New Music Review : Derdian - DNA : Dangerdog Music Reviews : CD Album Music Review : Craig Hartranft

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Derdian: DNA

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal

5.0/5.0

Website Facebook Twitter YouTube
Unsigned/Self-released except King Records (Japan)
Released: 25.07.2018
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 19.07.2018

In 2016, sans a lead vocalist, Italy' Derdian dropped Revolution Era, a New Era series greatest hits album featuring multiple guest vocalists. Call it a minor bump in the road. Lacking a lead vocalist, the power metallers seemed to be lacking musical direction, so they rehashed old material. Yawn. But Derdian has righted the ship by bringing back vocalist Ivan Giannini for their new studio of new songs, DNA. Smart move, as he's a very mine metal vocalist.

Derdian

And DNA is a strong and vibrant album of Derdian's expected epic melodic power metal. One thing the band does not try to do is reinvent the wheel. Derdian effectively blends melody and harmony, rhythm and groove through the essential elements of twin guitar harmony, gallop and rock groove, stunning guitar solos, symphonic synth textures and, of course, fine melodic vocal arrangements. To paraphrase a Geico commercial, "It's what they do."

With a wonderful classic music metal introduction (Abduction), Derdian quickly jumps on the power metal bullet train with DNA, False Flag Operation, and Never Born, which has a beautiful piano intro and lingering line. The piano forms the substance of several other songs including Nothing Will Remain, Destiny Never Awaits, and Part Of This World. With Part Of The World you get a delightful light breakdown after the midpoint which features lighter guitar, piano, and bass, then rising with symphonic synths to a guitar solo. Similar, in the middle of Nothing Will Remain, you'll find another piano segue, yet over a lively pace with smooth guitars.

Another highlight is Hail To The Masters which has a large choral vocal arrangements, bombastic riffs and synths, and a Celtic/folk vibe. But the strongest song, and a personal favorite, is probably Elohim. Arranged with strong guitar and vocal harmony, the song has a sweet middle breakdown featuring bass, guitar, drums, and piano in a jazz-like fusion style. It's positively mesmerizing. Curiously, what you will not find here is a lighter, generally mellow, metal anthem or ballad, not that there needs to be one.

Quite honestly, Derdian's DNA is a strong, vibrant, and entertaining album of their tried and true melodic and symphonic power metal. It may be their best album to date. Easily recommended.

CraigHartranft.net - New fiction, crime fiction by Craig Hartranft