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Deadrisen: Deadrisen
Deadrisen 2020 Self-titled Debut Album Art Work

Deadrisen: Deadrisen

Progressive Power Metal
4.5/5.0

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AFM Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 18.03.2020 | Released: 20.03.2020

Hailing from the larger New York and New Jersey metropolitan area is the new metal band, Deadrisen, created by Rivera/Bomma guitarist Rod Rivera and Symphony X bassist Mike LePond. The band also features musicians from the local area including keyboard player Tony Stahl (Livesay), drummer Dan Prestup (Midnight Eternal, et al), and vocalist Will Shaw (Heir Apparent). The band name piqued my curiosity. Perhaps a reference to zombies? That would not be surprising considering their current popularity in culture. But perhaps, with Rivera's Christian background, it refers to the resurrection of the believing dead in Christ? I wonder. But on to the tunes.

Deadrisen - Click For Larger Image

Deadrisen

Essentially, Deadrisen delivers a traditional form of progressive power metal which features the talents and contributions of each musician in song arrangements that are equally speedy, technical, and, frankly, quite catchy and entertaining. It would be easy to say that Rivera's riffs and leads are at the forefront or the backbone of the compositions. But that would be too simple. Sure, Rivera lays down some great riffs to increase the song harmony, and his solos are simply epic in context with his flair for neo-classical (Prophecy) and Latin influences (as within Visions). But LePond, also, is quite remarkable with his bass lines being abundantly present, spry, and delivering the groove along with drummer Prestup (who has a natural knack for expounding on the rhythm of every song). LePond also gets to solo his bass as within But You for example. And Tony Stahl is a welcome influence on his synths. Not only does he embellish the songs with atmosphere, but he can also offer some smashing solos as within Destiny, among others. Above all these things is Will Shaw adding some vocal versatility, like more mellow within the metal anthem Reach For The Sun, then metal screamo inside Prophecy or Visions. That latter voice I found a bit too raging and off the rails at times. But the masterful musical craftsmanship of music easily supersedes his presence. All in all, Deadrisen's debut album offers listeners an outstanding and entertaining collection of progressive power metal tunes driven by some exceptionally talented musicians. Get it. Easily recommended. Oh yeah. By the way, did I mention Deadrisen does a cover of Metallica's For Whom The Bell Tolls? Indeed. Not quite the same as the original, but quite fine overall.


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The Bottom Line

Deadrisen's debut album offers listeners an outstanding and entertaining collection of progressive power metal tunes driven by some exceptionally talented musicians. Get it. Easily recommended.

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