Pharaoh - The Longest Night
Cruz Del Sur Music - February 27, 2006
by Amanda J. Carlson
I can't get past the blatant Judas Priest resemblance. If I didn't know better, I'd guess that Priest had gotten Ripper Owens back on vocals and released a new album. There's no doubt that this makes Pharaoh a good band with a solid album here. The first song alone has enough power to knock you on your ass. They only waver on a handful of tracks where they lose the momentum and punchiness that's clearly their style. The guitarist puts forth some skillful shred work within the typical song structures of power metal fashion. Classic power metal.
I must jump to track four, "By the Night Sky," because it overrules all songs on this album. It's eight minutes of unending heavy domination with a first-class chorus I can't get enough of. Of course, the worst, most irritating song, "Endlessly," follows right behind that. The singer's once enjoyable raspiness goes into ear-splitting high pitches. It's unfortunate that after the pain of that song, the vocals are no longer as tolerable, and I can only enjoy the continuing greatness of the guitarist. That's what makes the instrumental, "Never Run," that much more awesome.
Pharaoh has so much potential. When they're at their best, they really slam and I love it. But they don't keep that vitality steadfast, leading to some disappointment. The Longest Night is their second album, and I hope it won't be their last. Even though the incredibly conspicuous Priest influence rages in their music, I'm excited about this band and eagerly await what is in their future.
6.5/10
UM's Review Rating Scale
Pharaoh Official Website
Cruz Del Sur Official Website
Cruz Del Sur Music - February 27, 2006
by Amanda J. Carlson
I can't get past the blatant Judas Priest resemblance. If I didn't know better, I'd guess that Priest had gotten Ripper Owens back on vocals and released a new album. There's no doubt that this makes Pharaoh a good band with a solid album here. The first song alone has enough power to knock you on your ass. They only waver on a handful of tracks where they lose the momentum and punchiness that's clearly their style. The guitarist puts forth some skillful shred work within the typical song structures of power metal fashion. Classic power metal.
I must jump to track four, "By the Night Sky," because it overrules all songs on this album. It's eight minutes of unending heavy domination with a first-class chorus I can't get enough of. Of course, the worst, most irritating song, "Endlessly," follows right behind that. The singer's once enjoyable raspiness goes into ear-splitting high pitches. It's unfortunate that after the pain of that song, the vocals are no longer as tolerable, and I can only enjoy the continuing greatness of the guitarist. That's what makes the instrumental, "Never Run," that much more awesome.
Pharaoh has so much potential. When they're at their best, they really slam and I love it. But they don't keep that vitality steadfast, leading to some disappointment. The Longest Night is their second album, and I hope it won't be their last. Even though the incredibly conspicuous Priest influence rages in their music, I'm excited about this band and eagerly await what is in their future.
6.5/10
UM's Review Rating Scale
Pharaoh Official Website
Cruz Del Sur Official Website
