FRENZY FIRE
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The Ferryman's Eyes
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The Ferryman's Eyes |
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| Winter's Edge are a progressive, melodic, power metal band from the UK formed in 2010 by lyricist/guitarist Jeremy Lawler. After nearly four years of struggle, the band separated with Jeremy retaining the name, hence the band is also known as Jeremy Lawler's Winter's Edge. Rather than start a new band, Jeremy decided to create a project using guest musicians from unknown, local and unsigned bands. | ||||||
| The result is 'The Ferryman's Eyes', a concept album, looking at the life of a ferryman through his eyes. The guest vocalists on the album come from differing music genres such as symphonic, death and obviously heavy metal, and include Ian Montgomery (Hole In The Sky), Dave Hartley (Spinning Death Machine), Charley Jones (Sensoria) and Daisy Robinson (Seventh Seeker). | ||||||
| The album is a masterpiece of atmosphere, with a spine tingling power symphonic feel that effortlessly flows between melodic death metal and power metal. The opening spoken word intro 'From Death I Come' is chilling and haunting, leading straight into 'The Shadows Come For Me' - a powerful blast of heavy metal tinged with melodic death. The vocals are very strong, the rhythm pounding, the guitar solo sparkling, yet the chorus is overly catchy and almost sing a long! And with 'The Ferryman's Eyes' very much up and running, the band increase both pace and tempo for 'The End', which rattles along with a definite symphonic metal influence. Much heavier than 'The Shadows Come For Me', 'The End' is just as much infectious and will keep listeners glued to their speakers panting for more - Winter's Edge setting the tone for the rest of the album. Or so you would think! | ||||||
| For 'Fallen' slows the tempo and pace to a ballad-like crawl, the sound and feel that of an Iron Maiden melodic intro before the band let all hell break loose! But wait! What's that? Female vocals! Sure are, the addition of a female backing vocalist adding a superb twist to the sound of 'Fallen'. Too heavy to be a full ballad, this song will still have hands waving in the air with everyone swaying from side to side in appreciation of a well written, played and executed song - 'Entreaty' a smouldering keyboard instrumental serving as an intro to yet another twist in the meandering tone of the album, 'cause 'Game Of Insanity' features a twin vocal attack courtesy of Daisy Robinson and Dave Hartley. The mix of symphonic and melodic death vocals works extremely well, with the chugging, pounding rhythm and excellent screaming guitar solo making this one of the best songs on the album. | ||||||
| I say one of, for there's so many songs on offer that could be labelled as "best" - 'The Ferryman's Eyes' marching on with the foot stomping 'You'll Find Your Way Out Of This Darkness'. Complete with a soaring symphonic vocal performance, 'You'll Find Your Way Out Of This Darkness' maintains the albums epic edged atmosphere and incredible majesty - 'Foresee Me And Dream' strolling into life, quickly turning on its heels to thunder forth with a phenomenal chugging guitar riff! And when the vocals kick in - menacing or what! 'Foresee Me And Dream' surges on with both male and female vocals, the more aggressive stance a little surprising but nowhere near off putting! And whoa - I was so engrossed in the ever changing landscape of the album, I hadn't noticed 'Foresee Me And Dream' was the final song! Just goes to show how enticing and engaging 'The Ferryman's Eyes' is - Winter's Edge combining traditional heavy metal with power and symphonic metal to deliver a staggering album of immense majesty and elegance. | ||||||
| Overall, a fantastic heavy metal album with strong hints of symphonic and melodic death metal. Excellent guitar work and superb vocals throughout. | ||||||
| Review by Iron Mathew Collins | ||||||
| Reviewed for Winter's Edge | ||||||
| Other Reviews | ||||||
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| The Deceivers E.P. (taster) | ||||||
| "more magic from the pen of Jeremy Ross Lawler, bringing together a host of musicians to produce an epic masterpiece" Read Review | ||||||
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| The Deceivers E.P. | ||||||
| "a top class romp featuring contributions from top class performers from a range of diverse musical styles. Fast paced, energetic heavy metal" Read Review | ||||||
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| The Guardians Of Our Time Pt.1 | ||||||
| "a stunning return to the metal scene, Winter's Edge deliver a bruising and punishing aural assault" Read Review | ||||||
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