www.ignitor.org
www.cruzdelsurmusic.com
www.myspace.com/ignitor
Reviewed by Craig Hartranft
Ignitor is an American metal band from Texas that plays basically neo-classical metal mixed with a dash of thrash and power metal. They are fronted by a female vocalist simply named 'Erika,' and also includes a female rhythm guitarist, Beverly Barrington. The lyrical content follows the general themes of this genre: fantasy, sword and sorcery, and battle metal. This is their first full length release. And it's pretty good.
It took several spins to get my ears around their sound. I had to overcome two things every time: Erika's shrieking, nearly wearisome vocals and the submerged lead guitar of Stuart Laurence. Erika can definitely scream with the best metal vocalists. However, there is no range or diversity in her delivery. In the end, I found myself bored if not assualted by her voice. Regarding Mr. Laurence, you must essentially wait until the last several tracks to hear his six-string proficiency. I believe he's a really good guitarist, but, whether its the song arrangements or the production, his guitar solos are suppressed to the point of obscurity. I love lead guitar and I want to hear it: rip it up or be gone!
If you can get over these two conudrums, you will find 'Road Of Bones' to be a great metal album. Ignitor definitely has the riffs and the rhythm section to keep the metal moving at a blistering pace. Significant songs include the title track and 'March To The Guillotine.' But the best songs are the last three: 'Castle In The Clouds,' 'Gods Of Vengeance,' and Reinheiteghot.' On the last both Erika and Laurence truly shine in their representative postions.
Have some faith in American metal, Ignitor's 'Road Of Bones' is a positive and substantial contribution to true metal. For this reason alone, you should check this out.
Have some faith in American metal, Ignitor's 'Road Of Bones' is a positive and substantial contribution to true metal. For this reason alone, you should check this out.
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