A quality album that perfectly blends many genres.
Italian band Martiria were originally formed back in 1987 and have previously released five albums, Doom Metal is their sound, in the vein of early Black Sabbath and Candlemass. They have gone through numerous personnel changes over the years and most significantly, for this release, have a new singer Flavio Cosmo and drummer, Vinny Appice (ex-Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell). Although they have not completely ditched their Doom Metal heritage, this album has a more Symphonic Metal feel.
Martiria sound like a band right on top of their game with musicianship of the highest order. Bassist Derek Manicalco teams up with the renowned Appice to make a formidable rhythm section; guitarist and songwriter Andy Menario churning out riffs and solos like a seasoned professional; Cosmo's vocals are rich, powerful, operatic and cover a huge range and despite a very heavy and distinct European accent, it never detracts from the excellence he exudes throughout the whole album. The production is brilliantly handled by Tue Madsen and sounds big budget, major label stuff which makes for very easy listening.
As for the songs: first track 'King Of Shadows (Orpheus)' virtually jumps out of the speakers at hits the listener straight between the eyes. A powerful Gothic-like rhythm, featuring screaming guitars and keyboards courtesy of chief songwriter Menario (all the lyrics were written by Marco R. Capelli) and the operatic vocals of Cosmo. 'Steam Power' starts quietly and acoustically and the production is so crystal clear you can hear Menario's fingers down the individual strings before kicking into another Metal tour-de-force. 'Southern Seas' slows the pace down and is Classic Rock à la early Rainbow. Tracks like 'Salem', 'Across The Mountains' and 'The Viol And The Abyss' bound along in an Accept/Iron Maiden style, with the latter having plenty of Doom overtones. 'The Road Of Tenochtitlan' is very heavy and would not have been out of place on either the last Black Sabbath or H&H studio albums.
'Grim Reaper' is fast and furious and sits completely juxtaposed to the next track, the Folk ballad 'Light Brigade', which sounds like an outtake from the musical 'Les Misérables'. 'Dark Angels' is another track where Appice's drumming really shines as do Cosmo's multi-range vocals. The title track 'Revolution' has a glorious Metallica style riff and the chorus of the ultra-melodic 'The Mark Of Cain' includes female backing vocals courtesy of Doriana Michetti. Final track 'Tsushima' features H&H style percussion from Appice and leaves the listener wanting to hear the album all over again.
'R-Evolution' is a real surprise and a quality album that perfectly blends Symphonic, Classic, Power and Doom Metal with Classic Melodic Rock that deserves to be heard by a widespread audience.
Mark Donnelly
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