Emberstorm Memories of Time
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Time and time, again we find that across the Atlantic, the metal storm is rising. Of the many countries in the European block, Sweden is becoming a calling ground for musicians influenced by the metal genre. From progressive metal, heavy metal to power metal, the metal storm rages on.
The latest band to unleash their brand of metal is Emberstorm. Consisting of founder Peter Stromberg (guitars) and Peter Selin (vocals), the evolution of Emberstorm began as a project. The duo called on the assistance of several guest musicians to complete the recording process for their debut album Memories of Time.
Comprising nine songs, the album musically falls within the walls of progressive metal. The songs break down to include two instrumental tracks, while the rest feature vocals. Although this is a progressive metal record, the duo isn’t afraid to include influences from other genres. Bits of neo-classical intertwine with melodic passages, thrash grooves, prog-keyboards, screamo-vocals and hints of symphonic orchestration.
Musically, Stromberg has written clever music that is balanced. Not one element dominates or distracts from the underlying arrangements. The songs are built upon the back of the thunderous drums of Kim Söderberg. For the majority of the album, Stromberg handles the bass, keyboards and all of the guitars. Wearing the majority of the hats doesn’t blur the music into indistinguishable mish-mash. Stromberg provides the listener with heavy rhythm guitar arrangements as well as technical solos. Selin’s vocal style is comparable to Russell Allen of Symphony X. His delivery is clean, with enough rasp and grit to be heavy. But he maintains the control to produce quiet, subtle melodies when called for.
Memories of Time is a grand introduction to Emberstorm. By including nine songs on their debut, they don’t get distracted from their mission. There is just enough music to entice listeners. There are a couple mini-epic songs that clock in a bit over eight minutes, but the music keeps your interest. The instrumental songs provide transitional breaks, helping the flow and continuity of album.
Overall, Emberstorm delivers a fine debut album. Strong songwriting and musicianship abound on Memories of Time. Hopefully, the project solidifies into a complete band. Signed or unsigned, as in the case of Emberstorm, the Swedes know their metal.
Label: Independent
Band:
Peter Stromberg (Guitar, Keyboards, Bass)
Peter Selin (Lead Vocals)
Guest Musicians:
Kim Söderberg (Drums)
Anders Janfalk (Bass)
Mio Jäger (Vocals)
Eric Levie (Vocals)
Johnny Berglund (Screams)
Daniel Leonardsson (Keyboard Solos)
Mikael Baggström (Piano).
Track listing:
1. Never Ending
2. Elegy For Lady Servile
3. Cursed For Eternity
4. Horizon’s Call
5. Day Of Destiny
6. The Winter’s Night Of Fate
7. Emberstone
8. Tides Of No Belief
9. Out Of Reach
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10