Powerized: The Mirror’s Eye

Formed in 2012, Netherlands’ symphonic power metal band Powerized released their full length debut titled The Mirror’s Eye in 2018. On first impressions it is clear this band does nothing small as this is full-fledged epic metal as bombastic as it comes. This is a long album, over seventy minutes and includes three tracks over ten minutes so you just know this is as epic as it gets. The band is led by the diverse vocals of Nick Holleman who can belt out a tune with the best of them. So the question must be asked, how does the band hold ones interest over such a long period of time? I suppose the songs could have been shortened but I don’t really like to go there as this is what the band intended. Also, with music this bombastic is there any room for nuance? For the answer read on.

The first track “The Mirror� is a short orchestral introduction, very lush with symphonic keyboards and strings. “Where Worlds Meet The Eye� has an incredibly huge sound from the scintillatingly fast guitar riffs to the soaring vocals and excellent keyboard work. A very impressive beast this and the vocal performance from Holleman is simply outstanding. On “For The Fallen�, one of the three epics, the pace isn’t as fast and the strings and choirs are beautifully layered along with those wonderfully melodic lead vocals. A very grandiose and mature sounding effort with some nice rhythmic shifts and tempo changes underscoring the band’s considerable talent. They do ramp things up in the song’s second half. Absolutely spellbinding. The catchy and up-tempo “King Alas!� with its gorgeous string arrangement and tuneful guitar riffage and the heavily bombastic “Satan’s Bat� are more solid tracks.

Although the band loves the no holds barred approach they do allow for some softer moments that bode well for the album as a whole serving to soften the edges. And the melodies, well, they are outstanding as are the vocals and musicianship as a whole. The Mirror’s Eye is a highly impressive debut album from a band that has a very bright future in the symphonic power metal scene. Highly recommended.

A Painted Bass Records release.

Track Listing:
1. The Mirror (1:46)
2. Where Worlds Meet The Eye (7:24)
3. For The Fallen (10:21)
4. King Alas! (8:00)
5. Satan’s Bat (7:46)
6. Forever Coming (5:02)
7. Ire Of The Monster (4:54)
8. Behind The Gates (11:37)
9. God Of This World (12:12)
10. Edified Ascending (1:57)

Added: July 19th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 879
Language: english

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