A powerful melodic metal release from this German quintet, The Last Day maintains the consistency that we have come to expect from Metal Heaven across their 2009 release schedule thus far. Formed in early 2008 Sanction X consists of well known musicians out of the German metal scene and members have played in Talon, Frontline, Evidence One and Constantine. Vocalist Ebby Paduch has a controlled delivery that draws favourable comparisons with Rainbow-era Ronnie James Dio and musically the band are all about mid-tempo grooves, driving riffs and offer catchy melodies in abundance.
In addition to the riffs and solos Guitarist Robby Boebel is also responsible for the crisp and clear production and it is he and Paduch who are at the heart of The Last Day with the contributions of rhythm section Peter Langer and Roberto D'Amico and the keyboards of Ben Eifert somewhat understated. The eleven songs follow a similar blueprint and the highlights are the instant 'The Calling', 'Demon's Dance', 'Eyes Of A Stranger' and closing number 'Fly Away' which are all well crafted and have fine solos. More regular changes in tempo and song structure would undoubtedly have been a benefit and offered up more surprises but for a debut album this does its job and is a straight-forward and solid first effort.
Track Listing
1 The Calling
2 When Fire Will Touch the Night
3 Demon's Dance
4 Eyes of a Stranger
5 Alone Again
6 Feelings Came to Me
7 Reason Why We Were Born
8 The Eyes
9 The Last Day
10 Eternal Light
11 Fly Away
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