Mastercastle: Last Desire

A little more than a year on from well received debut album The Phoenix, Italian Power / melodic Metallers Mastercastle are back with sophomore effort Last Desire via Lion Muisc. The line –up of Pier Gonella (Labyrinth and Necrodeath) on guitars, Giorgia Gueglio on vocals, Steve Vawamas on bass and Alessandro Bissa (Vision Divine) remains intact and this is another potent release that builds on the successful element s of its predecessor whilst also incorporating some new styles into the bands overall sound.

Up tempo and direct Hard Rock and Metal anthems are the blueprint here as Gueglio gives a strong vocal performance to perfectly complement the well crafted lyrics that are all based around the theme of "desire". "Event Horizon", "Great Heavens Climb", "Wild Spell" and the title track are all highlighted by Gonella's huge riffs and the no-nonsense approach of the rhythm section that leaves plenty of space for Gueglio to shine. "Jade Star" is a more sombre track that veers perilously close to power ballad territory but manages to avoid the usual pitfalls by still somehow sounding fresh and inventive.

The debut album's neo-classical traits are not entirely overlooked however as the inclusion of two instrumentals, "Space Trip" and "La Serenissima" provide the opportunity for Gonella's virtuoso approach to sparkle. The former is an exercise in shredding that never comes even close to sounding self-indulgent whereas the latter is an interpretation of the Italian ensemble piece "Rondo Veneziano" that has been re-arranged for the guitar.

Another top quality release from Mastercastle, this is one new band that fans of female fronted rock and Metal should definitely check out and Last Desire comes highly recommended.

Track Listing
Event Horizon
Misr
Wild Spell
Last Desire
Away
Space Trip
Jade Star
Great Heaven's Climb
Cat-House
Toxie Radd
La Serenissima
Scarlett

Added: June 21st 2010
Reviewer: Dean Pedley
Score:
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Language: english

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