Rough Edge: Eidolon CD Reviews

EIDOLON

"The Parallel Otherworld" (Escapi; 2006)

Reviewed by Snidermann

I knew what to expect as I listened to Eidolon's "The Parallel Otherworld" because I heard and enjoyed the band's earlier release, "Sacred Shrine."

"The Parallel Otherworld" is more great music from this terrific band. The range of musical emotions here is widely varied and combined with high energy heavy metal that is put together very skillfully, making Eidolon a complex rock'n'roll band of the highest order.

Fans of the band's previous work will find more to like in "The Parallel Otherworld." In a word, this music is outstanding!

Eidolon: Glen Drover - guitars; Shawn Drover - drums; Brian Soulard - vocals; , Criss Bailey bass, Slav Siminic guitars.

For more information, check out http://www.eidolon-nightmareworld.com.

"Sacred Shine" (Perris Records; 2003)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Man, I love power metal and Eidolon delivers it in spades. I have heard of this band, of course, but this is my first listening endeavor with them. "Sacred Shrine" has it all: hard driving guitars, screaming vocals and thundering bass and drums.

Okay, I know there are 1001 bands around that try to do the same thing, but Eidolon pulls it off with elegance and style. The production here is as strong as the musical side and together they are the best I've heard in a long while. This band from Canada can rock hard and heavy.

"Sacred Shrine" has a Nevermore style to it that has me listening to this CD over and over. Power and majesty rarely make their way into metal music, but I can safely say that Eidolon reigns supreme.

Eidolon: Glen Drover - guitar; Shawn Drover - drums; Brian Soulard - vocals; Criss Bailey - bass; Slav Siminic - guitar.

For more information, check out http://www.eidolon-nightmareworld.com.

"Nightmare World" (Metal Blade; 2000)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Eidolon are one of those bands that - as you listen to their CD - you find yourself almost liking it. Unfortunately, when the entire CD has finished playing, you're more likely to think, "Well, that was okay..."

Eidolon are a power metal/prog metal combination without enough focus on either side to give them much cohesiveness. Sure, variety is the spice of life but when two genres of metal are blended unsuccessfully, the end result - while not dull - is less than engrossing. You either want your mind expanded or your butt kicked and Eidolon never does either long enough to enjoy.

Technically, the band is pretty damn good. Guitars know when to riff and when to shred, the basslines are tight and the drums keep time to perfection. Lyrically, Eidolon goes from the banal ("Lunar Mission") to the thought-provoking ("Glorified Suicide") but they never go very deep into anything. That may be good or bad, depending on what you want out of your rock'n'roll. Track #6 (listed as Track #7 on the liner) is a quiet instrumental that, again, is enjoyable but never really stylish or sophisticated.

Eidolon: Shawn Drover - drums; Brian Soulard - vocals; Glen Drover - guitars, keyboards; Vivian Robichaud - bass.

For more information, check out http://www.eidolon-nightmareworld.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.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home