Antiquus Ramayana
Self-released 2005
By Russell Garwood
Antiquus hail from Canada, and play power metal with epic and occasional prog leanings. Dual guitars are used to great effects with lots of melodic leads, tight solos and memorable rhythm work. The bass below this is powerful and tight. Vocals prove typical power metal fare, but well performed, with occasional harmonies, and a decent range. Competent drums complete the sound. Occasional samples, keys and sitar add welcome variety, and give the otherwise derivative sound some originality. This is all finished off by slightly muddy production, but all the instruments are clearly audible.
Ramayana is an impressive debut, and shows a band who clearly have a lot of ideas and potential. With time hopefully they can expand on this - and the more unusual elements of their sound - to make some truly individual music. In the meantime this is still good quality power metal, worth checking out for fans of the style.
7/10
Official Antiquus website
Self-released 2005
By Russell Garwood
Antiquus hail from Canada, and play power metal with epic and occasional prog leanings. Dual guitars are used to great effects with lots of melodic leads, tight solos and memorable rhythm work. The bass below this is powerful and tight. Vocals prove typical power metal fare, but well performed, with occasional harmonies, and a decent range. Competent drums complete the sound. Occasional samples, keys and sitar add welcome variety, and give the otherwise derivative sound some originality. This is all finished off by slightly muddy production, but all the instruments are clearly audible.
Ramayana is an impressive debut, and shows a band who clearly have a lot of ideas and potential. With time hopefully they can expand on this - and the more unusual elements of their sound - to make some truly individual music. In the meantime this is still good quality power metal, worth checking out for fans of the style.
7/10
Official Antiquus website
