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Cruz del Sur Music
by Craig Hartranft, 02.20.2012
American traditional metal band Pharaoh returns after a four year drought with their fourth album, Bury the Light. This album follows on the strength of the previous Be Gone: solid classic melodic metal with tight arrangements featuring strong vocals and brisk guitar solos. Fans, myself included, who liked the former disc may be hard pressed to pick between the two.
Yet, Bury the Light seems a bit more lush, more dense, in character, while being equally streamlined. Pharaoh wastes no notes once more as everything is abundantly well-composed. You hear both the depth and clarity on Graveyard of Empires and The Year of the Blizzard. One might also conclude the some songs offer a little more haste, notably on The Wolves, In Your Hands, and Graveyard of Empires. But, while technical maturity avails itself here, Pharaoh never forgets the power melody and metal accessibility. Burn With Me, to some extent Cry, but certainly Castles in the Sky display Pharaoh skill.
I've listened to Bury the Light several times now, and considering the aforementioned conundrum above, can say that this album is as engaging and powerful as Be Gone. Don't miss it. Recommended.
On Bury the Light, Philadelphia metallers Pharaoh deliver another solid and engaging album of well-crafted traditional melodic heavy metal.
eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]