von Prof » 30. Januar 2009, 13:35
Okay, dass mich Wicked Waltz ein wenig begeistern, dĂŒrfte mittlerweile klar sein. FĂŒr's Webzine Digital Steel hab' ich mich, der aufstrebenden US-Band zuliebe, dann mal aufgerafft und ein Review verfasst. Ist viel zu lang geraten und auch noch in Englisch, aber hey, ihr seid ja alle schmökernde Kosmopoliten.
Wicked Waltz ? Chapter 1
(Self-financed)
Tracklist
1. Lifemare
2. A heart that cannot bleed
3. Hated by others
4. My last wish
For a lengthy period of time Wicked Waltz, the band from Mobile, Alabama, had to make do without a singer. The first efforts that were put up on their MySpace were all instrumentals, but it was already apparent that the talent was there.
Now we have early 2009 and Wicked Waltz, expanded to a six men unit, come forth with an EP that should find instant favour with followers of slightly technical, yet melodic US-powermetal. The overall feel is a dark one, enhanced further by the serious lyrics and the use of minor-key keyboard patterns. It is clear from the onset ? the smasher ?Lifemare? ? that compositions are well thought out and meticulously arranged. Despite that technical edge, the songs never lose their freshness. With some great melodies woven into the music?s fabric, these Wicked Waltzers have created a debut that is a cut above the rest. Think of musical spheres somewhere between 'Malice and tranquility'-era Radakka and 'Melancholy beast'-era Pyramaze and you?ve got an idea of the band?s style.
And how about that singer then, you may ask. Well, in Jasyn ? neither the sparse one-page inlet with the CD nor the band?s MySpace lists last names ? Wicked Waltz have found a seriously apt vocalist. He has the power, versatility and wide range - the basic requirements to sing the kind of thinking man?s metal this band obviously has set out to create. With Jasyn, the last Wicked Waltz element is in place.
The harmony/background vocals on this recording are exceptionally well done, with those in the closing track ?My last wish? as absolute highlights. The dramatic chorus is a true gem, as is the entire track from both songwriting and performance perspective. A frightening amount of signed bands out there are not able to produce anything on this quality level of craftsmanship, let alone create feeling in their songs. As so often while waltzing through the US-metal underground, it makes you wonder what evil vegetables label people have got stuck in their ears these days.
Anyhow, it?s a good thing that this four-tracker, produced with a punch by Matt Damico, starts off with ?Lifemare?. Two thumbs up for this easy-to-get-into headbanger with an aggressive riff that just gets your adrenalin flowing. It?s followed by ?A heart that cannot bleed?, which has an alarming first minute of speedy Euro-metal with too much keyboard whimsy, but then luckily comes into its own. The third track ?Hated by others? is a crunchy piece of heavy metal indeed, with strong vocal lines and drummer Jason going for the jugular.
As mentioned earlier, ?My last wish? closes the EP with a vengeance. This deeply melancholy song just sticks in the brain immediately upon first listen. Sheer US-metal brilliance, melodic without compromising on the heaviness, with that chorus that just sends shivers down your spine. If you like your powermetal well arranged and moderately technical, but firmly rooted in the old school, then Wicked Waltz should definitely be to your liking.
The EP ? a pressed disc, not one of those el cheapo CDR thingies that refuse to deliver after a couple of months - is available through the band?s MySpace for a ridiculously low price. Meaning: no poor man?s/woman?s excuse for not buying a copy (or two) is valid here. Let?s hope 'Chapter 1' will be followed by another chapter in the Wicked Waltz book. Word to the wise, guys: don?t change a thing, just steer well clear from the Euro-speed. Stick with that singer, those fine arrangements and the dark tone, and the Waltz will be Wicked.
Oliver Kerkdijk