Wardrum: Spadework

There are many (possibly too many) bands out there who fall into the category of Power Metal with a progressive edge and it is into this crowded market that Greek act Wardrum have emerged. Now the problem with inhabiting such an over populated area, is that to truly stand out from the crowd you need one of two things (both would be even better actually). The first is to be pretty damn excellent, shining so brightly, that even the multitude of other bands ploughing the same furrow can't stop you from being noticed, whereas the second is to offer something new, different and individual. Wardrum whilst coming very close unfortunately don't quite manage to conjure up either.

Now, I'll qualify that statement. Spadework a good album - excellent in places actually, however it also has a couple of issues. The first of which is the lyrics, which are sung in English and are the work of the band's excellent drummer Stergios Kourou. Unfortunately the fact that English is not Stergios's first language comes across all too apparently, with the results being more like emotions in the form of poetry, rather than lyrics. Now for someone of the skill of say for example Fish, that isn't a problem – the opposite in fact, but here the words sound clunky and uneven, although not obtrusively so. The second issue, which may just be a personal gripe, is the vocals and while Piero Leporale is actually a more than capable vocalist with a powerful and clear delivery, his voice lacks warmth, making it at times almost feel separated from the music itself. This is something which becomes all too obvious on Spadework's most heartfelt title track, where Leporale has only acoustic guitar, flute and strings for company, leaving him sounding isolated and almost unsympathetic to his surroundings.

Ultimately these issues may be too much for some potential listeners to cope with and that in truth would be a terrible shame, as delve into the music itself and Wardrum are a mighty fine act indeed. The galloping guitar of "Soultrip" for example sets this four-piece out as a powerful band who can mix melody with power and intricacy without compromising any of the three. The guitar display from Kosta Vreto and bass work courtesy of Kostas Scandalis (who also produced the album) really is top notch, with not one single drop in standard, between the pair, especially on the heavier tracks. They may not be reinventing the Power Metal wheel, but the riff and tangential guitar solo on "Last Neverland" does suggest that Wardrum do have the potential to produce something on a more groundbreaking scale.

Musically, Spadework is a well constructed album which is actually pretty hard to fault and I really would urge any follower of the Power/Progressive Metal genre to give Wardrum a fair hearing. I've found it quite hard to strike a balance in this review, as I really do have reservations about this album's lyrics and vocals, but absolutely none with the music whatsoever.

Ultimately Wardrum are a band well worth keeping an eye on.

Track Listing
01. The Meaning of Forever
02. Crest of the Wave
03. In Dependence
04. Yesterday
05. Circle of Hate
06. Spadework
07. Turn About
08. Soultrip
09. Inner God
10. Last Neverland

Added: September 28th 2011
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Wardrum
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Language: english

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