Abstract Symphony – Infinite Desire Demo 2007 review

Abstract Symphony – Infinite Desire Demo 2007

After the great Symphonia, I am so happy to enjoy another great newcomer, this time from Chile! The band started out in 2001 as an Yngwie Malmsteen tribute band, but in 2003 the leader of Absract Symphony, Esteban Hulloa decided to put an end to the tribute-attitude and started to compose songs in the Neoclassical vein. In about two year time, the band had composed a total of more than 10 songs. After various auditions and a lot of line up changes the band finally has an stable line up with David Rebolledo on drums (ex Endriago, Santiago based band), Juan Andres Oyaneder on bass and Esteban Hulloa Castro on guitars (ex Ring of Steel). In early 2006 the band began recording a total of 10 songs. After the drums were recorded, Matias and Felipe parted ways with the band because of musical differences .The band concentrated 100% in recording what would later became the "Infinite Desire" demo. Singer Marcelo Carvajal, who later recorded the vocals on all 6 songs from the demo, finished recording in mid 2007, while Esteban finished recording, mixing and mastering of the demo late 2007.
The demo consists of 6 songs, including a guitar intro and an organ outro and it is really well-crafted. All musicians are professionals, with some fabulous work on guitar by Esteban, who really knows how to produce thrilling Neoclassical Metal compositions! Marcelo’s vocals are melodic and really flow with the songs, while keyboardist JJ Roldán surely does a fine job (check out his solo in "Into Your Eyes")! From the fast-paced and fabulous title track to the melodic ballad "Nobody Know’s" to the flashy "Into Your Eyes", the band maintained a high level of truly worth-mentioning songs! The production in this demo could have been better, but I am sure that in their debut CD, Abstract Symphony will be ready to storm the world with some A-class Neoclassical stuff. You can download Abstract Symphony’s Demo for free in the following address: http://www.myspace.com/abstractsymphonyband
Dimitris Starakis
P.S.: The band is rehearsing now and putting the finishing touches for their very first album with the following line-up: Esteban Hulloa V. (guitar lead guitars), Esteban Hulloa Castro (guitar), Marcelo Carvajal (vocals), JJ Roldán (keys), Juan Andrés Oyaneder (bass), Sebastián Pontigo (drums)

Symphonia – Satria Naga CD review

Symphonia – Satria Naga CD (Symphonia Musical Fidelity Inc.)

If you wonder what “Neoclassicism” really means, then the easiest way nowadays is to do a simple…web search! If you do it, you’ll definitely find something like this: “Speaking and thinking in English, "neoclassicism" in each art implies a particular canon of "classic" models”*. Neoclassical Metal was always based on structures that will never fade the test of time. Demanding, inspirational and highly qualitative, it is still considered the most demanding genre of Metal. A brief look to the artists that tried to “go by the Neoclassical book”, proves that talent mixes with excellent performance in order to create some advances musical forms.
When I discovered the band Symphonia, I was extremely surprised to witness that they were coming from Kuala Lumpur! It was a pleasant shock to see that Malaysia was lucky enough to present a wonderful Neo-baroque Metal band which will surely has the right to hope for success! Symphonia’s debut “Satria Naga” was released lately and includes 11 songs of bright virtuosity. Aman, the “brainchild” of the band has completely dedicated his musical studies in re-inventing traditional Neoclassical Metal and he surely has the class and the ability to compose songs with that significant guitar sound which always give a vibe of joy to the devoted followers of the scene! Apart from Aman’s amazing composing and playing abilities, Zul’s voice is smoothly fitted into the songs and gives the necessary strength contrast (sic) in the vocal lines, something that cannot be avoided in traditional Neoclassical Metal. Z9’s (strange nickname!) bass lines keep the rhythm going and provide an additional positive mark in the CD. The debut album from Symphonia is an enjoyment form the beginning to the very end and if you want to taste some of their greatness, just listen to the riff from “Wira” and you can immediately get the idea! The band is preparing their 2nd effort, which will include exclusively English-sung lyrics, sin hope that this will help the band to expand their reputation in many countries. I strongly suggest to each and every fan of this significant Metal to help these young musicians, since their enthusiastic beginning should be continued! Get all the necessary info on how to obtain their album on their mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/symphoniamalaysia
Dimitris Starakis

P.S.: The band is also participating in the “A Tribute to Yngwie.J.Malmsteen Project” album which is the 1st YJM tribute album from local Malaysian bands! Symphonia covers “Rising Force” and “As Above, So Below” and their performance is once again splendid!

*wikipedia