Monroe, New York residents Haunted By Angels have proven that the metal scene is not just necessarily city based. Their self-titled CD Season Of Death is a great example of these NY Rockers. Led by Singer Jane Evil, they showcase a very Maiden/Priest influenced metal. The group is made up of DJ Breyerton (Bass), Dave Derrig (drums), Art McDermott (guitar), and Andy Wheeler (guitar).
The production is good on the piece, but not always excellent as I felt at times the vocals or guitar overdid the drums or bass too much. I also felt for the quality of drum time that is being kept by Dave that they could have given him a cleaner sound. It makes it sound too demo- like for a recording of professional quality. This is not the bands fault. It is my hope that on a potential signing that they will revisit these tunes and get them to have the delivery that was intended.
Some quick highlights would probably be "Season Of Death" (a song done in three parts). I imagine this is very visual live, as Jane Evil and her colleagues do seem to focus a bit on the showmanship portion of their set based on what I see on their website. "Fallen Angel" (not the Poison song) is also one of my favored tracks. In addition to these listed, I found "No Looking Back" to be a good head banging tune. Jane has a great voice it will be interesting to see how these songs play out live. I hope to be able to report on that sometime.
My biggest criticism of the CD by HBA was their recording of "Dust In The Wind", one of my very favorite songs of all time. When it started it was fine, as I felt it showcased the more subtle passionate side of Jane Evil. Then it kicked into overdrive as a rousing heavy metal number, which I felt was unnecessary to do the song in this manner, creative expression aside. I guess they felt this way was better than simply recording an exact replica of it.
Research has discovered the band is developing a bit of a buzz about them. The website is very well done and thought out. The packaging on this CD, while only two foldout pages, is filled with photos and liner notes, giving their audience the chance to learn a little more about the group. Check it out.
Track Listing
1. Fallen Angel
2. Neverland
3. Neverland II – The Overture
4. Autumn: A Prelude To Insanity
5. Season Of Death – Realization
6. Season Of Death – Confrontation
7. Season Of Death – Finale
6. Black And White
7. Raven And The Dove
8. No Looking Back
9. Hellbound
10. Dust In The Wind
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