Saidian - For Those Who Walk the Path Forlorn
NEH Records - 2005
By Adam McAuley
Saidian play slightly classically influenced power metal with plenty of charisma and passion. ...For Those Who Walk the Path Forlorn carries across the glossy sound that typifies so much music in the sub-genre, but does manage to be a fairly enjoyable listen despite the lack of originality. The vocals are also of the very common high-pitched Kai Hansen type register. The one aspect of the album I found parituclarly involving was the strong use of keyboards, often harpsichords, throughout, to liven up the catchy songs herein. It's all very classical sounding, but less bombastic than the likes of Rhapsody, who have a more epic songwriting approach than what is found here.
The songs are catchy and upbeat, but never really transcend the realm of being moderately enjoyable due to the rather unoriginal style of music being performed. As I listen to the album and it progresses, I do tend to fall into lapses of boredom fairly often because, as is often the case, it sounds so similar to much of what can be found within the genre without ever attempting to do something compellingly interesting. As such, picking a best song can be a difficult task. Aside from the heavy classical influence, a distinct love theme seems to be present, but neither of these two factors really raise the album above mediocre status at best.
I suppose huge fans of the genre would be interested in checking this band out, but for people with only a passing power metal interest, I'm sure that passing on the album wouldn't be the end of the world. I think I'll just go back to listening to Slayer's Reign in Blood for the millionth time instead, thank you very much. There isn't anything that grabs my attention enough for the album to get a solid recommendation.
6/10
Official NEH Records Website
Official Saidian Website
NEH Records - 2005
By Adam McAuley
Saidian play slightly classically influenced power metal with plenty of charisma and passion. ...For Those Who Walk the Path Forlorn carries across the glossy sound that typifies so much music in the sub-genre, but does manage to be a fairly enjoyable listen despite the lack of originality. The vocals are also of the very common high-pitched Kai Hansen type register. The one aspect of the album I found parituclarly involving was the strong use of keyboards, often harpsichords, throughout, to liven up the catchy songs herein. It's all very classical sounding, but less bombastic than the likes of Rhapsody, who have a more epic songwriting approach than what is found here.
The songs are catchy and upbeat, but never really transcend the realm of being moderately enjoyable due to the rather unoriginal style of music being performed. As I listen to the album and it progresses, I do tend to fall into lapses of boredom fairly often because, as is often the case, it sounds so similar to much of what can be found within the genre without ever attempting to do something compellingly interesting. As such, picking a best song can be a difficult task. Aside from the heavy classical influence, a distinct love theme seems to be present, but neither of these two factors really raise the album above mediocre status at best.
I suppose huge fans of the genre would be interested in checking this band out, but for people with only a passing power metal interest, I'm sure that passing on the album wouldn't be the end of the world. I think I'll just go back to listening to Slayer's Reign in Blood for the millionth time instead, thank you very much. There isn't anything that grabs my attention enough for the album to get a solid recommendation.
6/10
Official NEH Records Website
Official Saidian Website
