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Avian: Ashes And Madness

Avian: Ashes And Madness

Melodic Heavy/Power Metal
Rating: 4.25/5.0

www.avianband.com
Nightmare Records
www.myspace.com/avianband

American metal band Avian, with roots in European classic and power metal with a stateside flair, return with their second release, 'Ashes And Madness.' The core of Avian is, of course, founding member and guitarist Yan Leviathan and, vocalist and Nightmare Records chief, Lance King. For this enterprise they bring on Bill Hudson of Cellador to handle lead guitar duties. The musical focus has not changed from 2005's 'From the Depths of Time;' Avian is still blending the best of European power metal with classic heavy metal and a small dash of progressive metal. If anything, Avian has become more precise in their musical pursuit maturing into a band more distinctive and secure in their own style of heavy metal.

With this said, to be honest, the first time through 'Ashes And Madness,' I was not overly impressed. There seemed a certain dullness to the mix, a lack of vibrancy and King's vocals sounded muted. But with a second go, my listening experience improved. From front to back this work is an exceptional display of melodic heavy metal. King's vocals are stronger than previous with an ever increasing range and less falsetto wiggling. Though hardly death-defy, Hudson's guitar work is solid and genuinely creative throughout. He excels on tracks like 'The Lost And Forsaken' and 'Into The Otherside.'

As a band, Avian is most brilliant when the classic metal trumps the traditional power metal, which is often on this album. The best examples are 'Esoteric Lies' and 'Beyond The Hallowed Gates.' The best and most ambitious song, and the one that turned the tables on my original ambivalence, is the epic and profound 'Time And Space Part II' which delivers an arrangement thick with all the best of melodic heavy and power metal.

Needless to say, first impressions can be deceiving. 'Ashes And Madness' is a fine work of melodic and heavy power metal guaranteed to please any fan. Very recommended!

In Short

Avian has become more precise in their musical pursuit maturing into a band more distinctive and secure in their own style of heavy metal. 'Ashes And Madness' is a fine work of melodic and heavy power metal guaranteed to please any fan.

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