There's coldness inside us all. The darker side of life puts a chill in the heart of every one of us. Winters Dawn draws on this concept to deliver the listener a beautifully constructed work of musical majesty. This magnificent album is a wonderful tale of life's torments and the ability to finally cope with them. The hero of the story deals with many of the emotions of growing older. Anger, fear, loneliness and sadness are just a few that he must face during the course of this album. He also learns that with age comes wisdom and the knowledge of how to deal with these problems.
This is a very powerful message that the band delivers, but along with that there is also some dynamic music to help navigate these rough waters. With a symphonic metal flourish, Winters Dawn has created a totally absorbing work of art. From the moment the album starts, with the opening of a door and a winter blast that howls around you, the band has begun a tale that uses their musical abilities to translate the coldness of the dead of winter. With the majesty that can only be interpreted by a thrashing electric guitar, Winters Dawn has bestowed on us all a metal album that is destined to become one upon which others are gauged. Not often can you find a work that can make you feel so deeply with its lyrical content and at the same time jolt you with that spark that only comes from a truly magnificent guitarist. Winters Dawn guitarist, Ili, shows that he is a master of his craft. At times he can be regal or symphonic and when called for, as nasty of a shredder as anyone on the planet. He also has some very capable help on guitar for this album. Jeff Water of Annihilator, Chris Caffery and the legendary Theodore Ziras all contribute fantastic work to the disc. This line-up of mighty six string soldiers make an army that will not rest until they have done everything in their power to conquer the world of metal.
The other weapon in their arsenal is the vocal ability of Stelios. His range and powerful voice is one that we will hear a lot of in the future. There is a quality here that touches deep into your soul with every note he sings. Although it is bass player Thanos who writes most of the lyrics, it is Stelios who brings them to life.
This album will be on my list as one of the best examples of power metal this year. It has all the qualities that one could ask for in an album of this genre. Great musicians, a powerful vocalist, terrific songwriting and a totally absorbing concept to boot!!
Do yourself a favor and go buy this album. It is a gem that shines as bright as any diamond and it is music that will endure just as long too!
Track listing:
1. Intro
2. Winters Dawn
3. Raptors
4. Silent Mourning Sunsets
5. A Last Sunrise
6. Where The Shadows Are Free
7. Still Winter
8. Lighthouse
9. Ash Eyes
10. 4:00 AM
11. Grinding Wheels of Time
12. Crimson Skies
13. Outro
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