Released by: Nuclear Blast Records
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Power Metal
Links: http://www.almanac.band
Tracklist:
1. Tsar
2. Self-Blinded Eyes
3. Darkness
4. Hands Are Tied
5. Children Of The Future
6. No More Shadows
7. Nevermore
8. Reign Of Madness
9. Flames Of Hate
Line Up:
Victor Smolski – guitars
Andy B. Franck – vocals
David Readman – vocals
Jeannette Marchewka – vocals
Armin Alic – bass
Michael Kolar – drums
Enric Garcia – keyboards and piano
feat. Orquestra Barcelona Filharmonia
‘Almanac‘ is a new band born from Belarusian guitarist ‘Victor Smolski’ continuation of the concept, which Victor started back in 2013 with the ‘Lingua Mortis Orchestra’. Working together with several singers, band and orchestra including the female singer Jeannette Marchewka as well as the Orquestra Barcelona Filharmonia with Enric Garcia on keyboards. Joined by two outstanding male singers Andy B. Franck (Brainstorm) and David Readman (Pink Cream 69)! Michael Kolar on drums and Armin Alic on bass making the band complete.
The debut ‘Tsar‘ released on March 18th, 2016 promises to be something rather spectacular, with production being taken up by Smolski himself, while mixing duties were taken up by Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann.
With no time wasted and after a smooth and steady intro ,we are blasted into an historic, epic and anthemic opener and title track ‘Tsar’ with ‘Andy B. Franck’, ‘David Readman’, ‘Jeannette Marchewka’ each taking their turn at the mic, and then altogether. All held up by some great licks and chops from the great ‘Victor Smolski’ and a sublime rhythm section. ‘Darkness’ which serves as an intro to ‘Hands Are Tied’ is a sublime piece of guitar mastery, a truly haunting and mesmeric piece. ‘Reign Of Madness’ and No More Shadows’ are much more mellow affairs, with the latter starting out like a scene from ‘ Braveheart’ again more great vocals. About the midway point the beat and tempo rises ‘No More Shadows, No More Shadows’ is the cry!!!! A real anthemic stadium feel about them. ‘Flames Of Hate’ Somewhere among the double drumbeat, scorching guitars and sublime vocals you can just grab a sense of James Bond, ”Its In There Somewhere ”.
Written by: Shane Bradley
Rating Shane: 10/10