ARTIZAN is a four piece melodic metal band from Jacksonville, Florida in U.S.A., founded by drummer Ty Tammeus in 2008. Since its formation, the band released in 2009 an EP named "Artizan", in 2011 their debut album, "Curse Of The Artizan". For 2013, ARTIZAN is about to release their second full-length album "Ancestral Energy" via Pure Steel Records.

Opener "I Am The Storm" is so catchy with memorable music, crispy melodies and riffs, and charging rhythms. Tom Braden (ex-LEVIATHAN) has an interesting line of voice, clear, full of depth, pure and melodic; he can to show very easy emotions. The overall atmosphere of the song is similar to PEGAZUS. "The Raven Queen" displays the enormous riffing of Shamus McConney very well joined with the rhythm section and the vocals. Think about IRON MAIDEN meets HELLOWEEN. "The Death of Me" has fascinating melodic traditional Metal riffs mixed with a progressive rhythm section played by Jon Jennings and drums played by Ty Tammeus (ex-PROJECT X, ex- LEVIATHAN). The chorus reminded me of "Prime Time", one of the songs of the solo album of James Labrie. "You Can't Take The Metal" is fairly groovy, recalling a dangerous incursion of DAMGEPLAN, JUDAS PRIEST and MANOWAR. There is an amazing melodic chorus with plenty of power and also excellent guitar soloing, a fine tribute to the 80s. "The Guardian" has quite an acoustic guitar intro followed by enchanting vocals. The chorus was emphatic, alongside impressive sounding melodious riffs. The epic "Deep Ocean Dreams" begins with an soft introduction only to afterwards change into a progression menacing in the vein of DREAM THEATER but with heavier riffs. The drum and bass tail IRON MAIDEN with fashion. "Ancestral Energy", another epic song to the list, lasts over 10 minutes. This is a brilliant, well arranged and built, track sharing progressive manners and utmost skill, guest vocals of Matt Barlow (ex-ICED EARTH, ASHES TO ARES), which exploded with every note, such a contribution for this band. These duo singers complement each other in a way, one with high pitched notes and the other a bit gruesome tone channelling the feeling of MANOWAR.

ARTIZAN has been playing a form of Progressive Power Metal. They follow their way very well with creating music without tedious schemes. n their tracks there is an impression of vitality, power and many experience. I'm sure that every fan of melodic Metal will enjoy this music of ARTIZAN.