SOUND THE SIRENS – The Shape Of Sound

SOUND THE SIRENS – The Shape Of Sound
Label(s):
Independent
Released Year:
2022
Type:
Full-length
Tracklist:
1. Mr. Ego2. Exist to Exit3. Escape4. Follow Those Ghosts5. Reconnect6. Touch of Red7. Steve Morse[code]8. Dust9. Sink or Swim10. Split Second11. March with the Tide

Yngwie Malmsteen’s first album brought a different air to the scene of heavy metal back in the 80s and absolved the use of long instrumental parts in the songs, leading subsequently many guitar players to create their own full-instrumental albums. The albums of Vinnie Moore, Joe Satriani, Jason Becker that followed β€œYngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force” helped to built a cult status for those musicians and the so-called β€œguitar hero heavy metal”.

Nowadays, we can’t say there is a school that is still active in this kind of music, but every now and then some bands or artists present a new work that is addressed to those who loved the 80s instrumental albums and are still thirsty for endless melodic guitar solos. SOUND THE SIRENS is exactly this case; their second album β€œThe Shape of Sound” brings back, not only the sound, but also the quality that some of the best instrumental albums had in the 80s.

Peter Karapatsas, the man behind SOUND THE SIRENS, seems to have studied thoroughly the old school of instrumental heavy metal, as he preserves the original 80s feeling, but he also adds – in some tracks – some more modern touches. The album is full of dreamy instrumental heavy metal tracks such as β€œExist to Exit”, β€œFollow those Ghosts”, β€œSink or Swim”, β€œMarch with the Tide”. Very beautiful, 80s classic material, that justifies the purpose that such albums always had; to make the listeners close their eyes, and help them travel wherever they wish, only with a guitar on their side.

β€œThe Shape of Sound” is close to the sound of the first album of the band, even though the albums opener is quite speedy and heavy – of course the melodic solos still exist. There are some similar parts in other songs, but the album is in general very melodic, keeping the essence of the 80s, but with a contemporary point of view. Also, those who liked the rock/new age experiments in Marty Friedman’s albums, will also like β€œReconnect”, a track that brings out a similar vibe.

SOUND THE SIRENS is a very good choice for those who miss the 80s instrumental metal albums. The band is heavier and more modern than the Mike Varney school for example, but the classic β€œguitar hero feeling” is here. Those who travel to unknown worlds whenever they hear the sound of a guitar, will find a great companion with this album.

Forgotten Scroll Fanzing Issue #6

Issue #6 Out Now

76 pages, 10 interviews. DAMASCUS (US) SANCTUM (US) HORIZON'S END (GR) LORD OF LIGHT (SWE) ETERNAL CHAMPION (US) GOTHIC STONE (IT) LEVIATHAN (US) NEAR INFINITY (US) ANGEL EDGE (US) OBLIVION KNIGHT (US) plus LEGIONED MARCHER (US)...

Follow Us

1,346FansLike
21FollowersFollow

NOVA SKELLIS – Life Amongst The Damned (Vinyl Reissue 2024)

What we deal with in NOVA SKELLIS’ case, is the chance of exploring the transcontinental fusion of almost any kind of heavy/power metal blend;...

WARLORD: The legend of William J Tsamis lives – Interview and...

To tell you the truth I was a little bit skeptical when I first learned about the Warlord tribute project set by drummer and founding member Mark Zonder and singer Giles Lavery to honor the music and memory of founder guitarist William J Tsamis who unfortunately passed away back in 2021. I was looking at the facts very closely, reading announcements about forthcoming live shows, new line up and a new album. The response from the fans was massive including both positive and negative (or very negative) comments about the above facts. "How can Warlord exist without Bill Tsamis?", they were asking. One afternoon I got a call from Giles Lavery himself asking me if I wanted to do an advance review of the forthcoming Warlord album. I replied positively still being in this skeptical mood. It all went away after the first listen... William J Tsamis was there. His music, his legend, his compositions, evolved into complete songs. In total excitement I texted Giles a single message "Bill is alive". The very next evening found Mark, Giles and I talking about the album, about Bill, about the music and the legacy. It was late at night when we ended the call. I asked them if I can publish our conversation and they got no problem. So here it is again: Me talking with Warlord. The usual stuff I am doing the last 25 years for various reasons. But this time I would not call this conversation an interview. To my eyes this is a big ethical, artistic and soulful statement, by some people who want to keep the Dream, alive.