BRAINSTORM - Scary Creatures
February 2, 2016, 8 years ago
(AFM)
A classical orchestra warms up, to introduce “The World To See”, a beating heart overrides the symphonic tuning, into a brief jungle soundscape as the German outfit launches right into their power metal rhythms, although the lead guitar opts for a more modern tone. The pummeling drums drive the lead track. A staccato riff dominates the up-tempo “We Are”, which has sections where Andy B. Franck is singing accompanied only by drum backbeat. There's also a child choir, repeatedly adding their voices to the titular phrase.
Best of the bunch? Easily the relentless gallop of “Where Angels Dream”. The title tracks has an ominous, albeit heavy, sound, with voice in a lower register (gruff double tracked backing), plus a brief appearance by symphonic strings. “Twisted Ways” sounds like something that might have come off Liquid Monster, still a favorite in these parts. Not sure why, but album is back ended with its weakest tunes: the oddly poppy gang vocals of “Take Me To The Never” (where Franck scales the highest peaks) and pedestrian, keyboard (guitar synth?) dominated pseudo-ballad “Among The Clouds” closer. Deluxe edition includes a live DVD, from Essen, in 2014, where they performed the entire Firesoul record, as well as select hits. Add half a point for the value of the second disc.
