Five years ago, ECHOSOUL released their debut, “The End of Darkness”, an album that came across as a personal endeavor by mastermind Guy Hinton. He composed all the music and lyrics, handling rhythm and lead guitars as well as bass duties. Still, the record featured an impressive roster of session musicians, including Samus Paulicelli on drums and Dmitry Lisenko on bass, alongside powerful guest musicians like Garrett Peters (ex-CAGE) on guitar, and also the outstanding vocalists Tim “Ripper” Owens (KK’s PRIEST, THE THREE TREMORS, ex-ICED EARTH, ex-JUDAS PRIEST), and Rob Lundgren (POWERDRIVE, REVEAL, MENTALIST, EPILOG).
That first effort delivered a remarkable outcome that no serious metalhead could deny—drawing from the classic legacies of IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST, the dark theatricality of SAVATAGE, and the refined prog sensibility of DREAM THEATER, the songs throughout the tracklist showcased exceptional craftsmanship. Crushing grooves and killer riffs abound, with dynamic melodies and grand, epic moments—all wrapped in a well-balanced production that pays homage to the noble heritage of USPM.
So, as you might guess, I was thrilled by the return of ECHOSOUL and their sophomore release this year, titled “Time of the Dragon”. Once again, we’re treated to top-tier prog/power metal, more aggressive this time, leaning further into the HELSTAR-style American roots than its predecessor.
The songs take the listener on a ride through solid chugging and fast and alternate picking, mixed with plenty of scale runs, harmonies and complex type riffing that draw you in. Lots of solos to leave you complete. Every track at its core has a melodic or catchy chorus and some memorable take aways leaving you singing it later in the day.
Alongside Guy Hinton (guitars, backing & scream vocals) we find again Rob Lundgren on lead vocals, joined this time by fresh blood: Randy Walton (BIOGENESIS) on bass, and Tyler Witte (ASSIMILATOR, MASOCHIST) plus Fabio Alessandrini (ANNIHILATOR, BONFIRE, PROJECT ARCADIA, ex-BASTET) behind the drums. Notable guests include the legendary Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND) and Joseph Michael (SANCTUARY, WITHERFALL, MIDNIGHT REIGN).
Whether you’re a power metal purist or have a thrashier palate, this release has something for everyone—a razor-sharp fusion of power and prog metal, overflowing with technical wizardry and savage riffs.
As lyricist and composer Guy Hinton states:
“On our sophomore album, we dug into the writing process a little deeper. We have gone heavier and yet even more melodic. There was some more collaboration, and we had one of the best guitarists in metal on “Hollowed Ground”, Andy LaRocque (King Diamond). Some of the album lyrically is a story and concept about the end of days, the rise and fall of the dragon, and its sway on the world. A variety of topics about real tragedy, the battle of suicide, some about political intrigue, conspiracy, and anthems that hit hard. There was a little pressure with following up the debut album “The End Of Darkness”, which managed to make the Top 10 in Germany and got a ton of good press internationally. Originally scheduled to come out a year ago, the war in Ukraine made it difficult for final production to be done by our friend who lives in the center of the conflict.”
Four singles have already dropped from the album: “Die Demon Die”, “Hollowed Ground”, “Sister Suicide”, and “The Path of the Righteous”, giving listeners a strong preview of what this beast of a record is all about.
Let’s start from the beginning. Following the apocalyptic “Prologue”, the melodic whirlwind of the title track “Time Of The Dragon” kicks in, immediately followed by “Path Of The Righteous”, showcasing the intricate elements that originally set ECHOSOUL apart. The tempo eases up with “Sister Suicide”, a dynamic ballad which, for me personally, felt slightly underwhelming—especially when succeeded by the six-minute juggernaut “Instruments Of Chaos” and one of the standout moments of the album, “Hollowed Ground”. “Invisible Empire” flows more indifferently, but “Split” stands tall as an instrumental gem, with tight structure and impressive execution. “Die Demon Die” seals the album’s climax—one of my personal favorites—before the curtain falls with the powerful and well-crafted closer, “A New Conspiracy”, leaving the listener fully satisfied and soaked in pure metallic bliss.
Yes, ECHOSOUL deliver yet another high-caliber album, and US power metal fans would do well to give it their full attention.
“Time of the Dragon” will be released on May 15th by No Dust Records on CD.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre order the CD here.
