“Reforged” is definetely an album of guitars as album opener “Ride for Ruin” which features Jeff Loomis and “The Sailor on the Seas of Fate” prove us. Guitar duo Javier Estrada and Vance Simmons is very inspired not only when it comes to the solos, but also when it comes to the riffing. The duo shows a cohesion that is very hard to find. It seems that playing together is just a natural thing. It also calls the eye the presence of a guitar prodigy like Loomis, who performed with bands as Nevemore and Arch Enemy, all bands with strong and prominent guitars.
Musicwise, the music Adamantis perform here is the good old Power Metal as Metal Church used to do in the 1980 with hints of epic songs. This means the power of the guitars is highlighted with songs with lots, but lots of guitar bridges, licks and riffs. Not only, but also the guitars build phrases with a more emotional content than only the usual meaningless shredding. Each note here counts as it is possible to notice with grand finale “The Fall of Asterius.”
When the guitars shine like this, it may be possible to say other instruments are under their umbrella regarding to performance, but here with “Reforged” is just the other way around. If my dear child of the night pays close attention to the bass lines as in “The Fall of Asterius,” it is possible to realize that it doubles the bass drumming creating a fantastic and cohesive wall of sound. Alex Scofield’s bass is as fast as the guitars in all tracks. If my dear child of the night pays real close attention, it is possible to listen to his fingers hitting the chords, an effect that Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris made famous. Add to that the technique and emotion vocalist Jeff Stark gives to the album. The dude can pitch as hell.
Many will say “Reforged” sounds outdated and things like that, but good musicianship and performing are never outdated. The strength and power they in each song of the album is really something that outstands. It’s an album to be in love at first sight.
Adamantis “Reforged” will be released on March 07 via No Remorse Records.
Track Listing:
- Ride for Ruin (feat. Jeff Loomis)
- Steelclad
- Funeral For a King
- Reforged
- The Sailor on the Seas of Fate
- Time of Contempt
- Gates of Miklagard
- The Fall of Asterius
Watch “Steelclad” official music video here:
Source: metaladdicts.com
