Heralded by
some as the next big thing from the US in the progressive metal genre comes the
debut album from Halcyon Way from Atlanta, Georgia. And they do have the
technical abilities to write and deliver some very interesting and challenging
progressive songs, with lots of power and groove. After a short intro the pace
for the rest of the album is set by the great title-track, and throughout the
entire album they continues on the path chosen, delivering one innovative song
after another.
The guitar
work is powerful and nicely up-front and the leads are precise and melodic, the
keyboards fits right in without being dominating, the rhythm-section lays down
some serious rhymes, but vocalist Sean Shields might not sit right with everyone
and he does have a very distinct voice, and I needed many spins before I got
used to his style.
I feel they
fall into the category, which bands like Power of Omens, Magnitude Nine and
Redemption belongs to, household names to a few, unknown to so many... First
class progressive metal done by outstanding musicians, ignored by the masses...
Something I hope won't happen to Halcyon Way because they certainly
deserve all the attention they can get. Best moments on the album are: "A
Manifesto for Domination", "Powderburn" and "The Lonely Road", but this a very
even and balanced album which should appeal to most progressive metal fans.
