Pyramaze - Legend Of The Bone Carver

Year of Release: 2006
Label: Nightmare Records
Catalog Number: NMR-256
Format: CD
Total Time: 47:56:00

Judging this by its title and cover, one might assume this is music adapted from the horror genre. Actually, it's Progressive Metal with an emphasis on the symphonic.

Like Ayreon, the dramatization comes solely from its sound bytes. Instrumentally, it's along the lines of Arjen Lucassen's intelligible synergism. With that said, the keyboards are never too pretentious while the guitars shape and fashion agile riffs. Like Judas Priest or Queensryche, there are two incisive axmen in the mix. While never piercing, their lanky blades would cause a paper cut if they could be touched. As for war of words, the singer is relatively harsh but never gory. While his voice is cogent, it's very easy on the ears. He croons in a manner similar to Kamelot's Roy Khan. For those who don't know the name, this says a lot. For those who do, you won't be disappointed. Before you check the credits, his name is Lance King; but without knowing of this hired gun, you might mistake him for someone who's more renowned. Personally, I'd put him in league with Tim "Ripper" Owens, Jorn Lande, Charlie Dominici, and Geoff Tate. While his voice could carry a tune by itself, his band of brothers help out immensely with the heavy lifting.

Even though the bassist and drummer have gone unmentioned, they're more than a routine rhythm section. In "What Lies Beyond" and "Souls In Pain," they provide an added dimension to a pair of songs that would've had plenty of depth without them.

The sextet is mostly assertive in nature, but there is one exception to the rule. "She Who Summoned Me" is a power ballad. Its sweet-tempered nectar has the potential of being appreciated by those who typically don't welcome such digression.

To quell intolerant listeners, "Bring Back Life" has everything and that includes the kitchen sink. It's easily the best song on the album. One could say it's the sole immortal among a class of avengers or watchmen. Excluding the extramundane, "The Birth" and "Ancient Words Within" demonstrate cool abilities as well.

Pyramaze does little wrong, and if you care to give this legend several listens; there is an elaborate concept buried beneath all their wicked crescendos. As for the expected twist, it's less corny and more inspirational than Denzel Washington's search for the bone carving cabbie. To the contrary, "Tears Of Hate" creates new life towards the end. Listeners will yearn for more and unlike that Olympic speed walker from the Halloween series, Lance King's persuasive voice gives prey no reason to run. Hopefully, his bad intentions are exclusive to his verses. It would be a shame if loitering fans were maimed due to an affirming review from me.

[King left Pyramaze a few months after their performance at ProgPower USA VII; for a time Iced Earth vocalist Matt Barlow took on the role, recording their 2008 release Immortal; current vocalist is Urban Breed (ex-Tad Morose, Bloodbound) ?ed.]

Tracklisting:
Era Of Chaos (1:17) / The Birth (5:52) / What Lies Beyond (4:26) / Ancient Words Within (5:37) /Souls In Pain (5:16) / She Who Summoned Me (5:53) / The Bone Carver (5:06) / Bring Back Life (4:55) / Blood Red Skies (3:31) / Tears Of Hate (6:00)

Japanese version includes bonus track Flame And Retribution (3:16)

Musicians:
Lance King - vocals
Michael Kammeyer - guitar
Toke Skjonnemand - guitar
Niels Kvist - bass
Jonah Weingarten - keyboards
Morten Gade Sorensen - drums

Guests:

Christina ?berg - vocals (6, 9)
Tomy King - childs voice (3)

Discography:
Melancholy Beast (2004)
Legend Of The Bone Carver (2006)
Immortal (2008)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin DK

Added: June 27th 2009
Reviewer: Joshua "Prawg Dawg" Turner
Score:
Artist website: www.pyramaze.com
Hits: 4983
Language: english