White vinyl import
Re-issue of the classic second Pyramaze album "Legend of the Bone Carver", originally released in 2006. Includes the bonus track "Flame and Retribution" as well as album history written by founder Michael Kammeyer. Produced, mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Evergrey).
Pyramaze's second full-length studio release and last to feature vocalist Lance King.
On the back of the sleeve: Strictly Limited to 300 copies worldwide
Printed inner sheet
CUSTOMER REVIEW
Where to begin....Pyramaze's debut album 'Melancholy Beast' was my album of the year for 2004 so my expectations were high for this album. Yet I was still not prepared to hear an album of this magnitude. From the opening notes of 'The Birth' to the final moments of 'Tears of Hate' my expectations were totally blown away and my jaw was left hanging on the floor in awe of the sheer metal brillance I just had the privilage of hearing.
Pyramaze has managed to totally outdo themselves with 'LOBC' and create one of the finest albums in metal history in the process.
The sound of Pyramaze is exactly the same as it was on their debut. Kinda a mix between the heavy tight riffing of Iced Earth and the epic delivery of Kamelot. Only IMO Pyramaze is far better than both of these bands yet ironically far less known for now.
This album steps it up even further in the song writing department. Michael is a song writing genius! This album to me sounds even heavier (Yeah) and faster, yet still very melodic. The rythym section is super tight and the keyboards are very well done and add that epic atmosphere to the songs. The production is even better and crystal clear. Lance's vocals sound better than ever and it's amazing how perfectly his voice fits the bands music. Also noticable is the addition of Toke on lead guitar as the solo's have really improved as well from 'MB'.
Here is a brief breakdown of each track:
1. Era of Chaos NR - Narrated Into
2. The Birth 10/10 - Absolutely Killer Song! The intro instantly sends chills down your spine and the chorus is one of the finest I have ever heard period!
3. What Lies Beyond 10/10 - How do you follow up one of the finest metal tunes ever? Just deliver another one if your Pyramaze. This song is pretty fast with some ultra tight riffing. Another all time great track!
4. Ancient Words Within 8/10 - Very catchy, overall a good song.
5. Souls in Pain 9.5/10 - The heavy speedy intro riffs pummel you in the FACE! Great guitar solo too!
6. She Who Summoned Me 8/10 - Very well done Ballad with Lance singing a duet with a female vocalist.
7. The Bone Carver 9.5/10 - Great speedy and heavy track!
8. Bring Back Life 8/10 - This tune has some folk elements yet still heavy and sounds great.
9. Blood Red Skies NR - Judas Priest cover? No just an intrumental piece with some narration.
10. Tears of Hate 10/10 - Killer song! Pretty fast staccato riffing with a great 2 part chourus. Another all time great metal tune and a very convincing way to end the album.
This album is perfect in every way and it's hard to find anything that could make it better. With 'Legend of the Bonecarver' Pyramaze has really solidified their own personal sound and identity. Raising the bar once again of how great metal music can sound. I really like the fact that Pyramaze can bring you epic tunes without ever losing 'the heaviness' factor like so many other bands do. Also the fact that they pull it off while always sounding dark and never too cheesy or happy! Lastly they keep there compositions right around the 5 minute mark so their songs never drag on too long or overstay there welcome.
If I got real nitpicky I guess I could say I would have liked to hear the brilliant chorus in 'The Birth' one more time at the end of the song. Or the keyboards just slightly lower in the mix but those are very minor details.
I would be shocked if a better album comes out this year. This really is an all time great album and Pyramaze is truely one of the elite metal bands of our time! How they can ever top this one I'll never know.
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