TRAYAX from Spain returns with its second album, “On the Edge of Madness”, following the 2019 debut, “King of the Night”. The band plays very beautiful and catchy, yet serious, heavy metal with lots of melodies and very melodic vocals.
The improvement of the band in the new album, compared to the debut, is evident in all levels; even though the first album had some very good tracks (check out the great song “I Hear them Agonize”), it could have had better vocals, better sound, and most of all, better songs. Thankfully, all this is now achieved in the new album. The songwriting is much better, the vocals are more mature and the sound is more professional.
“On the Edge of Madness” brings the band closer to the classic heavy metal of the 80s, where the songs had simplicity, meaning, and the fans could sing along easily. The album mixes the British and the American classic 80s heavy metal schools very successfully, making its songs a true delight for those who loved that era. From IRON MAIDEN and TOKYO BLADE, to RIOT and LIZZY BORDEN, the album is full of melodies and nostalgic metal feelings.
All the albums’ tracks are very good, but “Awakening of Dragon” seems that will be the anthem of the band in the years to come. Very beautiful mid-tempo song, that brings out all the classic traits that heavy metal used to have. “Descent to Madness” is also amazing (if only it could last longer!), “The Power of the Storm” is also fantastic, and in general, we are talking about a great album that can offer a lot to a heavy metal listener.
TRAYAX seem to be on the upswing, and the new album places them among the most promising new bands of classic heavy metal. They avoid exaggerations and their songs have the 80s essence and simplicity that is missing today from the scene. The album is addressed to everyone, but the old-school heavy metal fans, will love the album a bit more.
