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Viathyn: The Peregrine Way

Swooping out of the cold northern expanse called Canada, Viathyn sinks their talons into you much like the bird of prey that they titled the CD after. Once they have you in their grasp this melodic power metal outfit holds on until the last note is played. With a soaring orchestrated approach that is the background for some terrific power metal output, this is a band that can intertwine these musical tendencies in such a way that the only improvement possible is to crank that volume knob up as far as the neighbor's will let you!

As the instrumental "Antebellum" lulls you in at the start of the disc with deep, rich orchestral dramatics, the band is setting you up for the wild ride you are about to embark on. Strap yourself in for one terrific ride!

They say a peregrine can swoop down at a speed of 200mph when it is hunting and it makes sense that Viathyn would use it as an example as they take off at a breakneck gallop with the powerful "Heathen Arise". Vaguely touching on the giddy-up style that Iron Maiden fans will recognize these guys take that formula and bend it into a new animal with the interjection of key orchestral passages between the epic metal interludes. It is this type of interplay that caught my ear and made this disc one that has found continuous play at the Ward estate.

My favorite part of the album is the song "Through The Orchard". For some reason this one makes me think back to good old fashion rock and roll that I grew up on but with a modern twist and that magnificent keyboard and orchestrated background once more. The melody line seems to almost come from the early British Invasion and is now stuck in my head for good. When you come across a band that gives you such tasty treats as this it is best to savor their offerings. You cannot listen to songs such as these just once and expect to grasp all the intricacies. There is so much going on between the duel guitars, keyboards and rhythm section that even after repeated playing I still find new and dynamite passages each time.

I have told you the good so now it would only be right to bring out the negatives no matter how few and I really only have a couple complaints. First off if you take out the acoustic parts of the song "Blackened Woods" it would sound very similar to their previous offering "Through The Orchard". Not completely but close. As that is my favorite part of the album this is a minor point though. Secondly, the ballad "Canvas" is definitely the weak point of the disc. It is not a bad song but I don't think that vocalist Tomislav Crnkovic is very well suited for this particular cut. He is a powerhouse on ever other song but this one should have had a guest singer.

Other than those small bumps on the highway, this is a masterful disc that both power metal and progressive fans will eat up. To think that this is their first full length CD is really amazing. I will be first in line for the next offering by these guys for sure as the songwriting and musicianship is outstanding and with such a vibrant feel you cannot help but get swept up in the music of Viathyn.

Track listing:

1. Antebellum
2. Heathen Arise
3. Sirenum Scopuli
4. Through The Orchard
5. The Oracle's Prophecy
6. Blackened Woods
7. The Twilight Haven
8. Frail Titan
9. Canvas
10. Antique Man

Added: December 23rd 2010
Reviewer: Scott Ward
Score:
Related Link: Band's Myspace Page
Hits: 2299
Language: english

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