This 3 song demo from New York's Twilight Odyssey is actually a reworking of material originally conceived in 2000 when the band was called Urshurak, plus some new songs recently written. The band has lost a few members and added some new ones, most notably female singer Pamela Berlinghof, who adds a powerful set of lungs to this very 80's power metal styled band.
Images of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Warlock come to mind when hearing The Sorceror Sessions Vol. 1, as the music is littered with crunchy riffs, dual guitar leads, and a jack-hammer rhythm section. Pamela's vocals soar over the metal riffs of "Onward to the Games", a song of the great Gladiator duels, and perhaps the EP's strongest cut. "The Endless Days of a Stranger" is an old Ursurak song, and one that is helped out immeasurably by Pamela's great vocals. However, as with the original recording of this song, I still think the male grunts of "...destroy all evil" ruin the song and need to go. "Into the Lair" has a sort of Megadeth feel to it as far as the guitar riffs go, although the lead vocals here are a bit strained. Pamela has a lovely voice, but when she tries to scream it just doesn't work.
There's a lot of potential in this band, but I don't think they have actually found their niche yet. The twin leads of Ben Asaro and Dan Castro are quite effective and they need to build on that foundation. Perhaps a full-time keyboard player might add more texture to their music. Pamela Berlinghof has a great voice, but she needs to stay within her range and hold back on the screams. Should the band write more heavy yet melodic material, like on "Onward to the Games", I think it will suit her better, without them losing their metal edge.
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