Faithsedge : Faithsedge
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
Despite being a bit deficient in punctuation, the self-titled debut release by the band Faithsedge is well ahead of the curve in every other respect. 2011 has proven to be a strong year in terms of debut releases, and California’s Faithsedge continues this much-welcomed trend by delivering a strong and melodic 11-track album that will please just about every fan of melodic or progressive metal.
Even though this is a debut CD, the members of Faithsedge are not newcomers to the music scene. Lead vocalist Giancarlo Floridia may be the least recognizable member of the band, but he is the founder of the group and primary songwriter. His voice is simple and clear, with a decent range and an awesome high falsetto. Unlike many newcomers, Floridia does not use the falsetto as a crutch or gimmick – it is just another tool in his vocal arsenal and is used sparingly but effectively. Well-respected producer and bass player Fabrizio Grossi (Steve Lukather, Alice Cooper, Starbreaker) contributed not only his production talents, but also his powerful bass skills. Veteran guitarist Alex De Rosso (Dokken) provides lead and rhythm licks, and proves he’s one of the best in the business. Drummer Tony Morra (Van Zant, Rebecca St. James) is no slouch either. His fine drum work complements the music perfectly, whether big and booming or calm and intricate. The album was even mastered by a true metal stalwart – Tom Baker, who has worked with Judas Priest and Motley Crue.
Sweeping progressive riffs open “Another Chance”. The lead track easily sets the tone for the rest of the album – big hooks, upbeat lyrics, rapid fire drums , intricate bass, crisp vocals and bubbling with energy. Intense guitars and a great sing along chorus power “There’s Still Hope” – influences of Dokken and Ratt abound. A cool bass groove, big guitars and great vocals make “Let It End This Way” one of the bast tracks on the album. The band ramps up the power again on “World Keeps Falling Down” – another great sing-along chorus, a bouncy bass line, and a bit of double bass push this one along. “Even If” features some of the best rhythm work and slickest groove on the album – the coordination between Grossi’s bass, Morra’s drums and de Rosso’s guitar is clockwork-precise. Faithsedge tips a hat to the 80s with the great and emotional power ballad “Hold On” – a vocal showpiece for Giancarlo Floridia.
“Take You Away” has a great high energy rock groove, again with a bit of a late-80s, early-90s feel to it, and de Rosso’s best guitar work. An intense prog-metal riff opens “Somewhere In Your Heart,” while some great bass and strong vocals push it over the top. A great Ratt-influenced riff drives the upbeat and kicky “That’s What Happened To Us,” while “Faith-Anne” is rich with a thick and smoky blues-rock groove. The CD wraps with the very up tempo “When It Rains” – perhaps the leading contender for Faithsedge’s arena rocker tune.
Overall Faithsedge is solid album and a good debut for the band – one they can be proud of. Strong melodies, interesting and timely lyrics and fine performances all contribute to making this release a success. The mix and engineering is well done with a small studio sound that adds warmth to an already warm tone. Lyrically positive, faith is the keystone of most of the songs – whether faith in one’s self, faith in another, faith in mankind, or faith in something/someone beyond.
No matter what style they play, the band never loses site of the melody. Faithsedge is an interesting and polished blend of metals – a bit heavy and a bit progressive, with a touch of old school rock – and should appeal to just about every melodic rock fan. Highly recommended!
Faithsedge will be released by Scarlet Records on 19-April-2011.
Genre: Melodic Metal
Band:
Giancarlo Floridia – vocals
Fabrizio Grossi – bass
Alex De Rosso – guitars
Tony Morra – drums
Track Listing:
1. Another Chance
2. There’s Still Hope
3. Let It End This Way
4. World Keeps Falling Down
5. Even If
6. Hold On
7. Take You Away
8. Somewhere In Your Heart
9. That’s What Happened To Us
10. Faith-Anne
11. When It Rains
Label: Scarlet Records
Website: http://faithsedgemusic.com/ ,
http://www.scarletrecords.it/bands/Faithsedge/band.htm
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10