Auvernia - Towards eternity 4/5
Reviewed: 1-23-09
Tracklist:
1. A new world is born
2. A little of lust
3. How cruel is destiny
4. You will come
5. Interludio no.1
6. Inherent rage
7. Running on the road
8. The master throne
9. The successor
10. Blue blood (bonus track)
11. The show must go on (bonus track)
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Auvernia is a band from Argentina that was formed way back in 1999, but it isn't until now (10 years later) that they've released their full-length debut 'Towards eternity'. Their style is progressive power metal, and I can tell you right away that it's the type of progressive power metal that I totally love...
By far one of my favorite CDs of this decade is Lanfear's 'Another golden rage' and when a buddy told me that Auvernia's debut was similar, I obviously picked it up right away. Well, my buddy was absolutely dead on (and thanks to him and everyone else that takes the time to recommend CDs to the Metal CD Ratings staff!), as 'Towards eternity' immediately brought to mind the time period in my life when Lanfear's 'Another golden rage' was dominating my stereo. Just like that CD, 'Towards eternity' is fast-paced, ultra-exciting and very aggressive. In fact, I'd say it's more aggressive than 'Another golden rage'.
The similarity to Lanfear doesn't stop at the style of progressive power metal though, as vocalist Fernando Varela (who's also the guitarist) has a voice extremely similar Tobias Althammer, the vocalist of Lanfear's 'Another golden rage' and 'The art effect'. Just like Tobias, Fernando has a clear, melodic and soaring voice with a lot of range. There are also some thrash/death vocals, and I welcome them, as they add to the aggressiveness of the CD.
One thing I really like about this debut is that there are some fantastic guitar and keyboard solos, which seem to pop up at just the right time. Oh, and if you're worried that the CD is too progressive - don't be, as catchy and aggressive guitar work is definitely the band's focus, and in addition to Lanfear, I think Symphony X should be mentioned as a comparison too.
The CD starts out in exciting fashion, as the first 4 songs contain plenty of speed and everything you'd expect if you're one of the lucky ones who has heard Lanfear's 'Another golden rage'. I really like the slow acoustic guitar-oriented instrumental (track 5 "Interludio no.1") in the middle of the CD, as it's a nice break from the excitement. The CD immediately picks back up though, as track 6 "Inherent rage" is one of the most aggressive songs on the CD and the remainder of the songs are in the same manner. As for the bonus tracks, we get a cover of X-Japan's "Blue blood" and Queen's "The show must go on", which is like the 5th or 6th version of that song I've heard in the last few years (following Metalium, Heavenblast, Kyrie Eleison and so on). Both covers are solid though, and if you're a fan of covers, you'll like them.
The bottom line is, if you're a fan of fast-paced and exciting progressive power metal, and bands like Lanfear and Symphony X, Auvernia is going to be a great new band for you to get into. While I'm not blown away like I was with Lanfear's 'Another golden rage', 'Towards eternity' is excellent from start to finish and is definitely going to get a lot of spins. Highly recommended!
CLINT
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