From the bands website: IMAGES OF EDEN first sparked into existence in 1998 as an ambitious concept in the mind of founder and vocalist Gordon Tittsworth. Staring down a fateful crossroads in life, Gordon found himself headed in an unusual direction and envisioned a band completely unique in scope and sound. Knowing that in order to bring this new vision to life the core concept would have to remain undiluted and that he'd have to be uncompromising in his goals, Gordon parted ways with his previous band. Stepping into the studio in September 1999 with only a session drummer, Gordon recorded IMAGES OF EDEN debut album, to later be known as "Chapter I" with the goal of producing a one-of-a-kind proof-of-concept. Filling in the rest of the band's instrumentals himself, IMAGES OF EDEN was now more than a mere vision: it had been given flesh and bone and was already evolving into something more. From me: On September 16, 2022, the band released their sixth studio album, a 5 song EP, "Weathered And Torn" just before their US tour with Michael Schenker (UFO, MSG) and Eric Martin (MR.BIG). With songs written about hope, strength and inspiration, Gordon explains "we are a living testimonial, a band of survivors, I need people to feel what I feel when writing" Drawing compressions to FATES WARNING and DREAM THEATER, with influences by IRON MAIDEN, QUEENSRYCHE, BLACK SABBATH, RAY GILLEN, and IAN ANDERSON.

"Count to Zero" opens the album with a monstruous, thundering drum beat that whisks us away to savory vocals balanced by heavy riffs and amiable harmonies with soaring guitar solo that is electrifying. Vocally he reminds me a little of Todd La Torre of QUEENSRYCHE. Machine gun drumming blasts "Survivor's Guilt" partnered with ram-jam riffs and tempo with furious vocals showcasing the incredible range of Tittsworth, and a constant barrage of heavy back beat drums over silky rhythm guitar exploding into a beastly solo. Then, BOOM, hope you're not wearing headphones when the title track "Weathered and Torn" opens with a deafening, shredding guitar wizardry before bringing in the rough, fuzzy vocals that add a sinister edge to this song. Continuing on with pounding drums and rocking riffs on "Coexistence" paired with devilish vocals and a playful twist of thrash, a true devil's child Rob Halford sound, reversing to a somber tempo midway with thumping beats that ends with a fiendish guitar solo that paints a somber picture of today's chaotic world "Blind faith in science, glorifying the beast, be not deceived by the marvels that they weave". We end the EP with "The Dead Me", slow, melodic start with aggressive vocals wrapped around a rhythmic drum progression, elegant riffs, a tight solid guitar solo that help this song soar.

IMAGES OF EDEN may hate me for this label, but they are a thinking man's metal band. The lyrics are thought provoking, relevant, reveling and moving. They put their heart and soul into all musical elements, with bombastic riffs and muscular solos fueled by passionate, fiery vocals of Gordon Tittsworth. This is a must for all metal heads, old school, or nu-metal.