Embedded Files
CELESTIAL WIZARD “Regenesis”
CELESTIAL WIZARD “Regenesis”
By Dr. Abner Mality
I remember the last record from this Denver band as being pretty good stuff. I’m happy to see that “Regenesis” keeps the good times rolling with a tougher than usual band of American power metal. Don’t be fooled by cover art done by the same guy who did silly bands like ALESTORM, GLORYHAMMER and VICTORIOUS. CELESTIAL WIZARD are not cosplay metal.
There’s a strong melo-death aspect to “Regenesis”, with the band resembling the likes of DARK TRANQUILITY and early IN FLAMES more than typical Euro-power metal. The guitar is extra crunchy and focused on the power of the riff instead of fruity melodies. The vocals of Amethyst Noir are harsh and raspy for ¾ of the duration, with clean vocals only being used sparingly. Despite an emphasis on heavy crunch, the melodies are still here and there’s no reason any power metal fan should dislike CELESTIAL WIZARD unless they’re completely addicted to cheese.
Top tracks here are the Western-tinged melo-death of “Pale Rider”, the thrash-injected “Into the Abyss” and “Shores of Eternity”, which features some absolutely screaming lead guitar. There are a couple of tracks where a constant barrage of vocals gets weary, like “Wicked Master” and “Emerald Eyes”, but there’s no song so off that you feel like hitting the skip button. All in all, CELESTIAL WIZARD remains a very promising U.S. power metal act.
Report abuse