ICON OF SIN is a project created, overseen and directed by Serafino Perugino President and A&R director of Frontiers Records. Frontiers Music Srl is excited to announce the signing of ICON OF SIN, a new project centered around the vocal talents of the popular Brazilian YouTube sensation Raphael Mendes. The album contains thirteen tracks.

The title track kicks off the album. A riff straight out of 1980's kicks in and I am taken back in time. Did someone say this guy could sing? He reminds me of Bruce Dickinson in his earlier years. If IRON MAIDEN ever needs a replacement singer, this is the guy. Where did he get his pipes? I have no idea. But he is perhaps strongest in the upper ranges. "Road Rage" is a fast- moving song with an old riff that you have heard before. Some nice harmonies come in the chorus, and I like that you can hear the bass notes clearly. The lead guitarists is also quite dexterous.

"Unholy Battleground" brings yet another 80's riff to the table. Man, it's like they are not even trying to be original. There isn't much else to really say about the song. Picture a "paint-by-numbers" painting and you will understand what I mean. "Virtual Empire" moves a bit faster than some of the previous tracks, but when the verse settles in, it is thin and uninspiring. Oy Vie...this is old even half-way into the album.

"Clouds over Gotham" is an interesting song. It's eight minutes in length, so let's see where it takes us. Opening with dark and somber melodies, the twin guitar attack is reminiscent of IRON MAIDEN. Much of the song is mired in darkness, but the more energetic moments remind me of a good Power Metal band. "The Last Samurai" is yet another common riff, played with intensity and dedication sure...no one is denying the talents of the band, but the songwriting leaves a lot to be desired.

"The Howling" opens with a slower riff, but gets going after a few bars. More of those twin-guitar harmonies and more of that IRON MAIDEN sound abounds. "Survival Instinct" closes the album, and thank The Lord. I am not sure how many more songs like this I can take. Unfortunately, a singer cannot make an album. There is no denying the vocal talents of Raphael Mendes, or the musicianship of the rest of the band, which is strong. But, the riffs are recycled out of the 80's and there isn't much original stuff coming from the band. The production however is stellar, and I would not expect anything else from Frontiers Music. The album "Icon of Sin" is proof that an outstanding vocalist cannot make up for unoriginal, recycled music.