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│ METAL CLASSICS ARCHIVE │
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│ P R E S E N T S │
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│ + Allos - Spiritual Battle + │
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│╔═════════════════════╗ │
│║ Release Information ║ │
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│║ ║ │
│║ Release Date.Sep-10-2014 Encoder......L3.97 -V2 --vbr-new ║ │
│║ Genre........Metal Graber.......EAC ║ │
│║ Year.........2012 Khz/Bitrate..44,1/ Br ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Ripper.......anthem Songs........10 ║ │
│║ Covers.......Yes Url... n/a ║ │
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│╔═════════════════════╗ │
│║ Release Notes ║ │
│╠═════════════════════╩══════════════════════════════════════════╗ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Artist : Allos Rating : You Decide! ║ │
│║ Album : Spiritual Battle Label : Allos ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ ║ │
│╠════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Description : ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ HereÆs a what if for you: LetÆs say you take a ║ │
│║ foundation of epic and symphonic power metal and ║ │
│║ fuse it with some neo-classical, progressive and ║ │
│║ speed metal overtones- sort of like the best ║ │
│║ aspects of Theocracy, Narnia, Golden ║ │
│║ Resurrection and HB rolled into one. Would ║ │
│║ anyone step up to that counter? ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ No doubt this reviewer would be the first to ║ │
│║ volunteer! Those who also happen to be fans of ║ │
│║ the previously referenced bands - and ║ │
│║ corresponding styles therein - would do ║ │
│║ themselves a favor by checking out Spiritual ║ │
│║ Battle, the independently released 2012 full ║ │
│║ length debut from Belo Horizonte, Brazil based ║ │
│║ Allos. The group proves one of the few ║ │
│║ ôdiamondsö in what has been at times a ôroughö ║ │
│║ Brazilian Christian metal scene, but to their ║ │
│║ credit they manage to sidestep many of the ║ │
│║ pitfalls plaguing the region in terms of shaky ║ │
│║ production, even shakier vocals and at times ║ │
│║ mixed songwriting. ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ One of the standout qualities to Spiritual ║ │
│║ Battle is its consistency in that it presents ║ │
│║ with no skip buttons or filler tracks. Rather, ║ │
│║ you will encounter eight full length pieces and ║ │
│║ two short instrumentals in which Allos artfully ║ │
│║ traverses power and progressive metal territory ║ │
│║ but some variety thrown in. ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ If interested in a classy power metal sound then ║ │
│║ look no further than ôMirror Of Deep Watersö ║ │
│║ (standing out with its symphonic elements) and ║ │
│║ ôPower Of Choiceö (characterized by its epic ║ │
│║ penchant). These two cannot help but bring to ║ │
│║ mind Theocracy. ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ ôJourneyö reflects some Narnia-like ║ │
│║ progressiveness (without coming across contrived ║ │
│║ in the process) while ôThe Heroö and ôSpiritual ║ │
│║ Battleö are speed metal laced barn burners ║ │
│║ standing out with catchy chorus hooks and neo- ║ │
│║ classical leanings (sort of like the faster ║ │
│║ Golden Resurrection material). ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Allos can also slow the tempo on the more semi- ║ │
│║ ballad feel of ôEverlasting Loveö and ôMy ║ │
│║ Spiritö. HB deserves mention, and not just for ║ │
│║ the use of keyboards and classical ║ │
│║ instrumentation, but also due to the former ║ │
│║ featuring some soprano (almost operatic) female ║ │
│║ vocals that hint of Johanna Aaltonen. The ║ │
│║ latter, in contrast, highlight rich baritone ║ │
│║ backing vocals. ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ The lone constructive comment is that Spiritual ║ │
│║ Battle is a bit ballad heavy (3 out of the 8 ║ │
│║ full length pieces are semi-ballads when ║ │
│║ factoring that there is also a Portuguese ║ │
│║ version of ôEverlasting Loveö entitled ôEterno ║ │
│║ Presenteö). Perhaps the group could have given ║ │
│║ us another power/progressive metal number ║ │
│║ instead and relegated ôEterno Presenteö to bonus ║ │
│║ track status. ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ It also must be noted how Spiritual Battle takes ║ │
