PYRAMAZE
Legend of the Bone Carver
Nightmare Records 2006
www.nightmarerecords.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
Nightmare Records churns out another power metal gem.

Genre
Power metal / epic metal

The Good
This epic album begins with a short intro that gets you set for the destruction ahead. I have to say, the intro on here is a really nice touch to add on to this album. After the intro expires, the wonderful melodic guitar starts up and takes your mind away as you literally become in a trance listening to it! I simply just had to close my eyes and nod along. This song is a monster from beginning to end. Everything on this track clicks flawlessly and the singing brought into it is a job well done.

"Souls in Pain" begins astoundingly with the keyboard samples held in it. It keeps that marvelous sound throughout the song and the music is top notch here ladies and gentlemen. The guitar solo in this song is simply bad ass. "What Lies Beyond" also exposes some breathtaking musical work (as with all the songs on here!). As the song flows through, the guitar solo appears and I can honestly say the solo is stunning. The notes are hit perfectly. "Ancient Words Within" lets loose an impressive music part in the mid section of the song.

The Bad
On the song "She who Summoned Me", the female vocals doesn't fit to me. It's unexpected (although, I guess you MAY think there is a female involved by the name of the song title) and will throw the listener off track after hearing the first songs of male vocals, then all of a sudden female vocals appear!

The Verdict
These days I am always looking for new bands (to me, because the band itself may have been out for a while!) that impress me, give me something to head bang to, and that really show good musicianship. Pyramaze are that band! The music is spectacular and highly monumental. The drums are tight, and the guitar work is remarkable! I haven't felt so great about an album in a while, and I can guarantee you this won't be leaving my cd player anytime soon! Pyramaze have something great and are sure to be a band that gets big.

Did You Know?
Vocalist Lance King left the band due to personal and professional reasons shortly after their headlining appearance at the Prong power USA VII festival.

Rating: out of 5

--Derek Carey