Artist: Onward
Label: Century Media
Release Date: 1/23/01
Rating: 4 Skulls
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Title: Evermoving Artist: Onward Label: Century Media Release Date: 1/23/01
Rating: 4 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Requiem (3/22/01):
It is a refreshing moment when a band has the ability to write a solid debut album. Quite often it takes a few albums to work out the bugs in the songwriting department as well as growing familiar with fellow bandmates. Onward succeed quite easily with their debut album called Evermoving, which showcases some first-rate power metal which will hopefully transcend a majority of the lackluster competition. Guitarist/founder Tony Knapp is no stranger to the scene either. He released a solo album on Shrapnel Records called Guitar Distortion as well as being featured in Guitar World magazine at the young age of 18. Now, just because someone can solo till the cows come home doesn't necessarily mean that they can write some quality tunes, but this album proves that Mr. Knapp has more concerns than being able to show off his impressive guitar skills.I tend to be tough to please but Evermoving caught my attention immediately, which is a feat in itself. While a lot of albums get stuck in a rut, this one showcases a vast array of tunes which guide the album easily to its end leaving you begging for more. And while the band have accomplished a style of their own, I do hear some Thundersteel era Riot peering through the cracks as well as some of the more vintage metal like Priest and Maiden. One can't deny that a great vocalist is essential to the success of any power metal band these days. Michael Grant takes on this challenge and although he may sound slightly strained from time to time, his vocal melodies take charge and successfully give this debut the unforgettable charm that is has. Then we have this "guitar virtuoso" Knapp. He utilizes his skills tastefully and competently while not using the band as a vehicle to showcase his abilities as a shredding machine.
Not every cut on the album is an instant classic, yet none are material for the trash either. 80% will maintain the 3 fingered salute while the remaining 20% can pass easily for above average material, so we've got some good odds going here. The opening track blasts at full speed (please note, full speed for power metal compared to death or black metal is like a Ford Escort racing a Porsche.) The same track has a nice ethereal breakdown in the middle which gives Mr. Knapp a chance to show us his ability in the fine art of soloing. "The Waterfall Enchantress" is a midpaced track, in which Grant's vocals bring to mind Geoff Tate (Queensryche) during the chorus. "Absolution Mine" has a fast and frantic sounding verse (which sounds a bit out of place on the record), but is followed up a very tasteful chorus where the vocals follow the guitar harmonies which succeeds in being one of the highlights of the album.
I'm one hell of a picky bastard when it comes to this style of music, but this is some quality power metal we've got here. If you like Riot's Thundersteel album (which I do, can't you tell?), you should find some worthy material in here. If you're looking for some fresh and talented power metal, look no further. This is a great album that will hopefully take them to the higher regions of the power metal genre. Forty minutes is simply not enough here. I've heard nothing but good reviews so far so if you believe what the critics have to say, waste no more time and give Onward a new home right next to your Opeth CDs.
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