There are a few things that make up a terrific power metal band. First you have to have great songwriting. Well, Yan Leviathan the leader of Avian certainly knows how to do that. Second you need a lead singer who can inspire and make you want to crank up the volume. Lance King is a powerhouse in the tradition of Bruce Dickinson who captivates with a dynamite range and style that is just what the metal doctors ordered. Then you need the secret weapon, the x-factor that makes you different than the rest of the pack. Avian's has an ace in the hole that catapults them way ahead of competition; it is their extremely talented lead guitarist Bill Hudson. He is a force to be reckoned with! This guy has all the talent in the world and will be a name to watch, at least for those that are not familiar with his work with Cellador, Circle II Circle and Power Quest.
Avian is the total power metal package and with this their second release, the band has put all the pieces of the puzzle together. It is a magnificent example of how to combine the grace of melodic metal with the fierce energy that makes you want to turn the volume knob as far to the right as possible. The mystical lyrics of Leviathan and King are the perfect fuel for this heavy metal fire. The album has all the allure that those who grew up on Iron Maiden or Judas Priest can appreciate.
Ashes And Madness is simply a must own. It is one of the few disc where the track listing is also the highlights of the album. From the beginning when they unleash the title track "Ashes And Madness", the album continues to haunt your memories and imbed itself into your grey cells with melodies and searing guitar solos that will be continuously replayed in your mind long after the music has stopped. When you reach the last song, the ten minute epic "Time and Space Part II" it will be obvious that you have been on a magical musical journey where some very talented musicians were the conductors of the supersonic metal ride. This is one to sit back and enjoy. The only question is why don't you have the disc already.
Track listing:
1. Ashes And Madness
2. The Lost And Forsaken
3. Into The Other Side
4. Esoteric Lies
5. Fall From Grace
6. Beyond The Hallowed Ground
7. Thundersoul
8. All The King's Horses
9. Never Fade From Me
10. Time And Space Part II
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