I know that all the die-hard METAL TEMPLE readers are not used getting old reviews about albums that have been already released for not even a couple of months (this is for other sites, not ours). But there are some distinct cases when a certain album can be reviewed even if it has passed the METAL TEMPLE review expiration date. As it is expected, this applies mainly to the unsigned bands who are honoring the webzine by sending us a promo to METAL TEMPLE and waiting for a feedback. So, there we have the debut LAZARUS album that originally saw the light of the day on 2007 released through the band's homonymous label.
LAZARUS is a New York based band that have already established quite a reputation by the rave reviews about this album and of course the acceptance of the US Metal community. Their musical description -as given in their myspace page- places the band among some juggernauts of Metal naming (early) QUEENSRYCHE, SAXON and FATES WARNING among others. By those references it is pretty obvious that LAZARUS move around the classic Metal territory with nice and gentle Progressive Metal finishing touches. I say 'gentle' since the latest representatives of this scene (see DREAM THEATER) have lost their way inside the complicated music scores. Nevertheless, this is not the issue and since Wings Of Avalon opens the album let us talk about music. The opening and main guitar riff sound enticing by waking beautiful memories through the old school looking glass. The structure is kept straightforward in this one with minor Progressive and a very nice SAXON breeze all around. No kidding, Glenn Dagrossa sounds similar to Biff Byford with little less harsh profile and some additional melody. The track itself follows the classic Heavy Metal path and gains some IRON MAIDEN galloping heaviness during the rhythm section. The chorus is really catchy and I bet you will be singing the main melody sooner before the end of the song.
The Distance comes next with additional heaviness added a smile to my face with some underlying LIEGE LORD influences while Shades Of Time enters the realm of melody. The song starts with nice clean guitar chords and yet again warm vocals. The tension bursts out and welcomes the guitar distortion in the QUEENSRYCHE vein raising more the standards of this debut. Glass World justifies the term Progressive in all its grandeur; tempo changes, high pitched vocals and the killer guitar hook are the first things that pop up in this one.
I cannot (and I won't) try to describe what will happen after the play button is pushed with this CD in. There is more than words can tell for the seven songs. You will find more to sink your teeth in as the albums progresses with many different audio 'tastes.' The combination of melody and heaviness is the main reason that made several webzines to describe it as 'the debut of the month' or as 'featured release' depending on the way similar things are presented. It is clear that LAZARUS have more to give and reveal in the next albums so, I am already seeking for the Awaken release. I think it is safe to say that the waiting for Episode One was worth it...