Arthemis - Heroes

[Fire breath]

This band used to have the ex Power Quest singer whose name escapes me but now they got another guy. They have a new song on myspace and it sounds quite good and pounds along well. Reminds me of Rage actually although not quite as good especially the vocals which are Peavy-esque.

http://www.myspace.com/arthemisweb

 

[nomisofsiman]

Not bad, but they don't really grab me either. Some of the solos are cool though.

 

[modernwizardry]

love this band...Black Society was great but my favorite is Golden Dawn.

 

[Diabolik]

I have all thier disc. They are a solid band but nothing amazing or ground breaking. I am curious to hear the new singer.

 

[OrbWeaver]

Wow...this is a long way from Golden Dawn.


I am NOT a fan of the new singer. This is not a change for the better, IMO.

 

[metalprof]

I'm resurrecting this thread since I finally got around to getting this CD. I've listened to it a couple of times, and it is a much more straightforward and in your face serving of metal than some of their others I have (Back from the Heat, Golden Dawn, The Damned Ship). I don't know if I like it more or less, but it's definitely good exercise music!

My favorite song on the CD is Vortex. It rips, and has a nice fist pumping chorus (make it to at least 2:00).



Since I have only heard 3 new discs so far in 2011 (and all them are either 2010 or 2009 releases) I figure I'd better pipe up when I find something interesting!

Ken

 

[Fizrider]

I am so glad to hear OTHER people bringing up Arthemis. They are the band that got me looking at European music acts after NOT listening to new music for...12+ years.

Heroes is a fun album - different sound likely due to 2 factors: Lead guitarist Andy's writing style changing over the years; and a COMPLETE change in the lineup, other than Andy. Alessio Garavello was former singer, he now has his own project in England (A New Tomorrow). Al's voice has a super crazy range, but is not growly and gruff. I think his voice did not match the new direction of Andy's music in Black Society (A really great album, their first edgy/metally work, less Power metally). New vocalist Fabio has a rougher edged voice, more appropriate (imo) to the lyrics and musical style.

Arthemis definitely has two periods: the "The Damned Ship/Golden Dawn/Back From the Heat" phase, and the newer "Black Society/Heroes" phase. Their first three full length albums were Power Metal to the core, mythological/fantasy/sci-fi based themes, soaring arrangements, and Al's amazing range of vocals. "Back from the Heat" was their best in this genre, and the 1st & last tracks were great. The shred solo on track 3 (Free Spirit) is wicked fast, wicked good.

"Black Society" is a departure from that, and you can almost tell the individual bands they take inspiration from on each song. Angels in Black is a great dark ballad, and was their first video. For good high speed head banging, I recommend listening to "Fright Train", "Electri-Fire", and "Mr. Evil."

"Heroes" not only has the new singer, but tighter musicians on Bass and Drums (again, imo). I don't have a favorite track yet, but my son's hands-down favorite is "Vortex" - catchy chorus, and he screamed it in the car before wrestling tournaments.

Since I do not travel to Italy often, and have never been to Ibiza or Japan, I have not seeen them live... dammit. Oh - Andy was also the lead guitarist for Power Quest on the 2 albums prior to the latest, along with Al being vocalist.

I'll shut up now.

 

[Fire breath]

I prefer Arthemis now compared to their early incarnations. I like that style as well but it always seemed way second division compared to Rhapsody etc but this new style suits them better IMO.

 

[Fizrider]

I prefer Arthemis now compared to their early incarnations. I like that style as well but it always seemed way second division compared to Rhapsody etc but this new style suits them better IMO.

Ditto. I fell in love with the music from the 1st few albums... and I was not sure if I liked Black Society or not. Then - WHAM, I realized it was far better writing, far better music... As much as I dig Al's vocals, this new incarnation (great word choice) is a better vehicle for Andy.

Again - in my worthless opinion.