KHALLICE
"The
Journey" (Magna Carta; 2007)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Printed on the sticker attached to the cover of Khallice's "The Journey" are the words: "Brazil's Top Progressive Metal Band, influenced by Rush, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Dream Theater." Anyone who has heard "The Journey" doesn't need to see that sticker: this band wears its influences on its sleeve.
Sounding at times like one or more of the bands listed as influences, "The Journey" is a solid recording with impressive musical performances, stunning production and songwriting that -- for the most part -- is above and beyond the typical. At its best, "The Journey" bears more than a passing resemblance to the bands it claims as influences while maintaining a sound of its own. Most of the tracks here are bigger-than-life tunes that tell a story with music. With tempos ranging from the mid-range to slow (but heavy), and musical calisthenics that will often leave you breathless, Khallice earns their reputation as Brazil's Rush on "The Journey."
At its worst, "The Journey" is sometimes screechy and noisy. Vocalist Alirio Netto sounds a lot like Geddy Lee of Rush (who can sometimes be screechy himself). It's most obvious on "Spiritual Jewel," which starts out like a power ballad and turns into some kind of funky concept piece or something. With its nails-on-blackboard vocals and droning rhythm, it's easily the CD's worst track. The huge, cascading sounds of tracks like "Vampire" and "I've Lost My Faith" more than make up for it, though.
Interestingly, "The Journey" sounds as though it were written and recorded as an entire album; however, the CD contains not only new music but new recordings of older songs as well.
Fans of progressive metal will find much to please them on "The Journey."
Khallice: Marcelo Barbosa - guitar; Alirio Netto - vocals; Michael Marciano - bass; Bruno Wambien - keyboards; Cesar Zolhof - drums.
For more information, check out www.khallice.com.br.
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 © 2007 by R.
Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 18 Nov 2024 12:46:17 -0500.
