HELION- The Shores of Evermore

HELION is one of the newest additions to the new wave of finnish prog metal, and very well it sounds, too. Now, I have always had a soft spot for Finnish metal- as far as it's not Synergy :-)) but these guys do an excellent job on this 4 track demo that landed in my mailbox recently. The guys appear to have some serious musical education, and this explains the quality of this demo, which is excellent. The 4 tracks have been carefully chosen to illustrate the wide opening of this talened band, andthe result should land them a record deal- they do deserve it!
The first track, named " Dungeon" is the heaviest tune of the four,with some strong riffing and powerful vocals from Kim Hogberg. The sequel, entitled " Sands of Time" is more progressive, with great accoustic guitars and violins, yet rather heavy except for the mellow chorus line, with a singing a la Dickinson. i think i detect some Amorphis influences in the guitarwork, and the result is tight and well put together. The third of the lot is very long- over 7 minutes of epic "Shadows of the night". Another progressive song with atmospheric keyboard parts, and not only, great lyrics and many interesting changes of rhythm and instruments. The last of the disc is a balad called "Hope" which goes pretty well for a ballad. It's probably here where my well known nastyness comes out to say that this song does nothing for me, but it's quiteobvious that the power of this otherwise high quality ballad may just as well catch the band some airplay, as it is a very commercial sounding song indeed. On the good side of it, it has been done very well , professionally and with no cheese whatsoever, and that is a serious good note for any european bands nowadays. If there is such thing as good taste in the music industry, this band should get a deal- and FAST!!
7.8/10
Simona Thrussell
to find out more about Helion, click here