{"id":22525,"date":"2012-10-01T07:34:05","date_gmt":"2012-10-01T12:34:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/?p=22525"},"modified":"2013-02-05T16:39:14","modified_gmt":"2013-02-05T21:39:14","slug":"soulspell-hollows-gathering-cd-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/2012\/soulspell-hollows-gathering-cd-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Soulspell | Hollow\u2019s Gathering<\/em>"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Joe Mis<\/span>
\n– Columnist —<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Soulspell\"Hollow\u2019s Gathering<\/em> is the latest release from the Brazilian metal opera project Soulspell created by drummer Heleno Vale. Once again, Soulspell uses an number of well know vocalists as characters in the story, and Hollow\u2019s Gathering<\/em> is a veritable \u201cWho\u2019s Who\u201d of talented rock singers. Soulspell is more than just voices \u2013 the project as a whole is a refreshing expo that displays the fine instrumental and compositional talents of current the Brazilian rock\/metal music scene.<\/p>\n

Soulspell released their first album, A Legacy of Honor<\/em>, in 2008 and followed up with The Labyrinth of Truths<\/em> in 2010. Originally conceived as a showcase for Brazilian musicians and singers, Soulspell quickly bloomed into an international phenomenon. Now in 2012, Soulspell is releasing Hollow\u2019s Gathering<\/em> with the support of famed vocalists Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth), Blaze Bayley (ex. Iron Maiden), Michael Vescera (Obsession, Loudness, Yngwie Malmsteen), Amanda Sommerville (Trillium, Avantasia), and Markus Grosskopf (Helloween) among others. This spectacular lineup does not dominate the album and are truly \u201cguests\u201d, as Soulspell showcases the talents of homegrown vocalists Jefferson Albert, Leandro Ca\u00e7oilo, and Daisa Munhoz. These vocalists play different characters in a drama of human emotions and decisions.<\/p>\n

Musical highlights include the amazing vocal teamwork (from soft and pure to gritty and growling) on the opening track \u201cHollow\u2019s Gathering.\u201d This song embodies the spirit of the remainder of the album and is one of those \u201ceverything but the kitchen sink\u201d tracks in which the band pulls out every trick in the books \u2013 and truly demonstrates that this is indeed a \u201cmetal opera.\u201d Slick guitars and driving drums open the flowing \u201cA Rescue Into the Storm,\u201d a very progressive sounding track with great vocal performances and some fascinating guitar breaks. Booming bass and an operatic opening make \u201cTo Crawl Or To Fly\u201d a high energy and inspiring track thanks to the every-powerful voice of Amanda Sommerville. \u201cAnymore\u201d is a well done acoustic\/electric power ballad, again with superb vocals and great guitar work. \u201cAdrian\u2019s Call\u201d cranks up the full-on metal assault once again, blending elements of old-school pure metal with modern flourishes and prog tempo changes.<\/p>\n

\u201cChange The Tide\u201d carries the musical energy into real power metal territory \u2013 and is perhaps the only track where Heleno Vale allows his drums to become the centerpiece of the song. Each and every musician is at the top of their game in what is one of the strongest tracks on the release. \u201cFrom Hell\u201d is a quick and creepy intro to \u201cThe Keeper’s Game,\u201d an Iron Maiden \/ Dream Theater-influenced track anchored by the bellowing voice of Blaze Bayley that flips back and forth from progressive to old-school tones. Tim Owens lends his highly recognizable metal voice on \u201cThe Dead Tree,\u201d a track that features some incredible keyboard works \u2013 including a very blues-inspired piano break. A soft piano riff opens \u201cWhispers Inside You,\u201d and Amanda Sommerville provides some amazing duet vocals.<\/p>\n

The engineering and performances are technically excellent. The vocals are crisp and the music is mixed with power metal precision, yet the album remains warm and human. The instruments are well balanced and never bury the vocalists. The songs are all well-structured and well written, telling a cohesive tale from start to finish. In terms of vocals, Albert, Ca\u00e7oilo, and Munhoz stand toe-to-toe with the more seasoned \u201cguest\u201d singers allowing this lineup of disparate voices to deliver truly spectacular performances.<\/p>\n

Overall, Hollow\u2019s Gathering<\/em> is a fine power metal – symphonic metal release. It is surprising that a talented drummer has organized such a vocal-centric group \u2013 and it willing to keep his performance from dominating the music. Any band engineer or producer could learn quite a bit about mixing vocals by listening to the way all of the diverse voices of Soulspell are handled here. Heleno Vale has indeed succeeded in his quest to prove Brazil a musical contender.<\/p>\n

Soulspell\u2019s Hollow\u2019s Gathering<\/em> will be released on October 12, 2012. Don’t miss it \u2013 it is EPIC!<\/p>\n

Genre: Power Metal<\/p>\n

Band:
\nHeleno Vale (drums)
\nJefferson Albert (vocals)
\nLeandro Ca\u00e7oilo (vocals)
\nDaisa Munhoz (vocals)
\nMarco Lambert (guitar)
\nRodolfo Pagotto (guitar)
\nWanner Maur\u00edcio (bass)
\nGuests: Vocals – Tim Owens, Blaze Bayley, Michael Vescera, Amanda Sommerville, Markus Grosskopf<\/p>\n

Track Listing:
\n1.\tHollow’s Gathering
\n2.\tA Rescue Into the Storm
\n3.\tTo Crawl Or to Fly
\n4.\tAnymore
\n5.\tAdrian\u2019s Call
\n6.\tChange the Tide
\n7.\tFrom Hell
\n8.\tThe Keeper\u2019s Game
\n9.\tThe Dead Tree
\n10.\tWhispers Inside You<\/p>\n

Label: Inner Wound<\/p>\n

Website: http:\/\/www.soulspell.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven rating: 9\/10<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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