Released By : Self-Released
Genre : Power Metal
Link : http://www.sonicprophecy.com
Lineup:
Shane Provstgaard – Vocals
Austin Dixon – Guitars
Steve Bishop – Guitars
Michael Graybill – Bass
Jeff Dreher – Drums
Tracklist:
01. A Divine Act Of War
02. Call Of Battle
03. Solar Run
04. Lady In The Flame
05. A Warrior’s Destiny
06. Sacred Ashes
07. Heavy Artillery
08. Juggernaut
09. Canticle
10. A Divine Act Of War
11. A Warrior’s Destiny (Orchestra Version)
The word ‘potential’ gets thrown around a fair bit in music reviewing circles, and I’m gonna let you in on a little secret… A lot of the time ‘potential’ is the buzz-word a reviewer will use in a review of an album that they probably didn’t like, but thought the band were nice guys, or good-looking girls depending on the line-up. I hate to sound so typical here, but after spending several listen-throughs with A DIVINE ACT OF WAR, the self-released debut album from Power Metal act SONIC PROPHECY, ‘potential’ is the best word I can think of to describe my overall feelings.
Musically, these guys all seem very good at what they do, and some of the sweeping guitar solos could rival the big lead-breaks on any major label Power Metal release. But it’s the overall songwriting that feels a little typical in places that lets the band down a little. Don’t get me wrong, this album is still filled with songs that are way better than most debut efforts, but SONIC PROPHECY want to push into the next rung then next time the songwriting needs to improve just a little bit. Maybe dedicated die-hard Traditional Power Metal fans will disagree with that previous statement, but in an era where there a handful of exciting bands pushing the boundaries of the genre, the guys that stay behind will get left behind for good.
Where the truest factor of the ‘potential’ element comes into it is the vocals of front-man Shane Provstgaard. At this point in time I feel he is still developing and does need to do a little bit of work on his higher register, but… his phrasing, tone and overall approach actually remind me of a rawer, younger version of EDGUY/AVANTASIA mastermind Tobias Sammet, so if he can add some finesse and keep at it he could definitely he the reason this band hits in a big way.
If SONIC PROPHECY spent the next couple of years touring hard and finessing their writing style, I feel that album number two may just be something pretty great, until that time fans of a more streamlined and standard approach to Power Metal, and fans of Tobias Sammet should at least give this album a quick look in.
Written By ZeeZee
Rating : 7/10