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Eden's Curse: Self-titled
Melodic Hard Rock/Metal
Rating: 4.5/5.0

www.edenscurse.com
www.afm-records.de
www.myspace.com/edenscurse
Reviewed by Craig Hartranft

Eden's Curse is a new band built around Scottish born bass player Paul Logue (Cry Havoc) and American born vocalist Michael Eden. Mr. Logue found Indiana journeyman via an advertisement. Things clicked after many conversations, enough to get this band rolling. But they still needed a ripping guitarist. Thanks to a recommendation from Carsten 'Lizard' Schulz (Evidence One, Domain), they found one in Thorsten Koehne (Demon Drive, Attack). Eden's Curse was rounded out with keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg (Alex Rudi Pell, Uli Jon Roth) and drummer Pete Newdeck (Paul Dianno's Killers, The Shock). Add to this stew the mixing and mastering skills of Pink Cream 69's bassist Dennis Ward and David Readman's backing vocals. The result is an impressive company of gifted musicians who have created very good melodic metal.

Upon a single listen, I wondered where Mr. Eden has been hiding all this time. He's not exactly a heavy metal screamer, yet there is a rawness to his voice within a smooth and strong delivery. Additionally, I'm duly impressed with Mr. Koehne's fret work. He shreds and soars like a true master. 'Judgement Day' is a perfect example of his brilliant work.

As for the songs, clearly Logue and Eden took special care in their craftsmanship. Lyrically, they're immensely coherent and thoughtful. The arrangements basically cover the range of melodic hard rock like 'Stronger Than The Flame' to mostly melodic metal such as the aforementioned 'Judgement Day, and also 'Eyes Of The World,' and 'Don't Bring Me Down.' Put the emphasis on melodic. In between, there is a ballad-like piece, 'The Voice Inside,' having a rich vocal harmony and a lustrous guitar solo. The rhythm section is clear and strong, the vocal harmonies, sterling, and the guitar solos, vibrant and thrilling. This band plays like seasoned veterans who have been together for some time.

It takes a good deal of work to make a debut as solid as 'Eden's Curse.' Logue, Eden and the rest of the crew are building a sure foundation here at the start. This experience should aid in defeating the sophomore jinx that has been the demise of many bands. I predict a notable future for Eden's Curse. Conclusion: a must buy!

In Short

It takes a good deal of work to make a debut as solid as 'Eden's Curse.' Logue, Eden and the rest of the crew are building a sure foundation here at the start. I predict a notable future for Eden's Curse.

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