Highwind are a prime example of a band afraid or unable to break the mould of the Italian progressive power metal act. What we have here are a band that attempt a similar formula previously offered by bands like Vision Divine and Labyrinth, without adding anything new or exciting into the equation.
The main hallmarks of the genre are there and are applied in a rather dismal fashion. We have an abundance of overpowering keyboard lines clumsily thrown over the main composition, while the penetrating and contrived vocals are enough to have any self respecting metalhead running to the hills. Where is the power? Where is the enthusiasm? If only Enrico Giannacco can work on his voice a little and develop his tone into something that doesn’t actually hurt to listen to then potentially these could be a much better act, but this just isn’t enough to convince me that even the most devoted fan to this style of metal would find this appealing.
The rhythm laid down by the guitars, bass and percussion is actually quite competent; tight and well executed with the occasional solo making an appearance. There are some heavy guitar riffs and solid drum patterns with the occasional nod to such luminaries as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and even Whitesnake, which should strike as no surprise seeing as they once operated as a classic rock covers band. If only the melodies weren’t quite so goddamned insipid and inconsistent. Perhaps they should go back to being a covers band.
www.myspace.com/highwindheavy
