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Pyramaze: Epitaph

Melodic Progressive Metal

5.0/5.0

Internet Facebook
AFM Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 11.11.2020 | Released: 13.11.2020

While maintaining a consistent band lineup since 2015, when they brought on vocalist Terje Haroy, Pyramaze has not released a studio album since 2017's Contingent. Yet, on the strength of that album, Pyramaze went on to present the album at ProgPower Europe, Brainstorm Festival (Netherlands 2018) and the inaugural Orland Rockfest (Norway 2019). Now signed to the prestigious German label AFM, the band returns with their fifth long-player Epitaph.

Pyramaze

Once more, Pyramaze presents listeners with their consistent convergence of melodic, heavy, power, symphonic, and progressive metal for another intriguing and entertaining audio experience. As expected. At times heavy and dense where tempos twisting between steady and speedy, the songs still abound with melody, harmony, and groove, and feature memorable refrains and epic guitar solos. While a long sentence, the expression distils the musical essence of a Pyramaze composition.

So then, let's consider a few tunes. For large and lavish starts featuring riffs, rhythm section, and synths, listen for Steal My Crown, A Stroke Of Magic, Particle, or World Forgone. Note in these songs how the bombastic power metal yields to the accessibility of some true rock groove and catchy choruses. For that last song, World Forgone, take note also of the emphatic vocal arrangement, but also the swollen epic guitar solo finish which yields to a children's choir choral finish.

Looking further to the vocal arrangements, consider also Transcendence. Starting with a gentle piano entrance,the song rises heavy and powerful to feature Unleashing The Archer's Britteny Spears in duet with Haroy. The final song, The Time Traveller, features former Pyramaze vocalists Lance King and Matt Barlow. While an epic and symphonic, dense and energetic, progressive power metal number, it has no epic guitar solo, but only a short early synth solo. Clearly the emphasis in the arrangement is upon the vocal contributions.

Most things considered, with Epitaph, Pyramaze once more delivers another intriguing and delightful album of their ambitious progressive power metal. Quite 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.

With Epitaph, Pyramaze once more delivers another intriguing and delightful album of their ambitious and melodic progressive power metal. Quite recommended.

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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 ]

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