Persona Non Grata Shade in the Light
by Matthew Hoffman
Staff Writer
The Greek progressive metal band Persona Non Grata was formed in 2003 as Fatal Error (John Ioannidis and Chris Gatsos). They eventually added vocalist Bill Axiotis and then session musicians that ultimately took their current identity.
Their debut album Shade in the Light was released in February of this year. It features smooth music that is cohesive and blends really well. The CD in fact sees its strength as its greatest weakness. The seamless music is great for a road trip or the ride home after your boss rips into your ass at work, but that same attribute means there are few key memorable moments on the CD as well. The music is well played but on a progressive metal disc memorable moments are what the audience is looking for like a sick ass highly technical solo by John Petrucci of Dream Theatre for example.
Some of the better songs would include “Collison Course” which includes a cool keyboard slow down before hitting it hard with a cool soaring guitar solo.
There is no loss of serene moments here on Shade in the Light like the “Fives” number that is heavy is peaceful keyboards and well sung clean vocals from Bill Axiotis.
So this is a nice progressive metal CD with all the prerequisite elements performed properly, but doesn’t have the “bite” or the “zing” necessary to take it to the next level of the Dream Theatres or the Shadow Gallerys (R.I.P Mike Baker) of the genre. Hopefully as this band grows it will include a bit more flair and energy to their subsequent works.
This CD however is recommended for purchase as it is still a cool rock album for a springtime or summer wine tasting or a long Sunday drive through the country (any times that you don’t want to do any deep thinking.)
Label: Sensory Records
Band Members
John Ioannidis- Keyboards
Chris Gatsos- Guitars
Bill Axiotis- Vocalist
Akis Gavalas- Drums
Chris Vogiatzis- Bass
Track Listing
1 Before The Reason
2 Dual Unity
3 Single Unity
4 Collison Course
5 Fives
6 Shade In The Light
7 Longing
8 Empty Shadows
9 Personal Gratitude
10 Stillness
HRH Rating: 6.6/10