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mercoledì 26 febbraio 2014

Interview 002: Paolo Albergoni- Dragonharp


Hello guys I'm Daltor from F.U.M Blog. This time I’m going to interview the guitarist of DragonHarp,
the power metal band who has been rated 90/100 in my last review. I' d like  to say thanks to Paolo Albergoni who gave me this opportunity.

1)Hello, Paolo, can we begin?

Hi, Daltor! Before we begin, I wish to thank you for this interview and for having rated our demo. We are very grateful, truly. Well, let’s start now!

2)What was your first opinion about DragonHarp project?

The first time I have been contacted by Rossana Monico, I've considered it could have grown great and successful. As long as I know, none had the idea to use Celtic harp to play the traditional keyboard role on power metal backgrounds: that made me thinking it could be something fresh and original. Today, three years later, I’m still thinking it is a fine project and the songs we composed help to get stronger my opinion.

3) Which are your favorite bands, and how they influenced your songwriting skills?

I personally prefer, above all, Rhapsody Of Fire (especially before-split albums) and Blind Guardian. They are bands I still love to listen to, after many years I discovered them. Concerning Blind Guardian (in my honest opinion, one of the greatest power metal bands since this genre was born), I honestly admit their choirs could hardly been heard in DragonHarp's music. Nevertheless, they influenced me in many ways: they were the first metal band I've ever listened to in my life (their masterpiece, «Imaginations from the other side», will never get me bored) and made me love typical fast power metal drums. By the way, Rhapsody've much more influenced me by their neoclassical features (I love classical and orchestral music): my guitar parts are heavily inspired to Luca Turilli’s style. Furthermore, I sometimes find myself writing Iron Maiden-oriented riffs and, for DragonHarp vocals, I sometimes get inspiration from Michael Kiske’s Helloween.

4) Let's talk about the future. What you think about DragonHarp future project?
Have you thought about a Debut Album?

We are actually planning how many songs and which ones will make up our first full-length. Except for demo tracks, that will be surely re-recorded in better quality and included, three additional songs are ready (one of them has been already played live, Storm, composed by me and Rossana Monico) and we are furiously arguing about the others (two or three). It is not easily decided: after Andrea Lentini joined us (apart from his drum skills, he is a good composer), we have many themes and full songs. We just need sponsors (we actually cannot pay entirely recording and producing) and still searching for them stubbornly.
We have all the chances to release something nice: Leonardo Caporale (who drew our amazing demo cover artwork and still drawing remarkable images for us) guaranteed his collaboration and Carmine Iannuzzi is improving his vocal skills day by day.
By the way, this is far than realized. Be just sure that we’ll go on with playing live in Italy (14th March we have a concert in Turin) and, one day, our debut album will be out!

5) Have you ever thought to study Music in an academy?

Yes, I did. When high school was to be concluded, I seriously considered studying in conservatory could be a fine idea. However, I finally decided to get myself University graduated, due to job opportunities. In truth, being a professional musician in Italy is truly hard and frustrating, public investments are tragically diminishing and music majors are interested only in easy profits.
That doesn’t mean DragonHarp members are totally clumsy: Andrea and Rossana brilliantly studied at Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi in Milan; concerning the others, Carmine can boast much experience and so do Roberto, Burç and I.

6) What you can say to people who want to play music honestly and especially Metal?

I would tell them that it is not easy. I would tell them that they will have to face satisfaction and disappointment. I would tell them to do it and to never give up.
Actually, metal and generally music business is facing a critical crisis: there are many good bands, but they hardly can pay their productions. In addition underground bands are affected by the greed of music and tour agencies, whose policy is «pay to play».
Nevertheless, I would tell them to start playing and to never stop. For it is one of the greatest experiences I ever had and because metal requires their talent, enthusiasm and passion.

7) What is Music for you? What do you feel when you’re listening to your music?

Oh, I would need much more time to answer this question! Well, some state Music is the way who our soul is told by: they are right, I admit. But I prefer to say that music is the vehicle of our dreams, as like as literature. By the music, you can get on a trip in Middle Earth, fight in Stalingrad or be a Spanish inquisitor! Otherwise, you can accuse the system, sail to other coasts or visit gods in their halls. Choice is yours.
I won’t tell what I feel when I listen to my own songs… Mainly because often I think: «I could have done it better» *laughs*

8) Thank you, Paolo. Best wishes to DragonHarp!

