by Dan Skiba
— Columnist —
Doctor Pheabes is an odd-named band hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Army Of The Sun is their 3rd release. The band definitely works under the “Friends & Family” moniker – the Parrillo brothers get the limelight on vocals and guitar, while the Ressio brothers hold down the rhythm section. The band was able to land some fortuitous opening act spots with some major league heavy hitters such as Guns N’ Roses, Black Sabbath, and The Rolling Stones, and got a good taste of how fame, fortune, and notoriety can be enjoyed. With that goal in mind, Army Of The Sun is the first album by the good Doctor to be released in North America.
When thinking Brazilian Metal, your first thoughts may take you to Angra and their razor-precision Power Metal, or perhaps Sepultura and their brutal breed of bludgeoning Metal. Melodic Hard Rock coming out of South America would likely be way down on your list … if even making the cut. But, sure enough, Melodic Hard Rock exists in Brazil and is exactly what Doctor Pheabes plays.
“Melodic” anything attached to a genre often translates to “no balls” or “sappy” song topics and song structures. To be sure, that is not the case with Army Of The Sun. Eduardo Parrillo certainly has “Melodic” pipes and there are a shit ton of catchy melodies within this album, but the band also drives in a few Modern Punk elements (think Green Day) interjected with an Old School Garage Band Punk feel that once was heard with artists such as Iggy Pop. There is amazing instrument clarity on this album, which grabs you in when listening as if the band was right there playing in front of you.
But, you need to check this record out for yourself … start with “Better Off Alone,” “Rebel Riders,” and “Let’s Go” … then you’ll know if Doctor Pheabes is a band for you. Chances are you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Genres: Melodic Hard Rock
Band:
Eduardo Parrillo – Vocals
Fernando Parrillo – Guitars
Fabio Ressio – Bass
Paulo Ressio – Drums
Tracklisting:
Army Of The Sun
Better Off Alone
Rebel Riders
Here To Stay
Your Love Is Mine
Ask Of You
Find A Way
Back In Town
Stranded In Love
Let’s Go
Live Forever
Label: Independent
Website: http://doctorpheabes.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(7 / 10)
