ARK STORM - THE EVERLASTING WHEEL
King Records Japan - Out Now
Ark
Storm are challenging fellow Japanese neo-classical
exponents Concerto Moon for the title of
Japan's best metal export. Ark Storm are led by guitarist ace
Katsu Ohta who is probably Japan's answer to
Yngwie Malmsteen and comes with an excellent reputation.
Fortunately Ohta also knows how to write a very decent track
and The Everlasting Wheel is testament to his writing skills.
As I mentioned in my review for the bands last album (Beginining
Of The New Legend) the band have a good vocalist in Yasau
Sasai who sounds like a Japanese Doogie White
(Rainbow/Malmsteen).
Musically The
Everlasting Wheel continues where the bands last
album left off with strong hooks, potent riffs, empassioned
guitar work and dynamic rhythmic interplay. This is all
polished off by the majestic keyboard work from Yuhki. Its
difficult to pick out individual tracks as the album works
well as a collective cohesive unit, but Promised Land
stands out thanks to its potent hook and pompish chorus (
which possesses a certain 'Odyssey' era Malmsteen aura) whilst
the pulsating attack of Symphony On Wings
will leave you feeling exhausted.
Katsu Ohta is in fine
form throughout and his lead work seems to be moving beyong
the obvious Yngwie influences heard on the bands debut, now
three albums on he is starting to find his own voice, and has
the guitar tone to match - thick yet clean and clear.
The production of the
album is very good with a good amout on energy coming across
to the listener and a clear mix for all involved. If you like
quality neo-classical metal then Ark Storm serve it up in
abundance - well worth the import price tag.
Rating - 85%
ARK STORM -
BEGINNING OF THE NEW LEGEND
King Records Japan - Out Now
Japan
have produced some of the finest neo-classical metal in recent
years with Concerto Moon being the obvious example. Well they
now have some very stiff competition from Katsu Ohta's Ark
Storm. This is the band second album and sees a new
vocalist in Yasuo Sasai, a guy that has great capabilities at
singing in English. Sasai's great vocal performance sounds
somewhat like Doogie White on Yngwie's recent Attack album.
Beginning
Of The New Legend is home to some of the finest neo-classical
metal heard this side of James Byrd, the guitar work is
stellar (if very Malmsteen), the production is great, the
songs are all home to great riffs, strong melodic hooks and
classical bombast. Evolution sees the album loose a little
momentum momentarily (its a bass solo), but otherwise this
album cannot be faulted.
Initially
only available in Japan it has now been brought to a wider
audience thanks to a European release (but not UK) on Nothing
To Say Records. Check amazon.fr or amazon.de to get this gem
at a price vastly cheaper than its Japanese counterpart.
Ark Storm
could well be the new leading light in the neo-classical
genre.
Rating -
94%
