CAIN’S OFFERING – Stormcrow
June 12, 2015, 8 years ago
(Frontiers)
Wow, this is definitely an early contender for album of the year. The band led by former Sonata Arctica guitarist Jani Liimatainen will make fans wish this is what his former group still sounded like. This is simply a power metal masterpiece and let’s not forget that Liimatainen is riding into battle with Stravovarius vocalist Timo Kotipelto and keyboardist Jens Johansson.
From the speedy flavors of the title track and “I Will Build You A Rome”, to the brooding, bass-driven “A Night To Forget”, there is a not one note, riff, or melody wasted. “Antemortem” sounds like a Nightwish rocker with its bombast and the instrumental prowess of “I Am Legion” is stunning. What brings it all together is the lyrics dealing with relationships, isolation, which can hit an emotional button or two (wow, how metal do I sound?) but it’s done in a tasteful way without being wimpy. The only reason this doesn’t receive the full 10 is because “Too Tired To Run” runs too long and this ballad doesn’t really stick compared to the rest of gauntlet. This is a however a minor complaint as Stormcrow is a signature melodic, European power metal album and no one should hesitate giving receiving this offering from Cain.
