Gaia Epicus Satrap
Sound Riot Records - 2003
By Russell Garwood
Formed in 1993, Gaia Epicus have gone through many line up and name changes before arriving in 2003 with their debut "Satrap", released through Sound Riot Records. The quintet plays power metal, which hides some symphonic elements. Vocalist Thomas C Hansen, who also plays guitars, sings in a slightly lower key than many power metal screechers, but has a voice undeniably well suited to the music. The guitars of Thomas and Joakim Kjelstad are fast, solo filled and melodic, creating numerous hooks with both the keys and vocals, and form a major constituent of the groups epic sound. The rest of the musicians performing on "Satrap" are guests, with the bass courtesy of Morty Black at just the right level to listen to his more complex lines if desired, but not so far forward as to dominate the music. DJ Dritskummels keys add a dramatic, bombastic feel at times, with brass and other more traditional sounds, as well as more modern distinctly electronic sections and pianos. Occasional solos are enjoyable listening, and other intricate melodies, sometimes ghosting the guitars, are effective. This leaves the drums of Alessandro G. Elide, which are (of course) fast, varied and fit the musics changing feel well.
My only complaints about "Satrap" would be very occasional off notes by Thomas, and a lack of originality. Neither of these is a major problem however, as the music is enjoyable and full of catchy melodies which make such drawbacks seem minor. Gaia Epicus great fun, slightly clichéd metal will appeal to most fans of all things power.
Sound Riot Records - 2003
By Russell Garwood
Formed in 1993, Gaia Epicus have gone through many line up and name changes before arriving in 2003 with their debut "Satrap", released through Sound Riot Records. The quintet plays power metal, which hides some symphonic elements. Vocalist Thomas C Hansen, who also plays guitars, sings in a slightly lower key than many power metal screechers, but has a voice undeniably well suited to the music. The guitars of Thomas and Joakim Kjelstad are fast, solo filled and melodic, creating numerous hooks with both the keys and vocals, and form a major constituent of the groups epic sound. The rest of the musicians performing on "Satrap" are guests, with the bass courtesy of Morty Black at just the right level to listen to his more complex lines if desired, but not so far forward as to dominate the music. DJ Dritskummels keys add a dramatic, bombastic feel at times, with brass and other more traditional sounds, as well as more modern distinctly electronic sections and pianos. Occasional solos are enjoyable listening, and other intricate melodies, sometimes ghosting the guitars, are effective. This leaves the drums of Alessandro G. Elide, which are (of course) fast, varied and fit the musics changing feel well.
My only complaints about "Satrap" would be very occasional off notes by Thomas, and a lack of originality. Neither of these is a major problem however, as the music is enjoyable and full of catchy melodies which make such drawbacks seem minor. Gaia Epicus great fun, slightly clichéd metal will appeal to most fans of all things power.
