- CURRENTLY RECOMMENDED METAL
- Reviews by Dr. Metal
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- ONWARD – REAWAKEN
- 2002 Century Media
Onward consists mainly of super-guitarist Toby Knapp and former Legend Maker vocalist Michael Grant. Toby played guitar and bass on the album, but Chris Payette is listed as the band's bassist. Drums were performed by Jon Pereau. I don't know if either of these two guys are permanent members, however. After the first spin of this album, I immediately thought of another great American band, Destiny's End. Ironically, Destiny's End guitarist Dan DeLucie is thanked in the credits as the "secret weapon in our war." I guess that is a reference to New Eden, etc. After a few more close listens, I began to see the similarities dissolve a little. Both bands play melodic speed Metal, but I think Onward slows things down more often and incorporates some grooves here and there. There's some moods that work well to darken the tone of the album, but mainly these guys keep the tempo up. Michael Grant's vocals are doubled alot like Destiny's End's James Rivera. But he doesn't sing in quite as high a register all the time, he is more of a baritone. And he is a GREAT singer! I enjoy listening to this guy. What a powerful voice. Toby Knapp is an amazing guitarist. This is the first time I've heard his playing and I like it a lot. I keep reading about his amazing solos and technique, and believe me they are simply awesome, but for me his rhythm playing stands out more. He really fills the songs in. He's definitely not jerking off guitar-wise! No Yngwie moments here. Once again, I have to tip my hat to a drummer. In this case, the aforementioned Jon Pereau. Great job by him, he keeps me interested.
Some of the standout songs on REAWAKEN include the title song, which is a great intro to the album. It's a punishing tune with a great chorus. The lyrics seem to be about Metal. My favorite line is "Reawaken! False ones now your bones will shatter." Kick ass. "Night" is a great song all the way through. I can't get enough of it. They pull out some Power metal grooves on this one. "The Seven Tides of Labyrinthine" is an amazing track. Michael Grant's overlapping lines in the song are cool. "Eye of the Nightmare" was the first track I heard from the album, and probably is still my favorite one. They also do a cover of Loudness' "Clockwork Toy" that kills! Michael Grant's lyrics are above average fare for Heavy Metal. He is on the level of say, Warrel Dane of Nevermore. Some very unique stuff. I would like to see this band do a concept album. They could probably pull it off.
This is easily one of the best albums of 2002 so far. Essential.
DISCOGRAPHY:
- EVERMOVING (2001) Century Media
- REAWAKEN (2002) Century Media