│║ a bit of time in order to grow on you: nine to ║ │
│║ ten listens being my experience. Not that there ║ │
│║ is reason to fault this, but the fact is with ║ │
│║ ôThe Heroö and ôSpiritual Battleö being the lone ║ │
│║ exceptions, the material here does not bring ║ │
│║ immediately recognizable melodies that might ║ │
│║ pull you in at once. In no way does this mean ║ │
│║ the songs here are any less laudable (the ║ │
│║ quality being that each track is able to stand ║ │
│║ part from the rest), but rather that a bit of ║ │
│║ patience is due. ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Vocalist Celso Alves represents one of the ║ │
│║ standout qualities to Allos. The guy, to put it ║ │
│║ bluntly, is a top of the line talent and not ║ │
│║ just from the standpoint of the Brazilian metal ║ │
│║ scene but the metal scene overall regardless of ║ │
│║ classification or genre. Some have compared him ║ │
│║ to Edu Falaschi (Angra) - and rightly so! - but ║ │
│║ I hear some Lance King elements in his delivery ║ │
│║ as well in that he can go for a high note with ║ │
│║ ease but can also touch upon some lower register ║ │
│║ grit. Either way, we have an exciting new vocal ║ │
│║ talents whom I see being a force to be reckoned ║ │
│║ with for years to come. ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Musicianship, as a matter of fact, is an overall ║ │
│║ strength. I particularly enjoy the symphonic ║ │
│║ qualities to keyboardist Wilmer Richard (who ║ │
│║ also knows when to add some well timed piano), ║ │
│║ but it is guitarist Junior Oliveira that stands ║ │
│║ out. At this point it must be noted how Allos ║ │
│║ displays a deft instrumental touch in which the ║ │
│║ two display their abilities, such as on ôMirror ║ │
│║ Of Deep Watersö with its lead guitar and ║ │
│║ keyboard duel. The albums title track and ║ │
│║ ôPower Of Choiceö feature some ripping soloing ║ │
│║ as well. Helping to round out the Allos sound ║ │
│║ are the previously referenced soprano female ║ │
│║ vocals of Fernanda Ohara, who appears on several ║ │
│║ tracks. ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Allos has gotten off to quite the laudable start ║ │
│║ on Spiritual Battle, a worthwhile debut ║ │
│║ characterized by strengths in the areas of lead ║ │
│║ vocals, production and songwriting. If ║ │
│║ anything, I cannot help but get excited for the ║ │
│║ future of this group when factoring in the ║ │
│║ talent at hand. I am looking forward to hearing ║ │
│║ more from Allos! ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Track By Track ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ ôMirror Of Deep Watersö represents a good ║ │
│║ indicator of the Allos sound, with its joining ║ │
│║ of orchestral elements, symphonic keyboards and ║ │
│║ turbulent guitars. Chorus is succinct but ║ │
│║ euphoniously done while a pointed lead guitar ║ │
│║ and keyboard duel carry the instrumental ║ │
│║ moments. I am somewhat reminded of Theocracy ║ │
│║ here. ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ ôPower Of Choiceö moves at the more forthright ║ │
│║ tempo. You will find some variances here, ║ │
│║ including some over-the-top epic leanings joined ║ │
│║ with neo-classical overtures (particularly for ║ │
│║ the extended instrumental interlude) baritone ║ │
│║ backing vocals (that help lend an operatic feel) ║ │
│║ and a double bass driven chorus (which adds to ║ │
│║ the swiftly moving scene). Again, Theocracy ║ │
│║ fans will delight. Lyric snippet: ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ The wind blows in many directions ║ │
│║ We canÆt let ourselves be carried away ║ │
│║ WeÆve the power of choice in our hands ║ │
│║ In the sword is the fate of the soul ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Guardians of heaven and Earth ║ │
│║ Awake us from the illusion ║ │
│║ Lord, come to vanish the darkness ║ │
│║ The light of truth will guide us ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ ôJourneyö takes a progressive heading. The song ║ │
│║ starts instrumentally to a calm melding of ║ │
│║ acoustic guitars and classical instrumentation. ║ │
│║ After a minute, however, staunch guitars kick in ║ │
│║ and turn the song into a full born rocker in ║ │
│║ which some of the albums heavier moments occur. ║ │
│║ The only let up in tempo is the presence of ║ │
