Desert Near The End - Hunt For The Sun
Greek power metal - al-la early Iced Earth pretty much sums up this release. Whilst there is some moments of true individual metal glory, there are many moments where you have to check the tunes for similarities. This band have been known by a couple of other names, although Desert Near The End pretty much is part of a trilogy of releases (this being the second of which) that depicts a man waking up with no memory near the sea and not knowing where he is. He then starts his search for the sun (a strange search when you think of it!) and himself as he ventures inland.
‘Morning Star’ starts out very muscular, it has some cool riffing and a powerhouse backbone coming from the drums and the ever perfect vocals of Alexandros Papandreou who is mature enough to show control and deliver a masterstroke performance. The guitar harmonies also provide a great deal of enjoyment. ‘Eastern Path’ is a touch more expansive, there is a cool melody and a really notable section that includes a blast beat, quite out of character for such a release, but fitting that this at least is unique. ‘Across the River’ is another strong tune, melodic guitar riffs and staccato rhythms. Some of the melodies are reminiscent of the first ‘Something Wicked…’ album as mentioned by band comparison at the top of this review, but I still find it strong enough to endure, enjoy and rock out too.
All in all, this is a great effort, but for me it doesn’t have enough individual character to class as a remarkable release as I am constantly and unfairly drawing comparisons to other bands material, but when it comes to the next band to take the throne in this style of metal, then Desert Near The End are worthy contenders.
‘Morning Star’ starts out very muscular, it has some cool riffing and a powerhouse backbone coming from the drums and the ever perfect vocals of Alexandros Papandreou who is mature enough to show control and deliver a masterstroke performance. The guitar harmonies also provide a great deal of enjoyment. ‘Eastern Path’ is a touch more expansive, there is a cool melody and a really notable section that includes a blast beat, quite out of character for such a release, but fitting that this at least is unique. ‘Across the River’ is another strong tune, melodic guitar riffs and staccato rhythms. Some of the melodies are reminiscent of the first ‘Something Wicked…’ album as mentioned by band comparison at the top of this review, but I still find it strong enough to endure, enjoy and rock out too.
All in all, this is a great effort, but for me it doesn’t have enough individual character to class as a remarkable release as I am constantly and unfairly drawing comparisons to other bands material, but when it comes to the next band to take the throne in this style of metal, then Desert Near The End are worthy contenders.
- Storm On My Side
- Across The River
- A Sunset Of Our Own
- Morning Star
- Angel Of The Deep
- Road To Nowhere
- Eastern Path
- A Distant Sun
Label: http://metalscraprecords.com
Reviewer: twansibon
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
Next review:
Mörbid Vomit - Return To The Crypts
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