Artist: Zero Illusions
Title: Enter Eternity
Type: Album
Label: ZI Productions
It’s not often that albums surprise me; I listen to so many, this Swedish band I had not heard before, after the first couple of tracks, it was kind of business as usual, nothing different, quite Soundgarden musically and Saxon vocally (on opener ‘My Belief’). But from the mid to late section of the album, this is where the quality comes in. Quality I mean similar to epic arrangements like ‘Dance of Death’ era Iron Maiden. Ok, this was never a great period for that band, but for Zero Illusions, it’s a pretty good recommendation indeed. Of course, there are many progressive metal influences too that cannot be discounted. ‘The Way I Live’ brings all the elements together as one like I mentioned earlier. Good groove, powerful vocals, and a kicking bass sound. The bass guitars are often forgotten about in albums, thankfully the progressive leanings of this arrangement require it to be a full listening pleasure. ‘Make this Complete’ again, is a well thought out arrangement. I do like the metallic riffing on the guitars from Janne Lüthje, its not too over the top but subtlety brings ambience and topped with the vocal showing of Björn Asking gives it sweet and powerful sound where appropriate. This is something of an epic track, have I said that before? I can’t help it; I just really am enjoying this album. The album has been mastered by none other than Andy LaRocque, (I am assuming this is the same said person of King Diamond & Death fame), so that would explain the high quality production, but for me it is the arrangements where all the magic happens. Lots of light and shade gives you the listener, not a single moment to walk away from this recording. Further cool tracks continue with ‘What Remains’, a stirring start with up-tempo groove and ambition with the strong feeling brought out in the vocals.
If you like albums that are truly albums to make you listen, you should get this. If you are a musician, you should get this. Zero Illusion have you listen to their music intently, there are no chart hits, just powerful epic tunes of such class and metallic leanings that would make most, if not all fans happy. Both progressive and alternative, ‘Enter Eternity’ provides a quality listening experience.
http://www.myspace.com/zeroillusions
http://www.zeroillusions.com/
Paul Maddison
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