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Tarot: Gravity of Light

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Nuclear Blast
www.myspace.com/tarot
www.wingsofdarkness.net
Review: Craig Hartranft,  05.31.2010

Tarot from the Hietala brothers Marco and Zachary returns with Gravity of Light, their eighth studio album. You know Marco, of course, from his bass duties with that other mammoth Finnish band Nightwish. And thanks to that recognition, Tarot has risen from their Scandinavian obscurity, with 2006's Crows Fly Black being their most notable recent work. Thankfully, Marco does not rely on the success nor the musical style of Nightwish to define Tarot's sound. No, this is more traditional heavy metal veering towards a weightier Euro-power metal motif.

Previously, Crows Fly Black was immensely heavy, dark, and foreboding throughout. Gravity of Light revisits the heaviness once more, but it tempered with some serious hook-laden melodies as on Hell Knows, Calling Down the Rain, and Caught in the Deadlights. One notable characteristic on Gravity of Light is the ambitious vocal arrangements throughout; Rise and Caught in the Deadlights are two fine examples. Additionally, Marco does more singing, against the harsh near growling work on the last release. Hearing him on I Walk Forever proves he is a compelling and versatile vocalist. Still, fundamentally, the most intriguing characteristic is the depth of the arrangements; there is a ton of stuff going on within each song, and this will challenge any listener.

Once again, Marco and Zachary Hietala have delivered a rich and entertaining platter of heavy metal with Tarot's Gravity of Light. Bringing true heaviness tempered with strong melodic qualities, Gravity of Light is a real pleasure. Very recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Once again, Marco and Zachary Hietala have delivered a rich and entertaining platter of heavy metal with Tarot's Gravity of Light. Bringing true heaviness tempered with strong melodic qualities, Gravity of Light is a real pleasure.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]