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Orden Ogan: Easton Hope

Melodic Heavy/Power/Progressive Metal

Rating: 3.5/5.0

AFM Records
www.ordenogan.de
www.myspace.com/ordenogan
Review: Craig Hartranft,  02.28.2010

Beginning with their obscure name, Orden Ogan, this German metal band gives one pause. Who are they? What are they? What do they play? They are host to the annual WinterNachtsTraum metal festival, a singular claim to fame. (I believe the 2010 venue has passed). Whatever the answers may be, Easton Hope is Orden Ogan's third full-length release. This work is some compromise between simple melodic and power metal with slight progressive elements. It's all very interesting, and I'm sure stalwart fans will find Easton Hope clever and entertaining. I did.

Yet, I still wondered where the music was going. Easton Hope is blessed with beautiful vocal arrangements, sometime aggressive pacing, and varied song arrangements. But except for a few songs, like Requiem (amazing), Nobody Leaves, and Of Downfall and Decline, there's a certain familiarity here. It varies between generic European and German power metal, and not much more. Possibly successive listens will help a listener discern the nuances. But that listener must make it through one spin first. Assuredly, despite my first reservations, Easton Hope will get that second and third listen. However, it may not be immediate.

Nevertheless, despite their bizarre name, Orden Ogan captured may attention with their intriguing, sometimes predictable, melodic power metal. Forgive the weird name and give them the benefit of the doubt and more than a single spin. I think you'll find Easton Hope a guilty delight.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Forgive the weird name and give them the benefit of the doubt and more than a single spin. I think you'll find Orden Ogan's Easton Hope a guilty delight.

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