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Defiant: Time Isn't Healing
Defiant Time Isn't Healing CD Album Review

Defiant: Time Isn't Healing

Melodic/Progressive/Power Metal
5.0/5.0

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Ferrrum Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 23.11.2016

Everytime a Ukrainian heavy metal band crosses my desk for review, I can't help but wonder, one, how they survive and, two, are they dodging Russian bullets. I think Defiant is the fifth band from Ukraine to reach Pennsylvania. Other include Lostpray, Majesty Of Revival, Suncrown, and Spiritz. Defiant arrives with their second full-length album, Time Isn't Healing, the first with all the songs in English.

Defiant Band Photo

Defiant

Perhaps the best description of the Defiant sound is assertive and dense, melodic and progressive, power metal. Let's pick that statement apart. The foundation of their power metal is definitely classic heavy metal, yet made more aggressive by bold riffage and speed of power metal. The arrangements are deep and dense thanks mostly to the integration of the various players and instruments, but also the significant keyboard presence that ranges from light embellishment to large orchestration.

While those things make Defiant's heavy metal more muscular, harmony abounds whether by guitar, synths, or vocal contributions. Lead vocalist Stanislav Proshkin has somewhat assertive style, a little roughness to his voice, yet always sings clean and melodic. Additionally, there's definitely an element of intrigue to their power metal. The arrangements are not overly technical to be confusing. Certainly the time and tempo changes, but the progressive metal side of their songs comes more from the interplay of instruments. Like the guitar and synth engangement in the middle of The Truth and The Lie, the bass and drum start of The Jericho, or later in a small breakdown in the same song.

But, fundamentally, and as said before, Defiant plays, largely, muscular and melodic progressive power metal in the best European tradition. They offer something for every fan of the genre: engaging arrangements, good vocal harmonies, strong melodies, brisk riffage and soaring solos, bright and expansive keyboards, and simply solid musicianship. Easily recommended.

Defiant - Time Isn't Healing


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The Bottom Line

Defiant plays, largely, muscular and melodic progressive power metal in the best European tradition. They offer something for every fan of the genre: engaging arrangements, good vocal harmonies, strong melodies, brisk riffage and soaring solos, bright and expansive keyboards, and simply solid musicianship. Easily recommended.

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