Edge of Thorns - Masquerading of the wicked 4/5
Reviewed: 7-11-08
Tracklist:
1. Masquerading of the wicked
2. The reaper
3. Hungry eyes
4. Bleeding hearts
5. Can you hear them
6. Shrouded
7. Turning wheels
8. Captured
9. Vagrant
10. Beyond horizons
11. Chase away the night
12. Life
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Dang, just like with Boomerang earlier in 2008, another heavier power metal band nearly slips by my radar. Out of Germany, Edge of Thorns now has 2 full-length CDs under their belt, and after discovering this killer band a few months ago, I quickly picked up their debut 'Ravenland' (2004) and this 2nd CD 'Masquerading of the wicked' (2007). Honestly though, after listening to quick samples a few months ago, I was thinking this band was simply solid, but now that I've got both of their CDs in regular rotation, I can tell you that they're much more than that.
Let's get things started with some band comparisons, and I found coming up with some to be an easy task, as Edge of Thorns can definitely be lumped with the group that sits on the heavier end of power metal, with a traditional metal side. Some of you may already know the group that I'm eluding to, but for those who aren't too familiar with my writing, this group consists of bands like Iced Earth, Persuader, Brainstorm, Mystic Prophecy, Demons & Wizards, Boomerang, Sencirow, Viperine, Winterfell, and in a somewhat surprising way, one band that has constantly popped up in my head as a comparison is Exiled.
Vocally, Dirk Schmitt has a slightly rough voice and generally speaking, is similar to the vocalists of the previously mentioned bands. He mostly reminds me of Axel Johann of Boomerang though, which means he sounds like a blend of Jon Oliva (Savatage/Jon Oliva's Pain) and Andy B. Franck (Brainstorm). One thing's for sure, he's got a powerful and confident voice that demands your full attention. Also, just like with Demons & Wizards, Boomerang and Viperine (to name a few), other vocalists jump in at the choruses and this creates an even more powerful listen.
Musically, we get tremendous power metal that's always exciting, never boring or monotonous, and there's an overall aggressive approach. There are tons of powerful riffs and screaming guitar solos, yet the most impressive aspect of the band is how well the vocals and the music fit together. In fact, regarding songwriting, Edge of Thorns is one of the best of the many aforementioned bands. Yep, I'm not kidding!
There's not much more to say here, as the band is very highly recommended to fans of the style described and the bands mentioned in this review. One thing I want to emphasize however, is that this review reflects my thoughts on both of their CDs (the band's discography as a whole), as they're both awesome from start to finish and only owning one is like watching half of an excellent movie. You get the point, I'm sure.
CLINT
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