'Dyadic' does an incredible job at hitting all points as to why this music was (and to many, still is) so relevant.
Carefully studying the playbooks written by the Swedish Glam/Sleaze Metal bands Crazy Lixx and Crashdiet, Italy's Alchemy have crafted a stunning sophomore album. Without simply cloning the aforementioned groups, they execute their music with a bit more polish that is reminiscent of early Dokken. Look no further than 'Endless Quest' or 'Day By Day' to hear how they seamlessly blend the grit of the former and the gloss of the latter.
For this release they have recruited a host of great talent to bring this album to fruition. Under the tutelage of producer Pierpaolo Monti, Davide Barbieri and Stefano Zeni are tasked with vocal and guitar production respectively. On the song-writing front, the band had the opportunity to work with the Martin Brothers and Nick Workman of Vega fame to collaborate on 'Hero', and it's easily one of the best tracks on a release that's already percolating with excellent material.
When it comes to making a record, too often the old adage of "too many cooks spoil the broth" applies and the final outcome falls short of expectations; however, that is firmly not the case with 'Dyadic'. The year spent in the studio crafting this album has resulted in great song-writing, production and performance.
There is simply not a bad apple within these twelve brilliantly crafted tracks. 'What It Takes' is another shining moment, a true power ballad that features a winning melody on the outro chorus that will translate very well when played live. We then head to 'Nuketown' and this is where you know that this outfit are the real deal; the keyboards, harmonised guitars and technical guitar solo bring this song to epic heights.
It is wonderful to discover groups like Alchemy who are still committed to delivering the sound that was bred in the early eighties and defined by the classic bands who littered L.A.'s Sunset Strip. Glam Metal, Hair Metal, eighties Hard Rock... whatever you choose to call it (personally, I am particularly fond of the term Pop Metal), if you fancy something nostalgic from that beautiful and ostentatious era then Alchemy are doing it and doing it about as well as you will find today.
'Dyadic' does an incredible job at hitting all points as to why this music was (and to many, still is) so relevant.
Brent Rusche
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