Year : 2015
Style : Symphonic Power Metal
Country : United Kingdom , Norway
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 151 mb
Bio:
Formed in Britain in late 2006 by Will and John Graney, Damnation Angels set out to create a new benchmark in symphonic metal. After finding their footing playing local shows with numerous members the band eventually found a solid line-up to build their sound upon and decided it was time to take it to the next level.In February 2009 the band headed to the Grindstone Studio in Ipswich, home of esteemed producer Scott Atkins (Sylosis, Cradle Of Filth). After many months of hard work, their first EP “Shadow Symphony” was born. Finnish artist Jan Yrlund (Korpiklaani, Turisas, Manowar) brought “Shadow Symphony” to life with the artwork he created. “Shadow Symphony” received rave reviews from critics stating that the band are "the brightest spark to emerge upon the UK scene in a very long time" and are "comparable with mega acts such as Avantasia and Blind Guardian, delivering "symphonic grandiloquence metal with the emphasis on the metal that bands such as Kamelot, Rhapsody Of Fire and Nightwish can’t seem to be able to produce anymore." The EP sold well worldwide and after touring it extensively throughout the UK the band decided it was time to make the debut album, “Bringer Of Light”. After many negotiations with record labels worldwide, the band struck a deal with Radtone Music (Japan) and released their debut album in Japan on March 7th, 2012 with the rest of the world to follow. “Bringer Of Light” was once again produced by Scott Atkins, while Jan Yrlund is responsible for the artwork. "Bringer Of Light" was also greeted with rave reviews, downloads and pre-orders topping the Amazon Japan charts and over 100,000 views on the YouTube video Pride (The Warrior's Way).The band then signed a multi album deal with Massacre Records (Germany) releasing Bringer Of Light worldwide on February 20th 2013. Bringer Of Light gained worldwide acclaim and topped Amazon charts worldwide even breaking into the top 100 download for all music in Germany. The success and reception of Bringer Of Light propelled the band to play outside of the UK for the very first time at the prestigious ProgPower USA festival September 6th. Then in November and December, the band embarked on it's first ever European tour entitled "Europe descends into darkness". The tour was run by Intromental Management/booking who had signed the band before the release of Bringer Of Light.With 2013 being the bands most successful year so far they decided it was time to brave the follow up album.Writing for the album took place between 2012 - 2014 with Will Graney deciding that after Bringer Of Light the band would try to find it's own unique sound. Attempting to create the perfect balance between Guitar riffing and huge Orchestration without either suffering. Simplifying certain elements while enhancing others creating a bigger, more epic and catchier sound. Scott Atkins was again enlisted due to the great working relationship developed on the first two albums and The Valiant Fire was recorded between February - October 2014.The band wanted the imagery of The Valiant Fire to be just as epic an original. So they set out to find a unique artist and style. Deciding on the art style of hand drawn Chinese Ink the band stumbled upon artist JungShan for Taiwan. The whole album would be hand drawn in Chinese Ink and every song on the album features it's own piece of art that helps tell the story of that song and the trending concept/theme throughout the album.The Valiant Fire is due out worldwide on 27/03.2015.
Album:
One thing's for sure. Damnation Angels is consistent. Their latest album, The Valiant Fire, is simply another chapter in the same symphonic power metal book which they started a few years back.If you don't know them, Damnation Angels put so much lavish film score orchestration into their heavy metal to make Rhapsody Of Fire sound like a bunch Middle School hacks. The symphonic layer is THE thing, the single element that defines the band and their arrangements. Sure they also have a deep rhythm section which merely makes them sound more bombastic. And they the wall of riffage to make things even more epic, with a few blistering solos to boot. Pelle K offers melodic vocals over top but, except in the lighter moments, merely treads water to stay above the grand symphonic fray. Yup. They put the symphonic into symphonic power metal, and don't look back. But I'd be more impressed if I knew that this element was performed by a live orchestra rather than synthesizers.But it all sounds pretty cool and rather impressive for the simple reason that, though the symphonic layer is larger than life, all things blend together quite well. Two good examples are The Icarus Syndrome and This Is Who We Are where the orchestration combines with the guitar line and rhythm section to a seamless whole. Alternatively, within Everlasting the guitar line and riffage command nearly the entire direction of the song. The orchestration appears as accent, though a rather large one. Within Fire Inside, particularly in the latter half, the riffage and orchestration seem play off each like tag team wrestlers. Then there's The Frontiersman, after some light acoustic guitar, it moves almost entirely by the symphonic orchestration and the underlying drums. But, then, about two-thirds in the guitar jump in, first for a subtle solos and then to add riffage to the canvas. The Valiant Fire is all rather lavish and overwhelming, in the best sense. Damnation Angels wants to sound epic and grand with their symphonic power and do so with nearly effortless ease. And they do it without female operatic vocals. Now that's a good thing.
Line Up:
PelleK - Lead Vocals - See also: Orion's Reign, Pellek, Qantice, The Anabasis)
Will Graney - Guitars, Orchestration & Backing Vocals - See also: White Empress
John Graney - Drums
Tracklist:
01. Finding Requiem 07:04
02. Icarus Syndrome 05:26
03. This Is Who We Are 05:16
04. The Frontiersman 09:26
05. Closure 06:38
06. The Passing 05:42
07. Everlasting 07:36
08. The Fire Inside 08:37
09. Under an Ancient Sun 08:54
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
