Cloudscape - demo
Year of Release: 2003
Label: n/a
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 25:46:00Cloudscape are a band from Sweden who have not released any music except for the received demo, and the sound clips on the home page. At the time of the writing, I have received a 5-song demo from the band, and a new track called "Under Fire." The band consists of Michael Andersson / Vocals, Bjorn Eliasson / Guitar, Patrick Svard / Guitar, Hans Persson / Bass, background vocals, Roger Landin / Drums.
What I'm basically hearing in the music is melodic prog metal style, mixed in with a hard rock vocal style (think Last Tribe, Dali's Dilemma here). This style has worked well with the mentioned bands, and this band follows suit in that as well, adding some nice dramatic touches with the keyboard melodies. The band itself describes the sound as symphonic hard rock with progressive touches. This is a very accurate description. The band was formed in 1992, and has supported such names as Hammerfall and Freak Kitchen.
Of the 6 songs I've been sent, the standouts are easily "Witching Hour" and "You Belong," which I consider to be their most dramatic and progressive of the bunch. Personally, I am not a fan of this combination of styles, although I must admit that Last Tribe does get my attention in this style. The songs are well written and well thought out, but as soon as the songs get going, and the heaviness sets in, the band tones the sound down almost immediately and softens the blow. This works well for lots of people, and catches many an ear in the process. The music is very progressive, contrary to what the band states, and certainly has its share of tempo changes and progressive elements to keep the avid prog fan happy.
I will not comment on the production as this is strictly a demo, but with the right production, the band could be well on their way to something interesting. The singer, Michael Andersson, has that specific hard rock sound, and doesn't sway much from his mid-range comfort zone. I cannot bring up any singers he sounds like, although I know there are a few Swedish singers he does resemble. With a bit more power and aggression, he could lead the band into something very interesting. Last Tribe is one of those bands that stand out in my mind in this genre, mainly due to the great singer, and although it's not fair to compare, a standard does have to be set for people to take note.
Overall, the talent is there, and the writing is there. A strong production and a bit more aggression in the vocals could get this band noticed.
[Cloudscape's self-titled debut was released December 2004 in Asia, and it will be released in Europe in January 2005 -PW ed.]
[This review originally appeared May 2003 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
As The Light Leads The Way / Aqua 275 / Under Fire / Witching Hour / In These Walls / Scream
Musicians:
Michael Andersson - lead vocals
Björn Eliasson - guitars
Patrik Svärd - guitars
Hans Persson - bass
Roger Landin - drums
Discography:
demo (2003)
Cloudscape (2005)
Crimson Skies (2006)
Genre: Progressivew-Power Metal
Origin SE
Added: January 1st 2005
Reviewer: Larry "LarryD" Daglieri
Score:
Artist website: www.cloudscape.se
Hits: 3016
Language: english
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