EMPYRIA

"Sence Of Mind"
(Scrape Records)

This band plays hard edged power/progressive metal, in the vein of Fates Warning meeting Dream Theater meeting Jag Panzer, with a touch of Savatage. They are quite a good band, cranking out some shredding metal tunes with tightness, precision, and sophistication. Singer Phil Leite's vocal style is influenced by many master vocalists, such as Geoff Tate, James LaBrie, John Arch, Ray Adler, and even Crimson Glory's Midnight. Phil has got a strong and powerful voice that could bring down walls! Guitarist Mike Kischnick can really shred, and cranks out some sharp riffs and solos. His playing gives the illusion of there being two guitarists in the band, when in fact he is the only one. He also plays several acoustic, classically oriented passages in many of the songs, and does this very well too. The band's lineup is completed by bassist Ken Firomski and drummer Simon Adam who make up a hard driving rhythm section. The band goes pedal to the metal all the way throughout the album, grinding out the metal full force, except on the closing track "Forever", a powerful ballad. These guys make metal music that is strong as steel and played in the classic vein, but they also add smoothness and melody to their music. They've done a fine job with this album. Fans of power and progressive metal should definitely check this out, particularly if they're looking for something with a harder edge. www.dreamwavemedia.com/empyria

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