Record Label: Independent/Self Release
Release date: Out now
Genre: Melodic Power/Symphonic/Progressive Metal
Links: Destiny Facebook Page
Line-up:
Anton Darusso – vocalist
Andres Angulo – drums
Alejandro Amador – keyboard
Allan “Kalay” Murillo – guitar
Cristian Jiménez – guitar
Jose Pablo Sequeira – bass
Track Listing:
- Destiny
- Fallen Angel
- I Saw An Angel Cry
- Into Black Horizon
- I Want Out (Helloween Cover)
- Nothing Last Forever
- Time
Central America is not really associated with Metal, a very few number of bands are known and they are considered to be exotic. And to discover a real jam here is very surprising – the band Destiny from Costa-Rica which was formed in 2013. The next year Musicians managed to record their first album “Time” which contained 7 tracks of Melodic Power Metal with some Symphonic and Progressive Metal influences. The album, which was independently released by the bad, had drawn good praise. This year the Power Prog Label presents a special edition of “Time” with 2 extra tracks along with new cover art.
The music can be described as having a very good mix between At Vance and Symphony X, ultra melodic Power Metal songs with a lot of Neoclassical elements, symphonic arrangements and a solid Progressive Metal impact. Each song contains several changes of melody and rhythms supported with technical shredding guitar-keyboard duels that are really wonderful. Amazing catchy choruses are performed in the best traditions of Gamma Ray, Helloween and Freedom Call.
The lead singer, Anton Darusso, has a powerful voice with a wide range and could easily be compared to Russell Allen (Symphony X, Adrenaline Mob, Allen/Lande) and Nils Patrik Johansson (Wuthering Heights, Astral Doors). The band displays a high level of skill and talent, as the guitar, bass, drums and keyboards parts sound very professional and almost flawless. I must say that I do not expect it from a band from Costa Rica but musicians impressed me.
The production and layout of the music was excellent; having a powerful and clean sound; and the mix was so well balanced that I, with great pleasure, listened to this release.
The album opens with self-named track, “Destiny”, – a fast technical Power Metal track with some symphonic elements, intensive guitar riffs and mixed with a very melodic happy chorus. Neoclassical guitar passages are nicely supported with a rather good keyboard solo. This is the solid track that I really enjoyed.
The following track, “Fallen Angel”, is a different when compared to the opening track. It is Progressive mid-tempo song played in a Symphony X tradition with several melodies including barely noticeable folk motives. The track can be described as being no better than good; because the unmelodic modern moment together with a rough sounding voice appears to be out of place here. It did confuse me as to why these portions were used in the song.
The title track, “Time”, is a fast track, again with a happy bright optimistic chorus. The highlight for me was the marvelous speedy neoclassical guitar solo that seems together with the keyboard become one. This could possibly be the best track on the album.
“I Saw an Angel Cry” is a slow and epic composition. It can be best described, as having a fair bit of variation as it includes a piano intro and ending, some untypical slightly distorted vocals, an organ solo and typical Neoclassical Metal parts. My comments and complaints can only be directed to tempo (though a couple of moments are fast); as melodies are quite ok and as the song ends, it does become more interesting.
The first bonus track “Forgive but Not Forget” appears to be a new song. It is a traditional Neoclassical Power track with catchy melodies. However; it contains some rough almost crispy vocal lines. But overall I rate this to be a very good track.
The next track, “Into Black Horizon”, is has a neoclassical up-tempo style but rather unhappy melodies when compared to other fast tracks. A spoken oriental intro and short bass solo makes it somewhat more original but it appears to be rather dark. Therefore; to me, this track is slightly weaker.
In the track, “I Want Out”, musicians made something that appeared to be almost the impossible and have recorded an original cover with a slightly changed rhythm and additional keyboard arrangements. The extended guitar and extra-keyboard solos are fantastic. Some moments are controversial but new elements are amazing and perfectly fit.
“Nothing Last Forever” is a ballad played with a piano and symphonic arrangement. It is dramatic and not bad at all. From my point of view, the short length is an advantage for this track.
The second bonus track is a new version of “Fallen Angel” with guest Roberto Tiranti (ex-Labyrinth) whom guest stars on vocals. It is a nice addition due to Roberto’s high-toned voice, which nicely contrasts with Caruso’s rough singing and gets the song better than the original variant.
“Time” is a surprisingly cool album, a very professional work from a new band from Costa-Rica. I strongly recommend this album for all fans of Melodic Power and Neoclassical Metal. It is really a must-have release and a couple of flaws are permissible for the debut. The band has a very strong potential and I hope that Destiny will soon be able to record another beautiful album.
Written by: Egor “EG Power”
Ratings: EG Power 9/10
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