Over the years the conceptual influence of the intercontinental connection, leading to a fruitful collaboration, between artists has been growing stronger. Within the world of Metal and Rock, the global scene had the pleasure of getting to know powerful supergroups and various of projects. Several of those groups, first one that is probably not the foremost famous but still great is OUTLOUD or even FIREWIND coming to think of it, have been joining every now and then to present their offerings with live performances and others keep it to the studio. Checking out the second album of the cooperative Argentinian / North American venture of ELECTRONOMICON, led to me to a possible studio project than a live act, yet I didn't seem to care. "Unleashing The Shadows", via No Remorse Records, is the basecamp of an interesting trio involving Diego Valdez (HELKER) zealously maintaining the helm of the vocals, Juan Jose Fornes (TRIDDANA) handling the guitars and bass and the North American linking with Owen Bryant on the skins. Astonishingly establishing a profound association of Hard Rock, Heavy and Power Metal, this album is a cruise the seas of old legends and proficient bands like DIO, MASTERPLAN, RAINBOW, ASTRAL DOORS and ROB ROCK.

ELECTRONOMICON seems to possess the approaches, views and twists of the old guard of Heavy Metal, keeping classic from top to bottom. Don't be fooled the modern engineering and sound production, there is a fresh breath of the 80's spirit and vintage vigor encircling the material like files on you know what. The songs are a mixture of riff based tunes along with mighty chorus driven displays. Not that multiplicity is out of the question as it right there often, but following the traditional emblem and representing it with finesse has always been a powerful trait and advantage. Fornes portrays as a custodian of past accomplishments including Hard Rock vibe soloing induced with bits of Metal injections, yet he also attributed various of inspirational renewed melodic licks and stomped on antiquated grooves that had quite an effect on the songs. Bryant is your common energetic Heavy Metal drummer, however kicking it hard and proud as skinmen of the new generation of Metal. Here and there he displays a few infrequent passages that appeared practically impressive. As for the Mr. Valdez, for the preaching of such songs, I would have it any other way as his voice pattern is miraculous. I had the chance to check out HELKER's latest release, via AFM Records, and I was totally amazed by his abilities. Such a striking influence of Ronnie James Dio, resembling ASTRAL DOORS / CIVIL WAR / LION'S SHARE vocalist Nils Patrik Johansson and I can't forget Rob Rock from this short equation. No doubt that Valdez is one of the passionate and wide ranged, in terms of singing styles, of the new generation.

As I mentioned earlier, the songs on "Unleashing The Shadows" vary from riff based to mere power monumental chorus, some of them undeniable anthems. "Take Me" is what I consider this band's calling card, an atmospheric fusion of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, rendering powerful riffs and great licks, only to be gladdened by the electrical surge of the chorus. This one is partially commercialized, yet a classic on display analogous to vintage Metal truthfulness. "The Art Of Destruction" can easily be mistaken to songs by Rob Rock or ASTRAL DOORS, a piercing Heavy Metal anthem with definitive riffing. "Do You Remember" and "Far Away" are a picture of pure fervency and nostalgia, proving the ardent nature of Valdez's singing and the band's overall ability to composing heartfelt driven numbers smeared with drama and riff easiness. Roughly, the entire tracklist speaks for itself, well written material, with of course the power moments that I shared. ELECTRONOMICON is one of the many doors for both new and old Metal / Rock fans to discover and experience. This is an act that is a promise crossing continents.