Exorcism

Well well, the first thing that strikes is the awful coverart... it looks like it's been done by a 13 years old boy experimenting with a photo retouching application. Anyway, it's not a big deal, but they should really be a bit more careful I think. Now an other interesting thing, on the back of the album there's a note that says : "This album was recorded live with a very few overdubs on solos and vocals". Interesting to know, but is it used as an excuse for the production ? I don't really know. Anyway, under the circumstance I think the production is okay, but it could be better (especially the mix on some tracks). Now about the music itself, they play Heavy /Power Metal. The guitars players have for sure been strongly influences by Iron Maiden, for proof the starting guitar melody on their second track Turn Of The Fortune. Another influence, at least for the vocal melodies would be Helloween. There are many songs I really like on this album and I believe that the bands have a lot of talent, but they need to finish their product a bit more, more work on vocals, be more careful on arrangements, a better mix (the sound is powerful, but the mix is a bit clumsy sometimes) and drums that doesn't sound like a child's toy (a few times only... but still). The song variety is interesting and they certainly don't lack power and efficiency. As for the guitars, they hold the key to their sound, good classical heavy riffs, and Maiden like melodies. The solos are a little bit easy and you can predict the way they will turn, and although some are quite interesting, most tend to be a bit unoriginal. An album with good influences (especially the NWOBHM strong touch) and Gallows Pole delivers good emotional songs. Still I believe that if they take care of some above mentioned weaknesses (including coverart ;)) they could be even better. A quite good album : give it a try.