Published on Feb 28, 2000
Progressive metal is a genre that seems to have been overlooked
of late. Maybe it’s because there have been so many groups trying
to get noticed in this genre that everything tends to blur
together. Put it this way: the only progressive “hard rock” band I
can immediately think of is Dream Theater. ‘Nuff said.
Somehow, I don’t think that Demons & Wizards, a side project
featuring two of the more recognizable names in the genre, will
have that same problem. This self-titled effort is an amazing disc
that is both commercial and dark, and should breathe some new life
into the category.
The brainchild of guitarist Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth) and
vocalist/bassist Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian), this pairing
is everything that proponents of the genre have been promising that
it would be. It’s a combination of powerful songwriting (without
sacrificing the darker, death-themed tones of the lyrics), intense
playing and singing that reminds me of Klaus Meine of the
Scorpions. Put that all together, and you have one hell of a band –
and you have me hoping the collaboration won’t stop with this one
album.
Once you hit the opening lines of “Heaven Denies,” featuring the
incredible drum work of Mark Prator,
Demons & Wizards crackles to life like a high tension
wire that has power restored to it. Kürsch’s vocals are
absolutely all-powerful, making me wonder why Blind Guardian hasn’t
become a major force in the metal genre to be reckoned with. The
same can be said for Schaffer’s guitar work; his chops are
incredibly meaty, and he helps bring this material to life. (Credit
should also be given to the album’s producer Jim Morris, who also
contributes some lead guitar work.)
How engrossing is
Demons & Wizards? Put it this way: it wasn’t until I was
on my third listen that I realized how dark some of the lyrics
were. Kürsch’s vocals are so good that you might find yourself
caught up in their beauty and majesty and not in the message of the
songs. I’ll say this much: usually lyrics of this nature are
covered up with distortion-laden, double-bass pumping instrumental
work that seems to fit the mood. If anything, maybe we could say
this music represents the angels with bent halos.
I’ve been listening to metal for the better part of the last two
decades, and
Demons & Wizards is one of the best new discs I’ve heard
come down the pipeline. Don’t allow this disc to fall to the
wayside because metal isn’t in vogue right now. Pick it up, listen
to it… fall in love with this disc. It’s incredibly easy to
do.