Heavy Reign are : Dan Shimmyo on Guitars Ram on Keyboards and Percussion Programming Larry Calcagno on Bass The tracks are : 1. Introduction 2. Mirage 3. Forgotten Knights 4. Incantations 5. Spirit Waltz 6. March To War 7. BCAD (i) Birth, (ii) Discipline and Teachings, (iii) Trials and Tribulations, (iv) Crucifixation The opening track is 'Introduction' starts with the sound of moving water, a mellow keyboard is introduced, then bass, a soaring guitar and finally drums, the guitar then fades leading in to the next track 'Mirage', this is a classically inspired piece featuring some superb keyboards and guitar. This track changes direction, mood and tempo throughout the track. Theres some great bass and considering all the percussion work is all programmed I can tell you that it has been done extremely well. The track ends to the sound of moving water. The third track 'Forgotten Knights' starts with keyboards conjuring a medieval fanfare followed by a keyboard instrumental. Then it's the time of the guitar, highly complex and intricate with an occassional keyboard run over the top. You will find this happens a lot where Dan and Ram trade off solos and thet tend to do this quite often. This tracks more rockier than the first and the keyboard and guitar work throughout is just stunning. Again this track is also forever changing direction, mood and tempo. The next track 'Incantations', starts with fade in spacey type keyboards this is followed by some slow,but wonderful intricate guitar runs and occassionally you will hear the sound of a church organ. 'Spirit Waltz' is another classical inspired piece with wonderful acoustic and electric guitar and keyboards. Being titled 'Spirit Waltz' I was looking for a tune that people could dance the waltz too and with just a little bit of imagination it's there, except I would say for the middle bit which is a stunning guitar solo from Dan. The sixth track 'March To War', starts with some nice bass, this is followed by a military style drum beat. Then keyboards and guitar are added, All you need to do know is close your eyes. You can just imagine all those soldiers going off to do battle. later the music changes direction and tempo, the drums beat a lot faster, and fast guitar runs, the mood has completely changed, the battle has begun, then the music just ends suddenly. I suppose I was a little disappointed with the ending, I was expecting a climax and then to fade, but it didn't happen. But it is still a very good track. The final track is 'BCAD' which is split into four parts (i) Birth, (ii) Discipline and Teaching (iii) Trials and Tribulations and (iv) Crucifixion. 'Birth', wonderful programming, sounding kind of like a chant, Spacey and siritual sounding keyboards. It';s got a kind of Native American feeling to me. Lots of intricate guitar. Later changes direction, gets a bit more rocky, superb keyboards, wonerful guitar. Again a classical influence. 'Discipline and Teachings', wonderful piano with lots of intricate guitar and keyboards. Middle section is a bit more mellow with some nice acoustic guitar. 'Trial and Tribulations', nice combination/interaction between guitar and keyboards. There are many changes in direction, mood and tempo. Guitar work is just stunning. Again this is classical insired. The trcak end with an explosion and the sound of rain leading into 'Crucifixion', stating with some nice keyboard sequences,very nice and mellow and flowing. Theres some nice bass, some of the keyboard work is choir like. It's not long before theres some nice intricate guitar work. Great Stuff!!! This is a great instrumental album, theres some great solos from Ram and Dan. Reminds me in places a little of early Rising Force. This is an album you can get totally absorbed in to and drift into your own little world. All I can say Buy this album!!! Ram's Rock Is released on Cutting Edge Records. For more information please write to : Heavy Reign, P.O.Box 20071, Greeley Square Sta. New York, NY 10001. USA. Email : ramsrock@spec.net |