Truth is that CAIN'S DINASTY took me by surprise. Judging from the cover artwork I was expecting something totally keyboard-driven with a strict reference to extreme(?) goth Metal likes. For some other unknown reason, the label's name evoked further circumstances of H.I.M.-like melodic Hard/Heavy bands. Well, the truth is somewhere not in the middle, huh. Thankfully, cause Legacy Of Blood resembles a lot to the first solid steps of bands capable of kicking further ass in the future.
CAIN'S DINASTY has been around the Metal scene for a couple of years. Hailing from Spain (Alicante, Valencian Community) they can be considered as the brainchild of singer Ruben Picazo (DELIRION, GOTHMOG) who came up with the idea of forming a new band in which develop his previous solo compositions focused in terms of a more traditional Metal. To cut a long story short, the band cut its teeth onstage by supporting various bands (GAMMA RAY among them) and working hard on their own material the have just come up with their first proper album.
Not to forget, the artwork/graphics supporting this debut release is brilliant: a wonderful cover painting and inner pics, some ass kicking fold-out digipack release and (even) great paperboard/cardboard quality. For a debut release in a small label this is a grand move, to be honest. As regards the music now, Legacy Of Blood features a vibe in the European Heavy/Power Metal fields with enough majestic atmosphere provided by some well-done keyboard arrangements. The guitars are heavy and sharp with enough 'primitive' Metal references and a doze of evil riffing lurking in between the (and - in any way - remarkable and finely crafted) rhythm/lead themes. The rhythm section is pounding, with enough tempo changes always in the Power Metal direction (hence the plethora of double bass drumming). On front the voice of Picazo bears a 'narration' attitude with enough high-pitched singing were needed and a certain doze of maturity and theatric morality in music parts of parallel requirements. Some may say his singing is so-and-so; I always liked exotic Metal singers, on the other hand, even if they don't have the 'native language' advantage. A matter of personal taste...
I could distinguish enough of GAMMAR RAY and some of STRATOVARIUS (or the more 'obscure' STORMWITCH in a lesser level) and a little of the RHAPSODY fanfare indications in straight-ahead paths, while more 'sinful'(related to the vampire cover and lyrics themes) pieces may bring a more symphonic or 'velvet darkness' Metal styles to mind; no - whatsoever - 'extreme' Metal recall shall you come up with, no. These mentioning, a certain criticism should refer to the partial lack of 'identity', something that is OK for a debut album but should really be checked out in the future to come.
Now listening to Come To Me - starting out as a majestic ballad, then to unveil a 'moody' Metal mid-pace refrain - let's just end up this review by saying that the overall impression is surely positive. CAIN'S DINASTY develop a well-crafted blend and we cannot wish for something less than initial recognition so as the band will be armed with confidence to release even better albums in the next years. Yes, not-that-typical Euro Heavy/Power Metal fans shall check out Legacy Of Blood.