ACOLYTE

I have a real love/hate for introduction pieces. When they work, as seen on the latest release from Hail of Bullets, they can truly set a scene for the thematic mechanism of an entire album. When they don't, and they fail to draw you into the world being fashioned aurally, then it can ruin the entire experience. Sadly, the introduction piece on Acolyte's offering, 'Brake of Dawn' (surely a translational error here?) is woeful. The band claims it has a 'soundtrack quality'. Perhaps in the studios of hastily-put-together RPG Game programmers, but if we're talking Hans Zimmer, then we're justly in the realms of fantasy. Now, I'm not a colossal power metal fan as it is (except maybe for Vicious Rumors and Savatage); I'll let you know that now. However, I am big enough (both ethically and physically) to put aside my apathy for the genre and regard this as a piece of music that is worthy of my consideration. Unless it happens to be a complete mess. On this occasion, the introduction sounds like someone fell asleep on the keys. I'm not bashing the keyboard skills of Eleni Milaraki, as she's actually rather blessed with talent (as evidenced on later tracks). I am regrettably bashing the song-writing proficiency here. And that is the province of leader Lazarus. And, like Lazarus, the music here is no doubt intended to soar; like all good power metal should do. Unfortunately, like Lazarus, he has tried to soar too high, and the compositions come crashing down. On fire. And slightly melted. The musicians are undeniably very capable. I even like the vocal work of the oddly monikered Hannibal - and it's usually the vocals that kill this style of music for me, so kudos to him for keeping me listening. Now, because the production work is fine, and the musicianship is solid, I do feel that there is hope for Acolyte. If Lazarus can loosen his grip on the project, and allow the other members of the band to compose with him, assuming they can of course, there could be potential in this band. I know this from personal experience. As it is though, this is a tepid debut. And, considering how Hannibal got me over the biggest hurdle, that is sorely disappointing.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Freedom Records

Album

OCEANS OF BLOOD

Review by Steve Cowan

RUNNING TIME:

63:26

RELEASE DATE:

2007

TRACK LISTING

1) Brake Of Dawn
2) Vultures
3) I Have Become
4) False Heaven
5) Birth Is The Beginning
6) Brand New Beast
7) Visitation
8) Mist Through The Night
9) Nocturne (Fugue In B Minor)
10) Oceans Of Blood

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Greece

"The band claims it has a 'soundtrack quality'. Perhaps in the studios of hastily-put-together RPG Game programmers, but if we're talking Hans Zimmer, then we're justly in the realms of fantasy."