WALLS OF BABYLON are a progressive power metal band hailing from Italy. Several members had previously worked together in the similar prog-metal group DEATH RIDERS, but sought to delve deeper into the powerprog elements through WALLS OF BABYLON. The band got their start in 2012 and unleashed their debut album "The Dark Embrace" in 2015, via Revalve Records. Now the group has recently released their sophomore album titled "A Portrait of Memories."

Musically speaking, the album has some really powerful moments. "Starving Soul" starts out sounding somewhat similar to NEVERMORE, with a heavy guitar driven rhythm accompanied by some delicate harmonies provided by lead guitarist Francesco Pellegrini, who's playing is highlighted throughout the album. Bassist Matteo Caravana provides some extra punch to the band's sound, at times adding depth to the rhythms while accenting the melodies with tasteful riffs in other parts. "My Disguise" begins with a heavy use of electronic keys and orchestration before jumping into a groove section. Again we hear some nice leads to accompany the rhythm sections scattered throughout the song. Vocalist Valerio Gaoni shows some powerful vocals throughout the album, but there are times when they seem a bit misplaced. He rarely sings in a lower- or middle-register, and while he does have a good voice, it can be a bit overpowering in sections.

There are some distinguished moments from each member heard throughout the album. Moments in "Sacred Terror" show the proficiency of both the drummer and bassist, while songs like "Treason" showcase the guitarists ability to write emotive solos, rather than simply shredding through every song. The production value of the album is done quite well, with crystal clarity that allows each instrument to shine. The overall structure seems a bit formulaic, but the instrumentation is rather strong and proves that each player is skilled at what they do. While the vocals may not be for everyone, he is certainly a strong singer capable of providing soaring power metal vocals. If you're a fan of power-prog, you should definitely check this album out.