Thank you indeed, Daltor. We’ll do our best. As long as there is one person wishing to listen to our music, we will play until the end!
Let your dragon fly!


domenica 16 febbraio 2014

Review 027: Dying Muses- Dying Muses


Country of origin: Italy
Genre: Heavy Metal
Year: 2014
Label: Unknown

Hello guys, I’m Daltor from F.U.M Blog. I’m back with a new amazing heavy metal band from a little town, Cisterna di Latina, Italy. 
I have to say something about the story of how I knew this band, called Dying Muses. 
One of my other hobbies is playing guitar (guess what xD), and 2 weeks ago I was studying with my teacher, when a guy came there.This guy was the guitarist of this band. When I listened him playing his stuff, I was surprised.Then I wanted to write a review for his band.After this little story, let’s talk about Dying Muses. 
The sound that the band proposes is a mix of heavy/traditional metal with a good dose of melody. The EP I’m going to review is called like the band.The first song is called “Zombie”, that is characterized by good riffs and good chorus. The drumming is also good, but the best thing is the “hard rock” style guitar solo. By the way, all the song is pretty good.“Like a gleam” is powerful, reminds me of some Heavy Metal bands from the ’80; all the song is made of high solos, to harmonize the rhythmic parts. Voice is pretty good.
“Titan’s Revenge” sounds like a classical power metal song to me cause the lyrics talks about battles and epic themes.All the EP is good, but a little bit monotonous in my opinion. 
I hope this band will get better and better. 
Hail to Dying Muses, who composed and produced a very good EP.

Vote: 80/100



Review 026: Dragonharp- Dragonharp


Country of origin: Italy
Genre: Classic/Melodic Power Metal
Year: 2013
Label: Unknown

Hi guys, I’m Daltor from F.U.M Blog. This time I’m going to review an Italian Power Metal Band called DragonHarp.This band was formed in 2011, from Rossana Monico(harp) and from Paolo Albergoni(guitar).
The band identifies its music as Classic Power Metal with various influences (Helloween, Stratovarius and Rhapsody of Fire).Well, let’s listen their EP called “DragonHarp”.
You can guess that the band opened their EP with an instrumental song (Stormborn), because it’s like a must now! I think all Power Metal Bands should open their album with instrumental songs, because it’s so cool.
Ok, the first song leads to “Queen of Dragon”. A Classic Power Metal Song, where you can see and listen what the band think about metal. The song is powerful and also melodic. Another peculiarity of this band is that they sing in Italian (like Rhapsody).The lead parts are so wonderful in this song.Let’s go on to the third song called “Seven”, a song that reminds me of Hammerfall or Gamma Ray. Here we find classic guitar sounds, and amazing harp parts.The next song is “To Live”. A power ballad, where the band shows all their melodic sound and wonderful solos… By the way, “El Cid” is the last song. The end of a trip through Lands and Enchanted Kingdoms.It is a good song, but not their best one. 
I must say this band has a lot of ideas, and amazing technique, very good concept. 
It’s a shame that the EP hasn’t a good quality. I hope this band should remix this Ep, or make an album.
Go on, mighty DragonHarp. 
That’s all from Daltor.
Stay Metal \\m//.

Vote: 90/100
   


venerdì 31 gennaio 2014

Review 025 : M.A.I.M.- Hostëria

Country of origin: Italy
Genre: Folk/Power Metal
Year: 2014
Label: Crowns Studio

Hi guys I’m Daltor! This time I’m going to review a folk metal band with some power metal influences from Italy, called M.A.I.M.
I was impressed a lot by the good taste in musical arrangements of this EP, called “Hostëria”.
The first song is “Casera Death Trip”. The song talks about spending time listening metal with some good friends. Chorus are very good and easy to remember. There are also breakdowns played with folk instruments like Violins or Fiddles.
Next song, called “Quest for perfection”, is a classic power metal song, where the perfection means the “best pub” all over Italy. It is a mighty quest: everyone should try to find the best pub, where all can drink the best beer (you know, folk metal things). The band is devoted to instrumental parts, where we can find epic narrations.
“Polenta & Dragon” is the third song (Polenta is a typical Italian food). I think about a power metal parody, but the song talks about a quest to kill a mighty Dragon. We can see all the talent of this band on instrumental parts and the vocals are really good. Guitars play only rhythmic parts or melodic riffs.
The last song is “Blood Stained Walls”, an impressive work that go on for 9 minutes.
By the way, this one isn’t the best song of the EP. This song is monotonous, but the scream/growls vocals near the end are interesting
That’s all from Daltor. I must say, this band has a lot of skills, they made an high quality EP (remember, that’s the second EP).
I am giving a high vote, again.

Bye guys, stay metal! 

Vote: 87/100

giovedì 23 gennaio 2014

Review 024: Anaestesia- Jaimy



Country of origin: Italy
Genre: Heavy/Melodic/ Thrash Metal
Year: 2013
Label: 04011 RECORDS

Hello Guys, I’m Daltor. This time I’m going to review a metal band from Italy, called Anaestesia. First thing to know, the band was born in 2008 as tribute band to Metallica and after some line up changes, Anaestesia were ready to make original songs. This EP I’m going to review was produced at 04011 Records by Andrea Palumbo(Hideout).
Let’s listen the opener track, called “Jaimy”. Jaimy is also the mascotte of this band that you can see on the front image of the EP. It represent the death.
The opener track begin with a bass solo which reminds me of Metallica. Then there is a guitar solo that lead to the first riff. It is so powerful. The verse is good and guitars are very strong. Chorus are catchy, and are important the backing vocals. There is a break, a majestic solo and another chorus. Yeah guys, I really like this track.
Next song is “Operation Anthropoid”, which sound more thrash than the first song. The song has a good chorus and the clean section is interesting.
“Kamikaze”, the third song, is just a summary of the thrash played in the years by a lot of other bands.
The next one is “My Friend John”. This song is more melodic than the others and it’s the best song of the EP in my opinion, because it is a mix of thrash and melodic guitar riffs. The chorus is very catchy and guitar solos are amazing.
“Jaimy (EXTENDED)” is the same thing of the opener track, but there is a longer guitar solos section.
Ok, this was the last song. See you soon!


