Well I guess it is time for some more US Prog Metal nerdism, taking a deep look on one of the forthcoming reissues of Arkeyn Steel Records.
TWIST OF FATE from Akron, Ohio featuring members from MEDALYON, BEYONDÉVON, WRETCH & GRAVEN IMAGE -to name a few-, is one of those bands that have recorded and released top quality music through the 90s, remaining on the underground globe of their area. Those who are digging the US private releases of the 90s for sure are familiar with the band’s same titled CD from 1998. However there is much more for someone to discover, as the band’s story take us closer to the early 90s.
TWIST OF FATE was started around the summer of 1994. The founding members were, Tim “Ripper” Owens – vocals, Nick Giannakos – guitars, Dennis Hayes – bass, Jeff Curenton – drums. There was a four song demo
recorded with this line-up. Shortly after the release of the demo, in 1995, Tim Owens was replaced with Greg Wagner on vocals and a six song demo was recorded and released in 1996 using some of the same songs from the first demo.
In 1997 the band changed singers again, adding vocalist John Stafford. At this time 12 more songs were recorded (compositions from the previous demos and several new ones). This could have been the band’s debut album but for many reasons those recordings were never released to the public. Well this particular release includes those recordings.
In here TWIST OF FATE presents a remarkable level of songwriting, combining their melodic progressive metal with heavy and power metal elements.
There is this darkly shade spread around their songs, songs that are based on this powerful and characteristic riffing which is balanced between a straight heavy metal development and a more technical approaching. And there are those melodic vocal lines that are taking the material to the very next level together with the shining lead parts.
Well I am listening the “Only When It Rains” song that actually gave the title to this reissue and I am simply thinking that: “They are not making them like this today”. And yes, this above thought confirms that the songwriting is the most important feature on the material of this release.
At the end of the day I can actually accept that I prefer those recordings from the ones that have been finally released on the bands same titled CD back in 1998.
The release follows the Arkeyn Steel Records high standards for one more time: All the material has been remastered from scratch for the best audio experience, by Kostas Scandalis at Infinity Studio (Thessaloniki, Greece). A complete set of lyrics is included plus lots of never before seen photos and a band’s bio written by guitarist and founding member Nick Giannakos himself.
Nothing more to be added in here: You can add this item in your collection if high quality metal is what you are searching more. And yes pure justice is done because those recordings are finally available for everyone.
Release date: 6th, June. Pre-order here.
