DYECREST
"The
Way of Pain" (Sanctuary/Noise; 2004)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Finnish power metallers Dyecrest are one of the winners of the Young Metal Gods contest so it comes as no surprise that they are talented. What is surprising is that they bring spirited rock and traditional heavy metal to what can be considered a tired and somewhat saturated power metal genre.
Despite being 'discovered' at the Young Metal Gods contest, the band does not sound like a newly minted outfit; that’s because they've been around for almost a decade. Dyecrest's "The Way Of Pain" is a power metal album through and through, but I hear more energy and more distinctive melodies than most bands in the power metal genre are capable of. The lyrics follow a generally pessimistic vein (how Finnish!) which is a nice respite from the dragon slaying and swords and sorcery that the genre is so apt to fall back on.
There isn't much to say about most power metal albums and Dyecrest's "The Way Of Pain" is no exception. But what I can say is that "The Way Of Pain" is catchy, immediately likable, and somehow succeeds despite the band relative inexperience in a recording studio.
"The Way Of Pain" was produced by Piet Sielck (Iron Savior).
Dyecrest: Janne Oksanen on vocals, Pirkka Ohlis on guitars, Henri Arola on guitars, Matti Pasanen, Jukka Matilainen on bass, and Niko Takala on drums.
For more information visit http://www.dyecrest.com or http://www.youngmetalgods.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
04 Mar 2024 13:27:27 -0500.
