NEW EDEN |
| For a band that
in the words of guitarist/bassist Horacio Colmenares, is “no
more,” they’ve done pretty well for themselves I’d say. Upon first hearing
“The Promise” on New Eden’s “Obscure Master Plan,” the early
hints of old Queensryche and Fates Warning came to my immediate attention.
Of course as we go further into the song, those elements slowly wither
away, not wholly, in a blizzard of double-bass drums and attacking guitar
riffs. But don’t worry, they’ll be back sounding like never before!
On this, their second full length, New Eden will be a force to reckon with in the ranks of power metal and progression. Sounding like something recorded back in 1985, it has that truly heavy quality to it that’s not been realized by many for too long. Concentrating mainly on the talents of their own playing and not on the effectual treatment they can use to spice up the record, New Eden’s definitely one of the highlights of the latest pack of new artists recently picked up by Nuclear Blast. The first three tracks on “Obscure Master Plan” aren’t particularly long, but get the job done, making quick work of melody and aggression. Song number three, “I am,” will be realized as one of the catchier tracks, and as such, one that’s sure to be a crowd favorite at the live shows. As I listen on, now approaching mid-point on the disc, I can’t believe this isn’t fifteen years old! It’s astonishing, but yes, quite new. Every element that first made power metal and thrash popular in its early incarnation is prevalent on this album. Stunning guitar work and musicianship as a whole mark everything contained in this new release. The drum work of Michael O. Echeveria is everywhere, almost like he and the guitarist are trading off in fierce competition to grab the spotlight. Forget about the singer Tony Devita, he’s nowhere to be found. Actually that’s not true but the point is to accentuate what a standout musical performance this is, though Devita’s vocals sound a bit buried by design. Little variation comes across between tracks four and six, as they’ll pummel you into oblivion if you’re not careful. Ah, song seven, “Flicker of Faith” takes a breather and starts out very slowly, almost like in a transient state as the background voice utters its warning, then as if in cue, the rest of the band let’s loose a barrage that’ll again have you clenching your fist in a moment of excitability. New Eden’s scorching new release is a culmination of the best in power and progressive speed without burying itself in ‘obscure’ surroundings or getting lost in their own musical significance… This will soon be a favorite of metal fans everywhere but will be huge in Europe for sure. Metal radio will also want to pick up on this band quickly. |