Artist: Lost Horizon
Label: Koch Records
Release Date: 6/12/01
Rating: 4 Skulls
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Title: Awakening the World Artist: Lost Horizon Label: Koch Records Release Date: 6/12/01
Rating: 4 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Requiem (8/23/01):
Let me tell you folks, do not judge a book by its cover. Upon my first gaze on the cover of Awakening the World, I honestly did not know what to think. 4 men dressed in leather, adorning war paint of sorts wrapping around their partially clothed bodies. Leather pants, cloaks and chintzy belt buckles in full effect. Upon the first few seconds of the album it was clear that we were in for some power metal presented in its purest form. My first impression was just another rendition of your run of the mill power metal outfit that is just cramming the record stores with unnecessary mediocrity. Upon further investigation, it was clear that Lost Horizon are clearly in the elite of the genre and today's metal as a whole. The image is obviously a gimmick and this is a form of entertainment, correct? Then let these guys prance around in clown suits if they want because these guys rock the pants off most of today's competition. The album grew on me like a fungus attacking the long forgotten food in the back of the refrigerator and needless to say, I've been rocking this album at least a couple times a day since.The album starts out strong with the opening track "Heart of Storm", which hits hard with commanding metal riffs and busy drumwork seasoned with more double bass than you can shake a stick at. But without question, the strongest point of the band is vocalist Ethereal Magnanimus who is tagged in Metal Maniacs as one of the greatest metal vocalists out there. The rest of the band is also graced with an abundance of talent and on top of all that, the production is crisp and powerful, resulting in an outstanding debut. Other outstanding tracks include "Denial of Fate" and "Welcome Back" which both showcase infectiously catchy choruses and this singer's amazing abilities to reach godly vocal registers. As I'm known for my comparisons, let's say that Lost Horizon has the vocal craftiness of Riot and the straightforward power metal approach of Hammerfall, with better musicians (not slagging on Hammerfall at all, of course). There's no surprises as far as originality is concerned, but rather just a very talented power metal act that is a breath of fresh air in the overpopulated genre. And if my assumptions are correct, they are Swedish. Must be that Swedish water again.
So don't listen to the negativity about the bands image or silly lyrics and ideology. This band is pretty much smoking. Power metal with a capital 'P' the way it was supposed to be played. Double bass like it's going out of style, melodic metal guitars with harmonies galore, killer solos and a vocalist that could stand against the best of the competition. I had a bad vibe right away with this one but I am thorough. I know that a proper review needs several listens because the shit can grow on you, and if you are any self proclaimed fan of power metal or even heavy metal in general you should give this a chance. Many good sources are giving this rave reviews and if any of you care what I think, hear this: Lost Horizon rocks, get it now.
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