(Translated from Spanish)
Reverence – When Darkness Calls
Reverence first full-length, newly formed band from Detroit in 2010 and composed of characters with some history in the traditional vein of American Heavy Metal and Power, these are: Steve Wacholz (ex-Savatage, ex-Crimson Glory), Bryan Holland (ex-Tokyo Blade), Todd Michael Hall (Jack Starr’s Burning Starr), Ned Meloni (Jack Starr’s Burning Starr,former Guardians of the Flame, ex-Devil Childe) and Pete Rossi (ex-Sanxtion).
The album consists of eleven songs framed, as we said, in a context very traditional Heavy Power Metal, classic, very old school. In fact just re-check the names of those involved and their background to understand clearly the path that Reverence with this, their first album, work that will be very pleasing to those who like this genre cultoras groups.
When Darkness Calls is characterized by having powerful, heavy cuts of U.S. Power Metal, with heavy guitars, a bass that is conspicuous by its overwhelming presence and precise technical display after the jars, courtesy of Tony Rossi, who recorded the drum tracks for many of the issues that are at the plate, and Steve Wacholz, the former Savatage drummer who recorded the tracks 3, 5, 8 and 10 of this disc.
Songs like the original namesake, When Darkness Calls, are attractive from the very beginning, saturated feature that power American Power Metal, with real sonic walls emanating from the guitars, double bass and bass, which in this case plays a important role in the heaviness of the songs. All harmonized by the presence of prominent vocal work of Todd Michael Hall, who walks through a fairly wide range of tones without difficulty, leaving unscathed in each, reaching some very high and deeper bass without feeling forced at any time.
Bleed For Me, Phantom Road, Gatekeeper and Monster, are of the faster songs on the album, but that does not expect anything speed, since it does not come to that. I’ll be silly, but insist on emphasizing that it is an American power metal album, which is quite different from the European concept of gender, which shines through the amalgamation of speed and melody together and take them to the end. In the case of power metal like playing Reverence, you are more literal in which the term refers, highlighting the strength and power of the riffs emanating from the guitars, bass and compact it by a battery that can not reach extreme speeds, but it sounds dense, intense, overwhelming, all features that enhance the concept of “power” implicit in the genre. Melody’s for sure, but is far from the star, being more like a dressing on the proposed menu.
Moreover, in cuts like Devil In Disguise, Too Late, The Price You Pay, Revolution Risingand Vengeance Is Mine, Reverence prefers moderate speeds, predominantly mid-tempo, but without neglecting the heaviness that is characteristic hitherto When Darkness Callsfundamental as well as the catchy choruses that adorn most of the songs, choruses on which rests the whole weight melodic than the band misses elsewhere. And that’s where we find one of the most notable strengths of the album: the ease to create sections and memorable choruses in songs essentially heavy, without losing a single share in the proposed stylistic credibility that makes the band, something that must pass also brings experience with each of the members of Reverence.
Prior to closing, in tenth place, we have After The Leaves Have Fallen, a beautiful power-ballad in letters, beginning with a semi-acoustic where Todd pronounced with strong in low tones, and then they enter the battery and distorted guitars with powerful riffs, his voice carried to the extreme, with shouts precise and excellently executed making it very clear that the guy has tremendous potential and is one of the best voices I’ve heard in a long time in style albums.
When Darkness Calls is the excellent debut of Reverence, a plate with a glossy production that will appeal especially to those with the penchant for heavy power metal in its purest form, essentially very traditional, but with current and contemporary sound. A pleasure reserved for those who attend the call.
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