Arrayan Path: IV-Stigmata

The music contained on Arrayan Path's newest CD IV- Stigmata line-up in the power metal category. I am not personally a giant fan of the genre but I can identify a well-crafted recording when I hear it. The vocals are powerful and there are great harmonies, everything in the upper registers. Some nice synth work underneath creates a lower-toned chorus in the background which adds depth to the opening composition "Clepsydra." The double-bass and dual-guitar harmonies remind me of Labryinth.

The production is well done; more bottom end could provide a better experience. The drums are separated nicely, as I can detect every tom and cymbal from one another. The synths add nicely again on track two "The Bible Bleeds."

Fans of early Geoff Tate will thoroughly enjoy the vocals on this CD. The guitar work is better than mediocre but nothing will blow the mind. A very "traditional" of not "throwback" to mid 90s power metal is contained on IV- Stigmata.

Track 3 has some tricky double lead licks and symphonic metal touches. Fans of Symphony X would appreciate this release. A highly stylized power metal release in a European tradition which many will love.

Track listing:
1. Clepsydra
2. The Bible Bleeds
3. Midnight and the First-born Massacre
4. Judas Iscariot
5. Stigmata
6. Cursed Canaan
7. Pharaoh's Wish
8. Harbingers of Death
9. Disguising your Soul
10. The Storyteller
11. Mystic Moon (CD bonus)
12. Charming Paranoia (CD - download bonus)

Added: September 15th 2013
Reviewer: Ryan Good
Score:
Related Link: Pitch Black Records
Hits: 1944
Language: english

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