Artist: Demons & Wizards
Label: Steamhammer/SPV (GER)
Release Date: 2/8/00
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Title: Demons & Wizards Artist: Demons & Wizards Label: Steamhammer/SPV (GER) Release Date: 2/8/00 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
So what happens when you combine power metal from Germany and America? Well, the new disc from Demons & Wizards attempts to answer that very question. An undertaking that the entire power-metal loving public must be frothing at the mouth for, this is the combination of Hansi Kursch of Blind Guardian fame, and Jon Schaffer from Iced Earth. Being a big fan of Iced Earth, but not so much of Blind Guardian, I was very interested as to which this offering would have more in common with. And, for better or worse, it is pretty much as I expected.
German power metal, in this uneducated American’s point of view, is much less afraid to go all out when it comes to cheesiness. Let’s face it, these are the people that don’t think the "Stonehenge" segment in This is Spinal Tap is funny. While I commend them on their uncompromising enthusiasm for something they love, it does become a huge barrier for me. While I’ve made it well known that lyrics don’t mean much to me, I don’t want to feel like an idiot if I’m caught singing along with them. Bottom line is, I just can’t get into the Dungeons & Dragons themes that are taken so seriously. And as the moniker of this project infers, they do.
"German power metal, in this uneducated American’s point of view, is much less afraid to go all out when it comes to cheesiness. Let’s face it, these are the people that don’t think the "Stonehenge" segment in This is Spinal Tap is funny." On the other hand, when this band wants to impress, they can. There is at least a shred of intensity buried in just about every song, and in many cases this shred is predominant. But it is a rare occasion in which there isn’t something to come along and wreck it (Check out the chorus on "Path of Glory"). The awesome riff that is the cornerstone to the track "Blood on My Hands" is made so much less powerful by hearing about the "Ancient spirits’ rise" bridge. Of course there also is the song "Fiddler on the Green" which just loses me completely (translation: big pile ‘o crap). While I like Mr. Kursch’s vocals for the most part (He is a hell of a lot less annoying than others in the genre) he lacks the ability to turn his voice into a more venomous entity like Matthew Barlow. This makes it harder for one with a passing appreciation for power metal to get by the whole melodrama that sets this genre apart from the rest.
Basically this album is as I expected, a combination of what I like about Iced Earth and dislike about Blind Guardian. For those who are true power metal fans, however, I believe this would be a must buy, because let’s face it, these are two of the most respected bands in the genre, and both of their voices come through. As for those of us who are a little more selective when it comes to how many dwarf and gnome stories we have in our collection, this album could go either way. Cheesy, but of good quality.
Rating Revised for Metal Judgment Anniversary
Death's Review:
As if sent on a mission by the world's power-metal leaders, Jon Schaffer and Hansi Kursch have unified their respective American and European power forces for an all-out global assault. And fear not, their resulting Demons & Wizards project delivers precisely what you'd expect from an Iced Earth / Blind Guardian collaboration. Unfortunately for some, the balance of musical and songwriting power has tipped significantly in favor of the American style. And while, for rivetheads like myself, good old American Iced Earth-style speedpicking crunch beats the German power metal variety every time, the resulting Demons & Wizards still leaves me thankful for the new Iced Earth material, yet wishing Matthew Barlow was singing instead of Hansi Kursch, if you catch my drift.
"As if sent on a mission by the world's power-metal leaders, Jon Schaffer and Hansi Kursch have unified their respective American and European power forces for an all-out global assault." Upon first listen, you'll immediately notice how much the riffing inescapeably sounds like Jon Schaffer (try the opening riffage in "Heaven's Denied"). Schaffer is one of the few guitarists in metal whose rhythm guitar playing is recognizable no matter whom he is playing with. His trademarked "intricate rythmic picking alternates with straightforward headbanging crunch, together with a healthy dose of regularly-paced dynamics and acoustic passages" style of sogwriting provides the template for the Demons & Wizards album, rather than the more melodic Blind Garudian approach. Demons & Wizards really does sound like Hansi Kursch as the singer for Iced Earth.
Maybe it's Schaffer's songwriting influence, but Kursch even sounds like Barlow sounding like Paul Stanley on the heavy parts of "Path of Glory," one of the better tracks. Kursch does have his independently great moments, like some of the high-pitched stuff he does on "My Last Sunrise." But the majority of the time, my previous mild distaste for his voice is only emphasized by hearing him over a simpler, heavier and crunchier bed (imagine Barlow singing the chorus to "Winter of Souls" -- see the difference?).
"When concocting my own perfect power metal brew, I'll need a little more demon, and a little less wizard." For power metal enthusiasts, Demons & Wizards is essential. If not for what it means for world-wide power metal unity, then for the cool comic-style cover art, the three-song "Azrael" trilogy, the glorious Schaffer riffing, and the decent Kursch vocals. For me, however, I have to admit that Demons & Wizards only clarifies for me that, when concocting my own perfect power metal brew, I'll need a little more demon, and a little less wizard.
Hel's Review:
Another much anticipated side project. Each time a new side project comes out, it seems like people race to make comparisons between the sounds of the different bands tangentially involved and the new sound produced. It's generally common sense that, for instance, Jon Schaffer playing in Iced Earth would probably sound a lot like Jon Schaffer playing in Demons & Wizards, particularly if he is a strong creative force in each.
The characteristics of Jon's playing style would probably not change drastically. And so it is. Demons & Wizards really does sound the way you might think Jon Schaffer and Hansi Kürsch would sound together. The music is strongly influenced by each of the two icons involved. The rapid fire riffs are hallmark Schaffer, the vocals uniquely Kürsch.
"This one is worth the time and the cash. My last question would have to be - a tour?" There are a couple of integral crossroads which decide whether or not this combination is good. The first would have to be the fit. Do these vocals work well with these riffs or do they clash in a way that makes you grind your teeth in pain? The second, does the outcome sound so much like one band or the other that it does not offer anything new to the listener?
Demons & Wizards sails through these intersections in the right direction. The vocals do mesh with the other musical components in a pleasing manner. The overall sound is something that is, on one level, completely to be expected and, on another, completely unexpected. This album has great balance and there are plenty of interesting things going on. It's moody, atmospheric and heavy. There is so much going on that I was, at first, daunted at the thought of really sorting it out. Many listens later, I'm really glad I took the time.
The one downside is the occasional cheese-esque sound that sometimes emerges. Every once in a while during a song there will be a combination that evokes an overly dramatic, cartoon-ish image. But there really isn't enough of that to color the entire album. There's too much good here to let that bring me down.
There's diversity and color to this album. Layered deeply, there's style and character. I like this album. I think I've made that clear. This one is worth the time and the cash. My last question would have to be - a tour?
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