Vote: 85/100



lunedì 13 gennaio 2014

Review 022: Fear Theories - So it begins

Country of origin: Norway
Genre: Heavy/Power/Speed Metal
Year: 2013
Label: Self-released


Hello guys, I’m Daltor. This time I’m going to review an EP by a Heavy Metal band from Norway called Fear Theories. I only know that this band was founded in 2010 and now they released this EP, “So it begins”. This let me think about something like a trilogy, or well, a story.  Let’s listen this work, which sounds great only by reading the name. “So it begins” is the opener track. That song is very strong, it’s heavy metal at his wild form, it’s an instrumental! What the fuck guys… Next song is called “The treasure of Haunted Pirate”, and is very amazing: it’s composed over powerful riffs, and has a catchy chorus also. There is a good guitar solo, which reminds me of other bands, like Hammerfall or Helloween; by the way, it is fucking good. The next track is “Blank”. This song is particularly “heavy”, this reminds me of thrash/groove ’90 bands.  I think it’s a bad song cause is very monotonous, but there are good vocals and I can feel the power, so it’s a good job. After some breaks, there is a neo-classical style guitar solo, with hard rock feelings.
“Overlord” it the next track, that begins with a heavy classic sound. Vocals in the chorus reminds me of Hetfield’s, I don’t know why.  There is a good solo, a break part and chorus again. It’s a very good song, I think I’m going to give a high vote.
“Heroes of the past” is the final song. It begins with a melodic metal riff, which lead to the verse.
There is a funny chorus, and the first riff once again. This song is very powerful, like the others, but this is very strong. There is a Hard Rock style guitar solo, composed over tapping technique, and pentatonic scales, so I mean is a very good solo. Next part is another verse, that lead to the last chorus and then there is another solo until the end of this great track.
So, guys, it was an amazing EP!
Fear Theories can do big things, I think it’s a very good band.
If we think positive, and we support them, this band can make a very good album. It’s all, see you next time.

Vote:85/100



venerdì 3 gennaio 2014

Review 021: Noterminus- Haselupker’s Ink

Country of origin: Uk
Genre: prog/alternative/symphonic metal
Year: 2013
Label: Self-released

Hello people! I am Daltor and I am going to review an emblematic album: “Haselupker’s Ink”. This album is from a symphonic rock duo (they are still looking for a drummer  for a guitarist). This band has some interesting skills and good ideas. Let's listen to the album.
“Tarnished Halo” is the opener song. I am into strange melodies and powerful chord, there are some good vocals. That song is very good, the refrain is epic. The solo is melodic, but monotonous. By the way, the next step is “Hilary”. There are some metal riffs, and background effects. Drumming is good, the song is powerful. There are some scream parts, mixed with clean vocals to harmonize all the sound, but... it Is so monotonous… I think this band does not have inventiveness. The next song is “Muted Creatures”, opened by some arpeggios, and lead solos… Throughout the song, there are power chords and riffs, to create a metal atmosphere. Lead vocals are anguishing and only the guitar is the power of this song, with a pretty good drumming. “Fast one” is an explosion of riffs and powerful chords, throughout there are arpeggios and good bass lines. Good vocals and background riffs lead me in an epic chorus. There are good breakdowns, but not so powerful like the riffs. Let me listen the fifth track called “Moon and Sun”. The intro is good, reminds me of doom metal, some good palm mute all over the phrases and there are arpeggios in background.
I am amazed of how two people can make this kind of music. It is the result of hard work and study, I think. “Hell no” is what I can call a melodic ballad; lead vocal is amazing in this track. The force of this song are the arpeggios through the verses. Now there is a good solo, lead guitarist used lot of sweep picking and tapping. In addition, another Verse appear; another guitar solo. This track is powerful, but is fuckin' monotonous. I cannot go on, with this track… There are classical influences, by the way. Good breakdowns and licks all over the song… However, it is so monotonous too. Let’s go on, the next track is “Crawling Seasons”, a mid- tempo song. I am amazed, there is a good chorus. It is so good, now. Best song of the album, to me. Finally, it comes last song, the title track“Haselupker’s Ink”. Is long 10:40 minutes, and I am going into a prog-rock experience. That is the best song of the album, generally. Riffs are good, and chorus are catching. Good drumming all over the song. No one can say, however, how is monotonous this song. There is a long break, and a melodic solo, in the style of this original band but very anguishing.


Vote:75/100