Released by: Rockshots Records
Release Date: June 28th, 2024
Genre: Progressive Rock/Metal
Links: https://harpazomusic.com/
Singers
DC Cooper as “The Messenger”
Gary Wehrkamp as Jude Solomon
Lee Lemperle as Princess Relena Umberto
Jennifer Eckhart as Ellie
Rey Parra as Moses
Christian Liljegren as Casimir Agnus
Les Carlsen as “The Stranger”
Michael Drive as Pope John X
Lead guitars by Gary Wehrkamp
Bass by Gary Wehrkamp
Keys and Piano by Gary Wehrkamp
All drums performed by Gary Wehrkamp except: Niklas Kahl on “I Am God”, “Change of Heart
Pt. 1” and Mark Zonder on “Ichor”, “Golden Crown”, “The Crucible”, “The Book of Life”.
Additional electric guitars, drums and keys by Marc Centanni
Violins – Stephanie Morykin
Lead guitars by Gary Wehrkamp
Bass by Gary Wehrkamp
Keys and Piano by Gary Wehrkamp
All drums performed by Gary Wehrkamp except: Niklas Kahl on “I Am God”, “Change of Heart
Pt. 1” and Mark Zonder on “Ichor”, “Golden Crown”, “The Crucible”, “The Book of Life”.
Additional electric guitars, drums and keys by Marc Centanni
Violins – Stephanie Morykin
Trombones – Gary Bredbenner
Guitar Solo #2 on “Golden Crown” by Joe Stone
Keyboard solo on“Change of Heart Pt. 2” by Bruno Sa
Backing vocals: Gary, Marc, John Zadeh, Gabriel Wehrkamp, Matthew O’Connell, Jim Roberti,
Rick Fisher.
Tracklist:
1. Ichor
2. Legion Program
3. I Am God
4. Golden Crown
5. The Crucible
6. Two Witnesses
7. Change of Heart Pt. 1
8. Ultimatum
9. We Are Weak
10. Small Price to Pay
11. Change of Heart Pt. 2
12. The Book of Life
Enter the immersive world of Harpazo: The Crucible, a dystopian epic set in 2142. Jude Solomon, CEO of Ichor, unveils a revolutionary nanoid serum merging humans with machinery, promising immortality and catalyzing a profound shift in human evolution. Against the backdrop of global turmoil triggered by catastrophic meteors, Solomon seizes power, transforming Babylon into a bastion of his visionary ideals. This narrative of ambition, dominance, and the convergence of humanity and technology unfolds with compelling intensity.
Central to the saga is Michael Lightborne, known as “The Messenger,” an augmented assassin forged by Project Talos. His cybernetic enhancements render him a formidable instrument, yet his odyssey is fraught with personal conflict and ethical reckoning. Charged with quelling religious dissent in Jerusalem, Michael embodies the novel’s core tension between conformity and rebellion, his character imbued with intricate layers and poignant depth.
Princess Relena Umberto’s quest to restore the Italian monarchy adds layers of political intrigue, intertwining unexpectedly with Solomon’s ambitions. Their alliance explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and power in a world reshaped by both technological advancement and cataclysmic upheaval.
Harpazo: The Crucible captivates as a fusion of speculative fiction and political thriller, offering a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s quest for transcendence and the ethical quandaries it provokes. With its rich character development and intricate narrative arcs, this novel challenges readers to contemplate the price of utopia in a future where the boundaries between humanity and technology blur.
Now, turning to the music aspect, spearheaded by guitarist Marc Centanni and producer Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery, Ayreon), this project has been long-awaited. Originating in 2010, the album “The Crucible” finally emerges in 2024 under the banner of Rockshots Records. This meticulously crafted concept album represents a labor of love, featuring an impressive lineup of musicians including DC Cooper (Royal Hunt), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord), Les Carlsen (Bloodgood), Rey Parra (Deny the Fallen, Sacred Warrior), Christian Liljegren (Narnia), Michael Drive Lee (Barren Cross, Worldview), Niklas Kahl (Lord of the Lost, Flaming Row), Lee Lemperle (Outside the Wall), Bruno Sa (Operation Mindcrime), Enzo Donnarumma (Enzo and the Glory Ensemble), and Jennifer Eckhart (Jennifer K Eckhart & Stained Glass Road).
The album unfolds with “Ichor,” introducing Jude’s character with progressive hooks, sinister riffs, and keyboard arrangements reminiscent of Kansas. “Legion Program” showcases expert guitar work leading into the epic “I Am God,” a standout track that blends up-tempo rhythms with robust guitar melodies, portraying Jude as a formidable architect reshaping humanity.
The title track demands attention with its intricate song structure and impeccable vocal layering by Michael Drive, complemented by Gary’s masterful guitar work and Mark Zonder’s dynamic drumming. “Two Witnesses” evokes shades of Trans-Siberian Orchestra with its powerful riffs and dynamic arrangements, delving deep into the conflict between The Messenger and the chaos he embodies.
To deep dive into the project and how it all came together, check out our interview with both Marc and Gary below:
“Change of Heart” Pt. 1 features the distinctive vocals of Les Carlsen (former Bloodgood), echoing the emotive range of Tobias Sammet (Avantasia, Edguy), while DC Cooper once again impresses with his commanding presence. Throughout, Wehrkamp’s virtuosic guitar craftsmanship resonates, hinting at influences like old Queensrÿche with its complexity and depth.
This epic concept album demands attention from start to finish, delivering a narrative and musical experience reminiscent of greats such as Queensrÿche, Dream Theater, and Shadow Gallery. A testament to a decade-long journey of dedication and passion, “The Crucible” resonates with themes relevant to today’s world—technology, artificial intelligence, and the pursuit of immortality. Meticulously crafted in both composition and lyrical content, this album is a testament to the commitment and artistic vision of Marc, Gary, and their collaborators. I highly recommend giving it the attention it deserves—it’s a remarkable achievement!
Written by: Denys
Ratings: 9/10
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