Rabbit's Hill, Part Two
Trick or Treat
TRICK OR TREAT is a Power Metal band from Modena, Italy. Formed in 2002, they were originally a tribute band to genre legends HELLOWEEN. "Rabbit's Hill, Pt. 2" is the band's fourth studio album, and features guest musicians Tony Kakko (SONATA ARCTICA), Tim "Ripper" Ownens, and Sara Squadrani (ANCIENTS BARDS, AYREON). The album contains eleven tracks. Opening song "Inle (The Black Rabbit of Death)" has that familiar Power Metal sound, with galloping drums, swift moving fast picked guitars, and a lead vocalist with a high tenor voice. You can also hear Classical influence in some of the ways that the chords connect, something else that is akin to the style. However, the vocals fry was a surprise for sure. They work just fine in really any style of Metal though. "Together Again" has a jovial and melodic opening, like birds chirping at the start of a warm spring day. Alessandro's voice is really quite charming. He has a great range and his pitch is just perfect. Sweet like sugar, it magnifies the memorability of the song for sure.
"Cloudrider" has a positive and upbeat sound and a chorus that delivers daggers of harmony into your very spirit, healing your woes and setting you back up to face the world with renewed vigor. "Never Say Goodbye" is another slower and more introspective piece that uses clean guitars in the verses and the captivating voice of Sara Squadrani in support. This song lends itself perfectly for additional vocals and they really add to the emotional impact. "Beware the Train" is an instrumental full with layers and allowing the band to show off some chops and have some fun along the way. "United" sounds like an anthem of sorts, raising your bejeweled chalice high to the Gods in Valhalla, awaiting their blessing before you send you troops to battle the evil dragon that has taken over your hallowed lands. "The Showdown" is another song that registers in an upbeat range and swirls with harmonies and light. Another song that hints at battle, honor and glory, it's an epic eleven minutes in length and takes a variety of different directions. The delicate fade-out towards the end is on point.
"Last Breath" closes the album. I think these more tender songs are the forte on the album. Though they do a convincing job with the faster, galloping pieces, and their musicianship is strong, the melodies seem to flow easier in these slower songs. Overall it's a pleasing album in the genre. Thought it's not anything new in terms of innovativeness, the band's energy and skills make up the difference.
7 / 10
Good
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Rabbit's Hill, Part Two" Track-listing:
1. Inle (The Black Rabbit Of Death)
2. Together Again
3. Cloudrider
4. Efrafa
5. Never Say Goodbye
6. The Great Escape
7. They Must Die
8. Beware The Train
9. United
10. The Showdown
11. Last Breath
Trick or Treat Lineup:
Alessandro Conti - Vocals
Guido Benedetti - Guitar
Luca Venturelli - Guitar
Leone Villani Conti - Bass
Luca Setti - Drums
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