That genius chorus in “The other way”… Darn, how the heck did he conceive it? How…? A while ago we had presented the promo album and mentioned all about Kostas Falieros, the musician, the singer, the creator. He literally took one dead issue – songs of a band long inactive – got back to the studio, on his own this time, re-writing and re-arranging that material, composing new songs, recording, taking care of everything…
Kostas is a guitar teacher, his knowledge in theory and practice are de facto respected. It is that amount of knowledge that allows him to make music, to flourish songs… I’m listening to the swordy riff of “Break the chain” and instantly comprehend that this is one mighty hybrid of European Metal and American extensions. The whole album motif is all about baroque paths and valleys and his solos feature a bit of Malmsteen’s magic. When doing the promo review, I was mentioning that Kostas is not a singer, yet his knowledge gives him the advantage to sing like a singer! Just hear how he transforms into a first class vocalist in “Long gone”, a very special ballad…
“The 3rd alternative” is our flying carpet to the land of epic readings, it’s like an anthem like “Where dragons rule” meets a pomp, almost AORish, chorus… Could I suggest to him a song for a video… that song would be it! Before I know it and the song is over, “Riding to freedom” has already grabbed my neck; it’s equally epic and grand, featuring a thunderous tempo.
“Land of fire” intro is majestic, with all those “Eastern” melodies; the Greek motif of Phrygian melodies? Who knows… Very interesting vocal melody line, the whole album is full of those.
“On my side” is a real catapult; its riff is galloping and galloping… Then it’s off to another multi-melodic chorus and a theatrical bridge… Sleeve writes that if those songs speak to us even a lil’ bit then the whole attempt was worth it. So, what will happen if I say I have already loved those songs?
