STONECAST is a Power/Prog Metal band from France who've recently released their third full-length "I Earther."  While they aren't exactly a household name, the dexterity of the group's music has been impressive, with 2013's concept work "Heroikos" taking on many flavors and speeds, but all relating to some version of modern Progressive Metal.  While they had the benefit of working with Rhino from MANOWAR on that disc, they have taken on another legend in the business, producer Roy Z who has worked with Bruce Dickinson, JUDAS PRIEST, HELLOWEEN and many more breakout metal acts.

Out of the gate, "Captors of Insanity" does have the feel of Roy's work with HALFORD, in the way he fused Rob's Traditional Metal sound into the new age of Nu-Metal.  The production is a lot busier than their previous work, with a lot competing for the top end of the spectrum.  Founding member Franck Ghirardi's vocals tend to lay on top without fully blending in the mix.  He's no Halford, but still has chops and sacrifices some of that intensity for more of laid-back vibe.

"Goddess of Rain" is a strong track and more of a Power Metal speedshow with some spotlight moments from Ghirardi.  "The Cherokee" is, of course, a take on the American Indian plight, a subject that has fascinated many-a-Euro Power band like RUNNING WILD.  It's not entirely tone-deaf, but it is certainly romanticized in tone.  There's an acoustic solo that adds an unexpected layer, but unfortunately gets over-powered a bit.  "The Earther" has a "Final Countdown" vibe to it, it's solid Melodic Rock with some catchy vocal phrasing that could be at home on the next JOURNEY or IRON MAIDEN record.

The MANOWAR influence can be heard the strongest on the battle hymn "Animal Reign," and the follow-up acoustic soliloquy "Forevermore," that has Ghirardi channeling Eric Adams' tender side.  There is a clever vocal phrase at the end that made me wish the song was expanded upon in this form, but it soon transitions to "Precipice of Hell," another strong, albeit standard, melodic head-nodder with some adroit guitar-playing from Seb Casula and Bob Saliba.  "Resistance" is another allegory for invading occupying forces taking over.  The subject matter and the concept overall is appreciated given the circumstances in which we find ourselves today.

Overall, this one is for fans of bands like CRYONIC TEMPLE, EDGUY, IRON SAVIOR, bands that combine the melodic core of the 80's with a kind of mid-tempo progressive metal backing.  You won't find much new here, but it's worth a listen.  The artwork rules, too!<