2023-04-25 06:00:46
Medevil – Mirror in the Darkness
Origin: Chilliwack / You have
Release: 07.04.2023
Label: self-release
Duration: 55:58
Genre: Progessive Metal
It must be really good when I reach into the progressive box. In case of Medevil I was convinced by the quality and the perfect hardness. The fact that this album is also being self-released only makes the guys even more likeable.
The Canadians formed in 2014 and released their debut album two years later. Powerful Progressive Metal was presented on the debut, which was pervaded by typical metallic riffs.
Mirror in the Darkness So it took a long time and seems more mature and broader. But before moving on to the musical analysis, we must point out that drummers Chris Malcolmson died unexpectedly following the recording was finished. Medevil have therefore dedicated the album to him.
Dark, hard and broader
This headline actually sums up the second album perfectly. The progressive metal still reacts superficially, yes Medevil brought many new influences. Mirror in the Darkness starts dark and almost perfect with Dead Before Birthwhich you HERE can listen to.
Of course, the opener and the following are Among Thieves a bit bulky, but it all sounds perfectly coordinated. The riff massacre, the oppressive bass and the perfect drumming are crowned by Liam Collingwoods singing. It has a special organ and sounds a bit like a mixture Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth von Overkill and the grater voice of Udo Dirkschneider.
A band through the ages
But the above-mentioned musical change compared to the debut is not missing following seven years between the albums. At the latest with Pray for Me and The Signal adds a modern touch of alternative rock to the compositions. Nevertheless, the progressive note is always maintained and the guitars riff so hard that a touch of Thrash Metal blows by. Especially the rhythm and the melody of Pray for Me did it to me The track can HERE be heard.
But nothing is more constant than change. After a short intro called Smoke and Mirrors there is once more a dark and bulky bite in the form of Weight of the Crown. The song, which deals with the heavy responsibility of power, is dark and allows the front man to let off steam in all facets.
Despite all the progressive heaviness, the title track pleases Mirror in the Darkness immediately. The reason is the initially lively 3/4 time, which has to give way to a rhythmic declaration of war. Melodies and heaviness are rightly married to the title track.
Energy and ideas to the end
Medevil change when short Gateways back into more modern realms and also Veiled takes a long run before the riffs arrive. Veiled is characterized by the grooving rhythm instruments bass and drums. I don’t find the built-in electronic effects that successful. I find the vibrations on the vocal line particularly annoying. But maybe that’s intentional, because the song is regarding change and the problems of accepting it. A constant game of trial, fall and resurrection.
The final No Peace in Rest starts with a tight reef wall in the face. Again, the frontman sings like it Udo Dirkschneider would not bring across scratchy. The song grooves without end and carries clear, pure moments and orchestral, melodic moments in the course of more than nine minutes. While the guitars chase each other at first, the song turns into a huge melange in which even the keyboard gets its solo. No Peace in Rest is a musical overhaul, beyond genre boundaries and just beautiful.
Conclusion
Medevil have expanded musically on their second album. Mirror in the Darkness is ostensibly Progressive Metal, but if you take a closer look it offers an amazing musical depth. The album is recommended for friends of the hard riff as well as connoisseurs. 8,5 / 10
Line Up
Liam Collingwood – Life
Gary Cordsen – Leadgitarre
Chris Malcolmson – drums
Eric Wesa – bass, backing vocals
Brett Gibbs – rhythm guitar, lead guitar, backing vocals
Tracklist
01. Dead Before Birth
02. Among Thieves
03. Pray for Me
04. The Signal
05. Smoke and Mirrors
06. Weight of the Crown
07. Mirror in the Darkness
08. Gateways
09. Veiled
10. No Peace in Rest
Links
Facebook Medevil
Instagram Medevil
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