{"id":27706,"date":"2013-02-26T23:09:08","date_gmt":"2013-02-27T04:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/?p=27706"},"modified":"2014-01-24T09:06:26","modified_gmt":"2014-01-24T14:06:26","slug":"damnation-angels-bringer-of-light-cd-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/2013\/damnation-angels-bringer-of-light-cd-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Damnation Angels | Bringer of Light<\/em>"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Justin Gaines<\/span>
\n– News Editor \/ Senior Journalist —<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"DamnationOne of the most eagerly anticipated power metal debuts in recent memory, Bringer of Light<\/em> is the first full-length release from UK-based symphonic power metal band Damnation Angels. The band made a decent impact with their 2009 EP Shadow Symphony<\/em>, but with their recent hiring of Norwegian vocalist Per Fredrik \u201cPellek\u201d Asly and addition to the 2013 ProgPower USA lineup, they\u2019ve raised their profile significantly.<\/p>\n

Given that Damnation Angels plays progressive-oriented power metal with a strong symphonic side, and they now have a charismatic Norwegian front-man, comparisons to Kamelot are inevitable. So let\u2019s get that out of the way up front. Bringer of Light<\/em> sounds like a classic Kamelot album. Think Karma<\/em> or Epica<\/em>, but with a (much) better singer. Honestly, Kamelot fans that are less than thrilled with the band\u2019s recent output are probably going to lose their minds over Bringer of Light<\/em>. Beyond the Kamelot comparison, Damnation Angels also brings to mind bands like Avantasia, Epica and Circus Maximus. Again, this is not a bad thing at all.<\/p>\n

Bringer of Light<\/em> has several things going for it, but there are three aspects that stand out in particular. The first is that under everything else, this is just a very well written, expertly executed melodic power metal album. The guitar work is very strong, the keyboards and piano are used brilliantly and never overused, and the melodies\u2026well, calling them infectious is an understatement. They will be lodged in your head long after the album ends. You hear the basic power metal strengths most in the inter-connected \u201cSomeone Else,\u201d \u201cBringer of Light\u201d and \u201cShadow Symphony.\u201d Factor in the symphonic elements and the album is that much stronger. Guitarist\/chief songwriter William Graney handles this well. It never feels as overblown as say, recent Nightwish albums, but it is a huge part of the Damnation Angels sound, especially on the album\u2019s 10-minute bookends \u201cThe Longest Day of My Life\u201d and \u201cPride (the Warrior\u2019s Way).\u201d There\u2019s also a nod to one of the first symphonic metal projects \u2013 Metallica\u2019s S&M \u2013 with the very effective cover of \u201cNo Leaf Clover.\u201d The third element, and the one that is going to leave a lot of people with a new favorite singer, is Pellek\u2019s vocal performance. The man has a stunning, four-octave vocal range and he brings an incredible energy and charisma to the band and album. His voice is crystal clear and has tremendous power. Put these three key elements together and the result is nothing short of amazing.<\/p>\n

If you like your power metal melodic and symphonic, Bringer of Light<\/em> needs to go directly to the top of your buy list. Damnation Angels is one of the brightest new stars in the power metal universe, and are sure to appeal to fans of bands like Circus Maximus, Avantasia, Seventh Wonder, Epica and especially Kamelot. If you set aside the fact that Bringer of Light<\/em> was released in Japan several months ago, this album has to be considered a top ten album for 2013, and so far is the year\u2019s best power metal release by far.<\/p>\n

PS \u2013 As mentioned earlier, Damnation Angels will be making their U.S. live debut this September at the ProgPower USA festival. Given how rarely a band like this makes it to the U.S., if you have the opportunity to attend this event, do not pass it by.<\/p>\n

Genre: Power Metal, Symphonic Metal<\/p>\n

Band:
\nWilliam Graney (g) (k) (v)
\nPer Fredrik \u201cPelleK\u201d Asly (v)
\nJohn Graney (d)
\nStephen Averill (b)
\nDawn Trigg (p)<\/p>\n

Track Listing<\/p>\n

1.\tAd Finem
\n2.\tThe Longest Day of My Life
\n3.\tReborn
\n4.\tI Hope
\n5.\tPt. 1 \u2013 Acerbus Inceptum
\n6.\tPt. 2 \u2013 Someone Else
\n7.\tPt. 3 \u2013 Bringer of Light
\n8.\tPt. 4 \u2013 Shadow Symphony
\n9.\tNo Leaf Clover
\n10.\tPride (the Warrior\u2019s Way)<\/p>\n

Label: Massacre Records<\/p>\n

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

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

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