| Release Entry was last updated on 6/2/2010
by Rob |
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RECORDING INFORMATION |
ProgRock Records (PRR260)
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| COMMENTS & REVIEWS |
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MJBrady
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Published on: 17 Nov 2007
In checking out this line-up, It was looking as if ProgRock Records was taking over where Magna Carta records had left off a few years ago, in fact a few of the enlisted musicians on this collaboration are one time MC alumni. Keyboardist/Guitarist/Composer - Gary Wehrkamp reunites with former Royal Hunt vocalist - DC Cooper as well as Under the Sun bassist - Kurt Barabas, they are joined by Spock's Beard drummer - Nick D'Virgilio for a progressively inspired, epic music project that dwells somewhere between progressive rock and progressive metal, much like the bands that each musician represents. The songs are constructed similarly to what one might expect from Wehrkamp, yet not derisively exacted to the Shadow Gallery sound. In some ways this reminds me a bit of what I heard with the Explorers Club cds from Magna Carta, on which Cooper and Wehrkamp were also part of. Which I felt were very good in their own right.
This cd also features many guest vocalists as well as some guest musicians apart from the more luminous names. There is no mistaking that this music is predominantly progressive metal being presented in a more symphonic and epic fashion, large in part to the vocal stylings that are being presented by Cooper and the team of guest vocalists that are creating the huge chorus sounds. He has always had a unique voice that is very distinct, with equal amounts of power and range, so having his presence on this cd is a big attribute for the overall impact of the bands' identity. Wehrkamp has to be credited for his influence on the music's overall vibe, his presence on guitars and keys are overwhelming on this cd, the music was recorded at his New Horizon Studio, so I am guessing his influence in the recording process also goes beyond the compositonal and performance credits.
This cd is more atmosphere, vibe and creativity, apart from the Neo-Classical expressions one would hear from Shadow Gallery, Wehrkamps' other band. So Amaran's Plight indeed has it's own identity, everything sounds very solid on this cd, the recordings are pristine, with each instrument getting clear production, and the vocals majestically mixed. Nice to hear DiVirgilio playing his drums, his kit and playing sounds fantastic on this cd, perhaps the best I have heard him, this music seems to bring his best out of him. Interesting that the would enlist the bass duties of Kurt Barabas, his work with Under the Sun is good, but that band has not really been active for a few years, regardless, he is a solid choice for this group, and his statement on this cd is quite complimentary to the rest of the musicians.
This cd deserves to be heard in a proper listening environment, so you can take in the depth of the overall production that is being created here. For the fans of grand scale, epical, symphonic progscapes that are on par with the best Ayreon, or the Explorer's Club, cds, this is an interesting recording to say the least, full of great performances, and solid sound all-around.
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Marc
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Published on: 6 Aug 2007
Yet another super group. Expectations are usually very high... sometimes they are met (Transatlantic, OSI...) sometimes there is disappointment (Asia, GTR...). In this case I will admit that for me expectations were not that high, since I am not an avid Metal Prog fan and bands like Shadow Gallery and Royal Hunt are not really my cup of tea. Sure there is the Spock's Beard connection, but I felt that D'Virgilio's contribution would be more as a musician than a composer. Wrong again... sure the music is closer to Shadow Gallery than of Spock's Beard, but Voice in the Light will clearly please fans of symphonic prog as much as those of metal. Fans of the afore mentioned bands and of Ayreon, Arena, IQ... can consider that Voice in the Light is a sure bet to please. Highly recommended.
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Tina
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Published on: 5 Aug 2007
Amaran's Plight have some obvious influences, for me the predominant one is Shadow Gallery. However, this is no Shadow Gallery album! The album is mostly progressive metal in my opinion but some may prefer to categorise it as symphonic.
The music varies from the hugely melodic Friends Forever through to the tension filled instrumental breaks in Incident at Haldemans Lake to the emotional Reflections Part I. All musicians are more than able and they all shine throughout the album, in particular D C Cooper and Gary Wehrkamp. That said, others will have their own personal favourites. Expect to hear a lot of guitar which is all good, no surprises there! The singing is perfect and there are plenty of instrumental sections. The album is not song-driven.
My favourite track is Incident at Haldemans Lake; filled with tension and complex melodies. The track listing shows a number of phases/sub-tracks which blend together with ease.
This is an excellent album with no filler - an achievement in itself since there are over 70 minutes of music. Don't buy it with an expectation that it is a Shadow Gallery album and you won't be disappointed.
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| TRACKS |
CREDITS
(click to view performer credits) |
PROGGNOSIS SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY
(click to view Release Page) |
- Room 316 (1:33)
- Friends Forever (2:56)
- Coming of Age (4:58)
- Incident at Haldemans Lake (11:43)
- Blades of Denial
- Nex Per Res
- Breath of Life
- Reflections Part I (3:21)
- I Promise You (2:57)
- Consummation Opus (4;24)
- Truth and Tragedy (2:57)
- Shattered Dreams (13:29)
- Viper (5:36)
- Betrayed by Love (7:16)
- Turning Point (4:48)
- Revelation (13:06)
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