Year : 2017
Style : Melodic Progressive Power Metal
Country : Italy
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 149 mb
Bio:
Italian melodic/progressive metal band Stamina is the brainchild of guitarist, songwriter and producer Luca Sellitto. Since the beginning, the band’s aim has been to create a personal style of music, combining a wide range of influences ranging from melodic power metal to progressive rock, to hard rock and fusion. During the years the band has released three full-length albums featuring many guest musicians, including Henrik Brockmann (ex-Royal Hunt, Evil Masquerade), Kenny Lubcke (ex-Narita, André Andersen, backing vocalist of Royal Hunt), Göran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, Brazen Abbot, etc.) and Nils Molin (Dynatzy). In April/May 2012, Stamina embarked on their first European tour, including shows in Germany, Austria, Holland, Spain and the north of Italy. During the second leg of the tour, the band had the opportunity to open for Danish rock quintet Royal Hunt in honour of their 20th anniversary world tour. Today, Stamina consists of Alessandro Granato (v), Luca Sellitto (g), Andrea Barone (k) and Mario "Uryo" Urciuoli (b), plus the additional musicians, Andrea Stipa (d), Jacopo DiDomenico (bv), Donata Greco (fl) and Giulia Silveri (ce). Band leader Luca Sellitto says: "Our new studio effort, ‘System Of Power’ is the most mature release from us up until now, displaying a slightly more aggressive approach, an even increased level of technical proficiency and a wider sonic spectrum than ever before.” Stamina’s fourth album “System Of Power” will be released on German label Pride & Joy Music on February 24, 2017 and is tailor made for fans of melodic prog metal in general, in the vein of early Symphony X, Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, Dream Theater, Royal Hunt, Angra and many more.
Album:
Formed better than 15 years ago by guitarist and songwriter Luca Sellitto, Italy's Stamina has had a promising and successful career. They've recorded three albums since 2007 and toured often, with a highlight in 2012 opening for prog metal masters Royal Hunt on their 20th anniversary tour. Stamina returns with their fourth studio album, System Of Power on Germany's Pride & Joy Music label.With this new album, I find Stamina taking a more aggressive approach to their melodic power metal. The riffs seem more assertive, the pace more brisk. While the previous Perseverance had some infusions of melodic hard rock, even some AOR nuances, the songs within System Of Power definitely turn more upon heavier power metal. Yet, even so neither melody and harmony (whether by guitar, synths or vocals), nor rhythm and groove, are sacrificed at the altar metal heaviness. Yet, he symphonic layer returns and remains, as within Why or One In A Million. Also, something of a musical signature to Stamina is the tandem playfulness between guitars and keyboards, with generous solos to be found between each, in most every song. Conversely, and perhaps a slight negative, with the more assertive musical approach, I found Alessandro Granato's voice to bit overcome by the music in the mix. He sings clean and strong, but just needs to rise above the powerful arrangements.A little more about the songs then. Suffice it to say, they're all strong numbers emphasizing the aforementioned elements. Some heavier power metal comes with Must Be Blind, having some of the most aggressive riffage and rhythm section of all the songs. Another song, System Of Power, is also a power metal song, but one that fools you with its lighter start before ramping up both riffage and pace. Both songs have epic roaring guitar solos. Alternatively, Why has a significant symphonic start before the power metal gallop rips in. Curiously, it's the only song to have a slight guitar solo and no tandem synth solo. Two songs capture your attention by starting with pleasing drum work, Portrait Of Beauty and Love Was Never Meant To Be. The latter, at the start, finds the drum paired with something akin to an old school Hammond organ sound. Perhaps the only lighter and reserved song is Undergo. Something of anthem, it offers classical acoustic guitar at the start, then combined with light synths, and Granato's voice lighting above each. Eventually the arrangement rises in crescendo with bigger riffs, larger drums, swelling orchestration, and a huge guitar solo.Altogether, Stamina's System Of Power is bigger, bolder, and more assertive with the push into heavier, yet still symphonic, melodic power metal. I think you'll like it. Easily recommended.
Line-Up:
Alessandro Granato - Vocals (2015-present) - See also: ex-Savior from Anger, ex-Absinthium, ex-Marshall (live)
Luca Sellitto - Guitars (2001-present)
Andrea Barone - Keyboards (2001-present) - See also: ex-Joe Petrosino & Rockammorra
Mario "Uryo" Urciuoli - Bass (2016-present)
+ guests:
Göran Edman (v)
Nils Molin (v)
Kenny Lubcke (lv, bv)
Henrik Brockmann (lv)
Maria McTurk (v)
Tracklist:
01. Holding On
02. Must Be Blind
03. One in a Million
04. Undergo (Black Moon Pt. 2)
05. Love Was Never Meant to Be
06. System of Power
07. Why
08. Portrait of Beauty
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
