Today I'm checking out "The Revenant", the debut album by Paraguayan composer, Adrian Benegas. The album hit the streets in mid November via Pride & Joy Music and features 9 tracks, clocking in at 45 minutes. This is a really diverse release, covering a lot, and I mean a lot of territory. Benegas is most well known for his work with the international project TRAGUL, as well as ABRACADABRA, and as such, the album features a collection of international as well as Paraguayan musicians.

"The Revenant" is a conceptual release, centering on the "tale of an unredeemed soul's journey from the depths of it's own hell to an edge of inner paradise, seeking self-realization" along the way. The intention Benegas intends is "insight into the human journey itself: ups & downs, and finding light at the end of the tunnel". As such, Benegas approached this debut ambitiously, having written the concept, the lyrics and every note of music himself.

Benegas handles the keyboards and is accompanied musically by Diego Bogarin (Guitars/Bass), Seba Ramirez (Drums) and Alex Holzwarth (Drums on "Inferno"). Vocals are provided by Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR) on "Servants of the Death"), Henning Basse (FIREWIND, HOLLENTOR, HYPNOSIDE, ORPHEUS BLADE and SKYLINE) & Zuberoa Aznárez (DIABULUS IN MUSICA) on "Cadavria", "Face To Face" and "Inferno", and Herbie Langhans ( AVANTASIA/RADIANT) on "Face To Face", "The Enemy Within", "Change Of Heart", "Carrier Of The Sunlight", "The Light Of My Dreams" and "The Revenant".

Musically, the album is firmly based in Symphonic Metal, though the influences infused within range from Power, Thrash, and even a hint of Black Metal. "The Revenant" was self-produced by Benegas with mastering and mixing handled by Jacob Hansen and Alberto Bravin ("Servants Of The Death"). Conclusion? That's a tough one. I'm not really a fan of Symphonic Metal, so this one was a surprise when I opened it up. That said, it didn't alienate me like other similar styled albums. Look, here's what I can tell you. "The Revenant" is a great sounding album, put together by an obviously extremely talented composer and musician, featuring an absolute wealth of talent. If you are passionate about Symphonic Metal, I'd wager you'll love this one, and I'd suggest you check it out and find out for yourself!