PYRAMAZE — Disciples Of The Sun (review)

PYRAMAZE — Disciples Of The Sun album cover

Album · 2015 · Power Metal

4.5/5 · 2015-03-19
adg211288

You really have to admire the Danish power metal act Pyramaze. They've had some setbacks of the kind that could easily have ended their career prematurely. They seemed like they'd just got their big break back in 2007 when, having parted ways with vocalist Lance King, they managed to recruit none other than former Iced Earth vocalist Matt Barlow as a replacement, who had previously left the metal scene to focus on a career in law enforcement. They released their third album with Barlow up front, called Immortal (2008). The new line-up wasn't destined to live up to the album's name though and when Iced Earth came calling after the exit of Barlow's replacement there, Tim Owens, despite early intentions to be in both bands, Matt jumped the Pyramaze ship (and ultimately left Iced Earth again after just one more album and can now be found fronting Ashes of Ares).

That alone is pretty unfortunate, but losing a singer, even one like Matt Barlow, who is widely considered iconic within the power metal scene for his first stint with Iced Earth, is not totally disastrous (In fact they replaced him rather quickly with Urban breed (ex-Tad Morose, ex-Dark Empire, et al) but that was also a relationship that didn't last). Losing your main songwriter on the other hand, well that's a different story entirely. And that's exactly what happened next for Pyramaze with the departure of guitarist Michael Kammeyer in 2011. Jacob Hansen (ex-Anubis Gate, Invocator et al) was brought in pretty quickly to replace him that same year but since then Pyramaze has all but dropped off the map, with only occasional updates letting fans know that they are still around and working on recruiting a new vocalist and putting a new album together.

Well it's been a long time in coming but finally that new record is here. Disciples of the Sun (2015) is the band's fourth album overall, ending their seven years of silence. With the announcement of the album also comes the confirmation that Terje Harøy of Norwegian progressive metal act Crossnail (formerly called Teodor Tuff) is now the new voice of Pyramaze. I had wondered many times if Jacob Hansen was actually the new singer, as he sang on two Anubis Gate records during his time with them and I think his voice would have worked with Pyramaze's style. I can't say I'm disappointed that Terje Harøy is singing here instead though; Teodor Tuff's Soliloquy (2011) just happens to be one of my favourite records of its year. He's a great fit for Pyramaze.

Despite losing their main writer it's clear that Pyramaze's vision of progressively inclined power metal is still very much intact. I get some vibes off of Disciples of the Sun that remind me more of the previous work of the new members but this is still very much a power metal record first and foremost which sets it apart from Teodor Tuff's Soliloquy and Anubis Gate's Hansen fronted releases (or any of their work). But it's definitely what a much more power metal inclined record from either of those bands would probably sound like, due to sharing a voice with the former and although full writing credit and guest performer details were not revealed with my promo copy of the album, I know that Anubis Gate's Henrik Fevre and Kim Olesen have been involved with Disciples of the Sun to a certain degree, while the two bands share a drummer in Morten Gade Sørensen.

I've personally been a fan of Pyramaze since their second album Legend of the Bone Carver (2006) although I've always thought that with that album Lance King's vocals may come across as something of an acquired taste, though it's a pretty excellent power metal record in my book. I thought that Immortal was a stronger record though, as I did prefer Matt Barlow as a vocalist. Despite all the hiccups they've faced though Disciples of the Sun certainly isn't the sound of Pyramaze re-finding their feet, but returning stronger than ever. This is a very easy album to listen to for a power metal fan; plenty of fast energetic riffing, progressive elements, as well as some symphonic backing to a lesser degree. The vocals are excellent. Terje definitely played a big part in how much I enjoyed Teodor Tuff's Soliloquy and I get the same level of enjoyment out of his performance here as well.

There's also a level of variety to be found within the music, such as one of my personal favourites from the album, Hope Springs Eternal, which features some of the most aggressive riffing I've yet heard from Pyramaze. Parts of the song are going up to nearly Blind Guardian standards. Then there's the closing Photograph at the other end of the spectrum, a short piece that ends the album on a calmer note. Regardless of direction the album is full of catchy choruses and excellent melodies. Other highlights for me would have to be Fearless and Back for More. The flow of the album is great though, absolutely no dud moments to be found here.

It may have taken them seven years but at least now they're finally back Pyramaze have made a real statement with Disciples of the Sun. This is a perfect way to re-launch their career. I'm confident in saying that Disciples of the Sun is the best album to bear the Pyramaze moniker yet.

more than 2 years ago
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Colt wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Added to my list too.

adg211288 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I'd been monitoring their Facebook for ages because they kept saying an announcement was coming 'soon'. Eventually it happened and I got a promo pretty sharpish after that (which I just had to listen to at once, of course).

666sharon666 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

It's been so long since this band was heard of that I didn't even know this was coming until I just saw this review. I'm pretty psyched for this now of course, Legend of the Bone Carver and Immortal were both excellent.

adg211288 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Yeah especially with all the production work he does too.