HEAVENLY
"Dust
to Dust" (Sanctuary/Noise; 2003)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
"Dust to Dust," the latest release from French power metallers Heavenly, is my first introduction to the band (it's their third album overall). Heavenly play power metal in the vein of Blind Guardian and Helloween, but with a broader palette of sounds.
After the first three tracks or so I was ready to dismiss the band as run-of-the mill power metal and leave it at that. However, the album kept playing and I kept finding reasons to like what Heavenly had to offer. The storyline revolves around a man who has been bitten by a vampire – he spends his time resisting the call of the vampire way. It makes for an interesting story – and since the album is 70 minutes long it'd better be interesting.
The best thing about Heavenly is that they do not come close to sounding like Rhapsody despite the high production values and slick presentation.
"Dust To Dust" was produced by Sascha Paeth – no wonder it sounds so good.
Heavenly: Ben Sotto on vocals, Frederic Leclercq and Charley Corbiaux on guitars, Pierre Emmanuel Pelisson on bass, and Maxence Pilo on drums.
For more information visit http://www.heavenly.fr.st.
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: 28 Oct 2024 12:36:40 -0500.
