Dakesis: Fractures (CapsAArx Records)
Third album from Birmingham band Dakesis is probably their most accomplished and varied so far. Their progressive symphonic style is rammed up to the highest point here with the power metal gallops, thrash riffing still featured heavily. It's the scope of the record that at times leaves you breathless. It's always brave to start an album with a suite but Dakesis have done exactly that with Ends Of Time Part 1 & 2 the first proper songs on the record, there's a huge nod to Dream Theater here, though Gemma Lawler's operatic style is far superior to James LaBrie, she impresses throughout the record with a wide range that gives the album a Lloyd-Webber like drama.
Third album from Birmingham band Dakesis is probably their most accomplished and varied so far. Their progressive symphonic style is rammed up to the highest point here with the power metal gallops, thrash riffing still featured heavily. It's the scope of the record that at times leaves you breathless. It's always brave to start an album with a suite but Dakesis have done exactly that with Ends Of Time Part 1 & 2 the first proper songs on the record, there's a huge nod to Dream Theater here, though Gemma Lawler's operatic style is far superior to James LaBrie, she impresses throughout the record with a wide range that gives the album a Lloyd-Webber like drama.
Musically the band are just as adventurous as their vocalist though, Aime Chatterley (bass - who also provides backing vocals) and Adam Harris (drums) are a lean mean rhythm section sometimes driving along the blasting tracks like Kairos, which has double kicks for days but at other times they are a chunky technical counterpoint (bass especially) to the swelling orchestral swathes and the mind blowing guitar playing from Matt Jones (who also produced this record). Things get darker on Surrender Your Fears which takes a left turn at the middle section turning into some African inspired rhythms and a simmering string section into a massive choral build before the chorus comes back for the end of the song. It's brilliant song (no wonder it's the major single) that shows the bombastic style Dakesis have nailed on this record.
Personally though I think the dramatic Hold Forever is one of the best songs on the album, it's followed by a Manowar (or should that be Womenowar?) like ballad called Legacy In Memory. Everything culminates with the 14 minute plus title track that evolves from its electronic beginnings into the most epic number on the whole record, showing what a 21st Century retelling of Jeff Wayne's War Of The World's could sound like, and personally I could see Dakesis being able to do it (maybe the next duet with Fury should be The Spirit Of Man?). I digress but Fractures the song is compelling and astounding in equal measure while Fractures the album is the best Dakesis have put their name to, it's brilliant! 9/10
Fury: The Grand Prize (CapsAArx Records)
It's no secret that I love Fury! I've been a supporter of the band through every EP/Album, stylistic change and iteration of their line up. After a few changes to their membership since their last record Lost In Space, their third full length The Grand Prize once again they have added new layers to their sound moving further away from the thrash sounds of their first EP's as well as cutting back the track lengths to make shorter, bolder tracks that on the whole have a hard rock edge. The opening 1-2 of You're The Fire and Galactic Rock have an 80's vibe to them You're The Voice is a joyous rocker all about love, while Galactic Rock is a galloping number with a sweet bass break from Becky Baldwin who drives the grooves along with Tom Fenn behind the kit.
Fury: The Grand Prize (CapsAArx Records)
It's no secret that I love Fury! I've been a supporter of the band through every EP/Album, stylistic change and iteration of their line up. After a few changes to their membership since their last record Lost In Space, their third full length The Grand Prize once again they have added new layers to their sound moving further away from the thrash sounds of their first EP's as well as cutting back the track lengths to make shorter, bolder tracks that on the whole have a hard rock edge. The opening 1-2 of You're The Fire and Galactic Rock have an 80's vibe to them You're The Voice is a joyous rocker all about love, while Galactic Rock is a galloping number with a sweet bass break from Becky Baldwin who drives the grooves along with Tom Fenn behind the kit.
This album has a huge wider range of frontman Julian's influences some are harder to notice (see if you can spot the Genesis influence) others such as We Will Sing practically beat you around the face (it's about Freddie Mercury by the way) yes the Maiden style is still there (title track) as are brief nods to Metallica but much of this album could easily be on a Y&T record due to the mixture of thumping heavy metal and hook-laden hard rock. JJ's vocals are still unlike any in the metal sphere while his riffs link with Becky and Tom allowing Jake Elwell to peel off some tasty solos that move between bluesy fingerstyle and speed metal sweep picking.
JJ's obsession with Pirates/The Sea comes through again with Upon Lonesome Tide which is up there My Heart Goes On in terms of overwrought balladry. The proggy Road Warrior ends the album in proper Fury style as the 6 minute rockers keeps the pace high until the final moments. Fury are one of the best UK bands on the circuit and their albums are always chock full of tracks that cry out to be played live. The Grand Prize is another album that takes pole position! 9/10