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Reverence: When Darkness Falls

Heavy/Power Metal

5.0/5.0

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Razar Ice Records
by Craig Hartranft,  08.31.2012

Reverence isn't a name you would think of for a metal band. But for founding members guitarist Bryan Holland (Tokyo Blade) and vocalist Todd Michael Hall (Jack Starr's Burning Starr), it fits them. When Darkness Falls shows their great respect for classic American melodic power metal. There's no modern harsh or hardcore bullshit here. This is true metal.This supergroup, of sorts, is rounded out by guitarist Pete Rossi (Sanxtion, Overland), drummer Steve Wacholz (Savatage, Crimson Glory), and bass player Ned Meloni (Burning Starr, Funny Money)

Reverence: respect the metal.

Reverence wastes no time getting down to business. When Darkness Falls is a rush of melodic heavy and power metal from the start. They also spare no effort to combine the best elements of the style in all their tunes. Hall's vocals have a breathtaking strength and enthusiasm, as if he was born to sing these songs. Take note of Revolution Rising, Bleed for Me, and After the Leaves Have Fallen. Holland and Rossi combine for some great melodic chord structures and compelling classic metal leads. Nice work is found on Bleed for Me, Too Late, and Gatekeeper. The rhythm is sterling and steady, driving every song with methodical precision.

While mostly heavy metal, you can hear a strong, and catchy, hard rock groove informing the metal as on Bleed for Me, Devil in Disguise, and Gatekeeper. You can bang your head and move your feet to these songs. Later in the album, there's a nice metal anthem in After the Leaves Have Fallen, which showcases Hall's fine vocal range and skill.

Fundamentally, Reverence's When Darkness Falls is a true gem, an excellent platter of classic American melodic power metal, from five dudes who love and get it right. Strongly recommended.

Reverence's When Darkness Falls is a true gem, an excellent platter of classic American melodic power metal, from five dudes who love and get it right. Strongly recommended.

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Formed in 1999 by singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Erik Martensson, Sweden's Eclipse is well into their third decade of making music. In the recent past, their recordings and reputation have ... [ Read More ]