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Powerworld: Human Parasite
 Human Parasite is the second release from the band Powerworld, both Powerworld's original vocalist and drummer departed as Human Parasite was in the works, and consequently what grabbed my attention is that their replacement singer is former Threshold member Andrew "Mac" McDermott. I was so disappointed with the news that he had left Threshold especially after they had released another successful album, so it's great to now hear Mac's voice once again.
Powerworld was started by bass player Ilker Ersin upon leaving German power metallers Freedom Call. Ilker assembled Powerworld's line-up and their metal debut was released in 2008. Besides vocals and bass from Andrew and Ilker the remainder of Powerworld's line-up for Human Parasite is that of guitarist Barish Kepic (Ex-Jaded Heart), keyboard player Nils Neumann (Ex-Freedom Call), and the drums were performed by Simon Michael (Subway to Sally), but drummer Achim Keller(Victory) has now joined the band. Powerworld signed a worldwide deal with SPV/Steamhammer recently and Human Parasite will be available in Europe on October 22nd and early November in USA and Canada.
Drums fills introduce "Cleansed By Fire", though this isn't the rapid track I was expecting to hear though Powerworld do alter the tempo, they refrain from an all out speed fest which isn't what this album is about anyway. Human Parasite has enough variation to keep you guessing and quality songs for the duration like "Ėvil In Me" which features some very cool slightly quirky music. Track six "Hope" a lighter instrumental of the guitar only kind, which flows into "East Comes To West" this standout song is an impressive example of Powerworld's creativity.
So Mac's back with his distinctive vocals, so here's hoping it works out for him this time and we get to hear more albums like Human Parasite from Powerworld.
Track list:
1. Cleansed by Fire
2. Stand Up
3. Evil In Me
4. Time Will Change
5. Human Parasite
6. Hope
7. East Comes To West
8. Children Of The Future
9. Caught In Your Web
10. Tame Your Demons
11. Might Of Secrets
12. King For A Day
Added: October 16th 2010
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score: 
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 5383
Language: english
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Powerworld: Human Parasite
Posted by Jeff B, SoT Staff Writer on 2010-10-16 19:51:43
My Score:
Cleansed by Fire
Power metal is one of those hit-and-miss genres for me. Though there are tons of great bands in the genre, it seems that these good bands represent a single drop of water in a sea of cheesy clone bands. Powerworld is one of the few modern power metal bands who doesn't completely tip my "cheese factor" scale, and that's a plus in my book. Although Powerworld isn't an incredibly original band, this supergroup really created a great album with Human Parasite. There are memorable hooks, soaring vocals, and intricate musicianship that keep me coming back for more.
One of the best things about Human Parasite is the incredible vocals from Andrew "Mac" McDermott. You probably recognize that name as the ex-lead singer from the British prog metal legend, Threshold. He hasn't been active musically since his 2007 departure from the band, so this is basically his return to the metal scene. His distinct and powerful vocals are terrific, and it's great to hear his voice again. Of course, we also shouldn't forget the fact that Powerworld contains other high-profile power metal musicians from bands like Freedom Call, At Vance, Jaded Heart, Victory, or Evidence One either. As such, the musicianship is very professional and high-quality on Human Parasite.
The album is almost 55 minutes, and it doesn't tire once. Every song is memorable and highly enjoyable, though my favorite is probably the opening number, "Cleansed by Fire". I also really like "Stand Up", "East Comes to West", "King for a Day", and "Time Will Change" as well. This is a very consistent album, and every track is well worth your time and money.
The production is really good. It's powerful, and packs a punch to fully execute Powerworld's sound. It may sound a bit too "cheesy" for some, but I personally love it.
Conclusion:
Human Parasite is a terrific album by Powerworld. It's great to hear "Mac" at the front of a band again, and Powerworld seems to be a perfect match for him. It's rare that I hear a modern power metal album that actually blows me away, so in that respect Human Parasite is a truly unique and special release. I'll rate Human Parasite with shiny 4 stars. If you like modern power metal (or don't), Human Parasite is a highly recommendable album.
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Powerworld: Human Parasite
Posted by Steven Reid, SoT Staff Writer on 2010-10-05 14:04:53
My Score:
Human Parasite is my first encounter with Powerworld and truth be told, even though the band's line up contains ex members of Freedom Call, Jaded Heart, At Vance and Victory it was the involvement of one time Threshold frontman Mac (Andrew McDermott) that really grabbed my interest, as his rich voice was an integral part in Threshold evolving from a promising prog metal outfit into one of the strongest exponents of that genre.
Powerworld came together in 2005 when ex-Freedom Call bassist Ilker Ersin teamed up with former Jaded Heart guitarist Barish Kepic, before adding Nils Neumann (also ex-Freedom Call) on keyboards and At Vance drummer Jurgen Lucas. The line up was completed by Steffen Brunner on vocals, with a self titled debut album coming out in 2008. Due to other commitments the band never toured and now two years down the line Brunner and Lucas have departed, with the latter being replaced by Victory drummer Achim Keller, although Simon Michael plays on the album.
The name of the band would suggest that we have strayed into power metal territory here and while there are some really meaty riffs, squealing guitars and fret burning solos, on the whole there is a more melodic (and gently progressive) slant to what Powerworld are all about. What this means is that Human Parasite never falls into the one dimensional trap that snares many metal albums. With the likes of the brooding mid paced stomp of "Caught In Your Web" being followed by the full on assault of "Tame Your Demons", or the quirky keyboard heavy "Evil In Me" preceding the more restrained and considered tones of "Time Will Change" this is an album that refuses to get caught in a rut and holds your attention from start to finish.
Kepic's guitar work is varied and impressive, while he also manages to allow enough space for Neumann's keyboards to take the lead on a number of occasions with Ersin's bass work compliments both really well. However for me Mac steals the show with his versatile delivery morphing from song to song to make sure he gets the very best from each one. He is also helped by some wonderful vocal arrangements that add to the atmosphere and interest.
With a more committed line up in place for album number two, this is like a new beginning for Powerworld and this time they intend on touring to support Human Parasite. On the strength of these classy and varied songs, I hope they play a venue near me.
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Powerworld: Human Parasite
Posted by Pete Pardo, SoT Staff Writer on 2010-10-05 00:24:49
My Score: 
Powerworld is somewhat of a power/melodic metal supergroup, containing former members of Freedom Call, Threshold, Victory, and Jaded Heart, and Human Parasite is their second release, and first for SPV Records.
Threshold fans will be happy to see the return of Andrew "Mac" McDermott, as Human Parasite marks his return to the metal scene. Mac's powerful vocals are all over catchy tracks such as "Cleansed By Fire", "Stand Up", "Evil In Me", and "East Comes to West", and it becomes quickly apparent as you make your way through the CD that Powerworld are really trying to offer up something a bit more melodic and accessible here than your typical speed metal affair. As such, there's some tasty guitar riffs and solos from Barish Kepic , a smattering of keyboards, and rock solid rhythms, but first and foremost the band has worked out some catchy and memorable songs on this set. Nothing is overly heavy ("Caught In Your Web", "Tame Your Demons", and "King For a Day" might be the most bombastic and crunchiest numbers on the CD), but there's a cool sense of 'epic-ness' and Queen inspired grandiosity that's hard to ignore.
For something a little bit different, you might want to give Human Parasite a try. It's not a CD that is going to bowl you over with originality and stunning songs, but it's damn solid all around and a refreshing change of pace from much of the 'power/melodic' metal we generally hear.
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