knowing them all. Still, what I recall of those I know are not that bad, but still not at the point of being quite as exceptional as the rest of the album. Still, this may just be because I do not know all of them.

For anyone interested in metal and from Jersey this is definitely not an album that you want to miss. It has the perfect blend of heavy guitars mixed with power metal and clean vocals. This is a unique album that should make anyone proud to be from the Garden State.

Sonata Arctica - The Days of Grays

Perhaps one of the most fluent albums of 2009, "The Days of Grays" is also one of the most discussed amongst the symphonic/power metal community. The album is the sixth by the band, and is drastically different from prior releases. Interestingly enough there are those who do not like this album but claim that previous albums copied other artists too much. Still, this album is worth listening too because it is such a departure from their previous sound. Rather than having excessive solos at impossible speeds they have decided to go for a more melodic tone. This is to be expected considering that their keyboardist, Henrik Klingenberg has reported that it is darker than previous albums by the band.

The darkness of the album lends to a more emotional approach. This is further represented through the vocals and lyrics, both done by Tony Kakko. Some of the best lyrics are found in the beginning of the disc. With lines such as

"In the eyes of every newborn, I see the past times
A familiar face
I close my eyes and see them, waiting for me
Amongst the amazing grays"

there is no surprise that there are emotional references to ones own mortality.

The song "Juilet" is a distorted version of the classic Shakespeare play, "Romeo and Juliet." Right from the beginning it is clear that it is a dark tale of the tragedy.


"I hold your hand, close my eyes all I love finally dies
Drank the poison most foul with you...
But why do you smile?

...Don't smile
Don't you smile
You were supposed to wither away with me, so, Juliet
Please don't smile
I'm paralysed and you are still alive"

Towards the end of the song he professes his love and devotion, but not before falling to his death.

"It is too late to regret anything tonight
After what has come to light
...You have played me for a fool, for all this time?
The story may rewrite itself after I'm gone
One more breath, the day will dawn

How hard it is to understand
My wish to die hand in hand?
These wounds stay open all night long,
You are the last thing I will see...

I lived only by you,
My scar, my heart, my truth,
My sole reason to die... for
There's no life without you"

There are, of course other songs on the album, but to take on a challenge as large as a classic Shakespearean tragedy is quite impressive. Sure there are pretty great lyrics throughout the album, but there are also instruments (those important things that make sound and what not). Before getting to them it is also worth noting that as a guest singer on a select few tracks they used Johanna Kurkela, a Finnish solo artist. Her work can be heard on the songs "Deathaura" and "No Dream Can Heal a Broken Heart." Back to the instruments, which are not always complex, but are always layered enough with orcestrated effects to add to the dark tone.

There is definitely something on this album for everybody. There are songs that may be considered epic, but there are also the ballads, which by far are the star of the disc. Surprisingly this can be found at any local store, and is worth picking up.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

"Nightfall in Middle Earth" may seem like an album made for every Lord of the Rings geek out there, but it is much more than that. This album is one of the few that is worthy of being called "epic" (a word I try to refrain from using). Rather than following the story of The Lord of the Rings, it focuses on the First Age of Middle Earth. This provides a refreshing take on the genre rather than just riding the success of the movies, and at the time the books.



The album has twenty-two tracks, with half being short instrumental interludes and the other half full length songs. Interestingly, it begins at the end of the story, which may be confusing to those who have never read up on the backing story. Luckily, the songwriting far surpasses any issues one may have with the set up. Every song follows the same theme, but manages to have a distinct feel to it, giving them all their own personal touch. This is partly due to the wondrous voice of lead singer Hansi Kursch. He fully utilizes his ability to overdub and harmonize numerous times with himself in order to create the atmosphere of a full choir.

The whole scale of the music fully immerses the listener into it. Mainly because it is something that is rarely done with vocals. Often bands will have various orcestrated pieces, but rarely will they attempt to make a fuller sound with just one singers voice. Aiding him are various classical inspired guitar parts mixed with non-traditional metal instruments such as flutes, horns, and various forms of stringed instruments.

This album is definitely not for everyone, but on a musical standpoint it is definitely one of the most unique albums to date. Whether you are a fan of vocals or instruments this piece of art will most likely satisfy. At its roots it is still a power metal album. Though, due to its incredible scale it ranks among one of the best, and if by some chance you are a fan of the genre and missed this album it is highly recommended to give it a listen.