Artist: EYEFEAR
Album: THE INCEPTION OF DARKNESS (CD)

Year: 2012
Media type: CD

In the new millenium, Australia's metal scene is as loud and as productive as it ever was. Despite the Internet and increasing globalisation, the Ozzie scene lives by its own rules. And that is a good thing, because bands from "down under" remain exotic and - musically - almost fully uninfluenced by trends. Australian bands always have to deliver a bit more than the rest of the global scene, which is illogical, but true. Melbourne's Prog-Power metal band EYEFEAR has known that since it was founded back in 1994 and work accordingly. Thanks to their extraordinary albums, the quintet has gained an exceptional reputation over the years. A full four years after the highly praised album, "The Unseen", EYEFEAR now present their most expressive work yet, a true benchmark production. "The Inception Of Darkness'" offers a near perfect synthesis of progressive and power metal with a refreshingly individual note and unmistakeable trademarks.

'The Inception Of Darkness' does not only stand on the known progressive and powerful passages for which EYEFEAR's sound is so popular, but also on vocal elements untypical for them, from growls to feminine, opera-like vocals. The eight track work, which the Australians themselves describe as the most complex and darkest album in their history, glitters with excellent compositions, which straddle the entire width of the genre. The hammering opener, Redemption' makes it clear that the lads are playing more aggressively and with astounding self-confidence. Despite the complexities, the band never loses sight of the melodic thread and, reigning supreme above all this impressive musical activity, there is the remarkable voice of Danny Cecati (ex-PEGAZUS), who again knows how to display the wide range of his worldclass vocals to their best advantage. The title track is split into two parts and is amongst the most complex works in the album. Countless changes in speed and rhythm, ass-kicking death metal growls, done by BE'LAKOR vocalist George Kosma, battle against the operetta vocal inlays of Sarah Parker. "Perfect Images" reminds one here and there of old Dream Theater, without any attempt at copying them, for the riffs are too much their own. It is quite remarkable how well EYEFEAR were able to work in special melodies in the deeply structured songs without unbalancing the works themselves. The best example of this is the monumental number "Eyes Of Madness". In addition to the eight tracks on the regular release, this version contains three bonus tracks with "Redemption" (Radio Edit), 'Eyes Of Madness' (Orchestral Version), and Reborn' (Orchestral Version), which round off the entirely successful and moving Prog-Power
album in excellent style.

EYEFEAR will be supporting NIGHTWISH on their Australian tour in January!

TRACKLIST:

01. Redemption 6:57
02. Shadowdance 5:11
03. Eyes Of Madness 4:58
04. The Inception Of Darkness Pt. 1: Transcending 5:47
05. The Inception Of Darkness Pt. 2: Reborn 6:05
06. Immortals 4:48
07. Perfect Images 4:51
08. Legions 4:29
BONUS TRACKS:
09. Redemption (Radio Edit) 4:38
10. Eyes Of Madness (Orchestral Version) 4:49
11. Reborn (Orchestral Version) 6:06

Total Playing Time 58:32

LINE-UP:

Evan Harris - bass
Danny Cecati - vocals
Seb Schneider - keyboards and piano
Kosta - guitars
Zain Kimmie - drums