2006-12-10
Italian power metal is a staple of the whole power metal genre, with such great as
Rhapsody,
Vision Divine and
Labyrinth, mostly characterized by fast and melodic riffs, double bass drumming and high pitched vocals, some time it works, even though that is a matter of taste, some people can’t stand the genre, but when it does work, there's no denying the quality of some releases.
Shining Fury is another example of fast and furious Italian power metal, they have all the trademarks, extra fast rhythms, with one aggressive drummer that doesn’t let go of the double bass, one strong guitarist that performs some fast melodic leads and speedy riffs, and a truly high pitched vocalist. It's all there but the question is – does it work.
Well, basically – No. Though such tracks as the opener, "Another life", have all the right ingredients you cant escape the feeling the band brings nothing new to the table, and doesn’t even try too much with the songs, its mostly a platform for their playing ability, with very little in the way of good song writing or originality.
Even some of the better written tracks, such as "Fast And Easy" or the dark tinged "The Haunting", are lost in a barrage of speed and melody that features very little afterthought. The vocals, though capable, might also piss off some people, they are truly high pitched.
This may be a treat for some melodic metal fans, but even as someone who rather enjoys the genre I didn’t find this too much fun.
Alon Miasnikov
