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Italian
band Highlord was founded
back in 1996 and in 1998 they released their debut album entitled
“Heir of Power”. It was followed by “When the Aurora Falls”
released in 2001 with new drummer Luca Pellegrino. In the year 2002
singer Vascé left the band, sick of playing Metal and new singer Andrea
Marchisio (Desdemona) joined.
In
august 2002 Highlord released
their third album “Breath of Eternity” in Japan and the European
version was released in October of the same year. Fourth album “Medusa’s
Coil” was released in may in Europe, 2004, and now it’s finally time
for their brand new and fifth album called “Instant Madness”.
Highlord
follows the same path as on “Medusa’s Coil” with traditionally
Power Metal and more Progressive stuff. We even get a track called
“Got a Price” - this track reminds me of 70’s and 80’s Hard Rock
and Metal. Well, because of their more Progressive approach the songs
here on “Instant Madness” needs a little time to sink in. – Not
that I was totally disappointed with this release at first, no, no, but
I was left with a feeling that there were no real highlights on this
album… all 8 tracks were on the exact same level.
Now
numerous listens later I like it a lot. The music opened up to me and
suddenly I find songs like; “Orion and Ocean”, The Sweetest Drug”,
“Got a Price” and “Which Side Are You On” some of the best they
have ever written.
The
Japanese version comes with a bonus track called “Cha-la head cha-la”,
opening theme of anime “Dragon
Ball Z”. The fantastic cover art work is done by Jan Yrlund, www.darkgrove.net.
So,
if Power Metal with a Progressive edge is your thing, maybe you should
at least check this band out?
Recommended
tracks: See above.
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