│║ occasional soprano female vocals. ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ A semi-ballad approach is taken on ôEverlasting ║ │
│║ Loveö. Ethereal and majestic, the song starts ║ │
│║ to more female vocals with piano and voila ║ │
│║ decorating the backdrop. When Alves takes over ║ │
│║ on vocals, impetus picks up as things slowly ║ │
│║ drift forward until a flowing chorus interwoven ║ │
│║ with an intent rhythm guitar is obtained. HB ║ │
│║ cannot help but come to mind. Lyric snippet: ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Everlasting love involves my being ║ │
│║ In Your horizon I will rest ║ │
│║ Lead my walking to the restful waters ║ │
│║ Live in my heart ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Softly the breeze comes and touches my soul ║ │
│║ I breathe the airs of a dream ║ │
│║ In the wings of the Most High, my shelter ║ │
│║ The endless daybreak shines in my eyes ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ An unrelenting tempo can be found on ôThe Heroö. ║ │
│║ This one almost approaches speed metal ║ │
│║ territory with its powering double bass and ║ │
│║ spirited riffing but can also gives rise to some ║ │
│║ neo-classical touches. Chorus proves quite ║ │
│║ catchy with its accessible hook driven ║ │
│║ components. Golden Resurrection is the first ║ │
│║ name that comes to mind. ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ ôMy Spiritö hints of ôEverlasting Loveö with its ║ │
│║ semi-ballad feel. The song opens its first two ║ │
│║ minutes to a still combination of acoustic ║ │
│║ guitars and classical instrumentation. At just ║ │
│║ the moment you think the entire length of ôMy ║ │
│║ Spiritö to be mellow, momentum abruptly picks up ║ │
│║ to staunch guitars and baritone backing vocals ║ │
│║ to set heavier tone, albeit with periodic calmer ║ │
│║ moments in which keyboards and orchestration ║ │
│║ appears. Lyric snippet: ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ I am the tree of Life ║ │
│║ Harvest the fruit of my Spirit and get the ║ │
│║ eternal life ║ │
│║ When He looks at you, my Father will see us like ║ │
│║ one ║ │
│║ And because I live you shall also live ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ A servant is not great than his lord ║ │
│║ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute ║ │
│║ you ║ │
│║ In the world you will have tribulations ║ │
│║ But IÆve overcome the world ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Things close to the albums satisfying speed ║ │
│║ metal laced title track. Similar to ôThe Heroö ║ │
│║ this one brings big hooks galore and the same ║ │
│║ unrelenting tempo that makes the faster material ║ │
│║ from Golden Resurrection so special. Adding to ║ │
│║ the mercurial scene are more classically done ║ │
│║ keyboards and a stretch of fitting fast fingered ║ │
│║ lead guitar. Topping things off is a piano ║ │
│║ driven passage at the halfway point that brings ║ │
│║ to mind Kerry LivgrenÆs ôGround Zeroö (off his ║ │
│║ 1980 solo release Seeds Of Change). Lyric ║ │
│║ snippet: ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Soldiers of the Almighty Lord ║ │
│║ WeÆll see the sunrise and the glory of God ║ │
│║ Do the best under the LordÆs command thatÆs ║ │
│║ above death and life ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Spiritual Battle! DonÆt be afraid and fight! ║ │
│║ Spiritual Battle! The victory is coming for you! ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Perseverance and faith overflow the soul ║ │
│║ They fortify the spirit ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Musicians ║ │
│║ Celso Alves - Vocals ║ │
│║ Junior Oliveira - Guitars ║ │
│║ Edley Winderson - Bass ║ │
│║ Wilmer Richard - Keyboards ║ │
│║ Wallace Ryan - Drums ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ Additional Musicians ║ │
│║ Fernanda Ohara - Vocals ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ ║ │
│║ ║ │
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│╔═════════════════════╗ │
│║ Release Tracklist ║ │
│╚═════════════════════╩══════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ │
│ 01 - Unknown [00:42] │
│ 02 - Mirror Of Deep Waters [04:31] │
│ 03 - Power Of Choice [05:00] │
│ 04 - Journey [05:17] │
│ 05 - Everlasting Love [05:26] │
│ 06 - The Hero [04:40] │
│ 07 - My Spirit [04:22] │
│ 08 - Eterno Presente [05:26] │
│ 09 - The Call Of Time [00:43] │
│ 10 - Spiritual Battle [05:42] │
│ │
│ Total Length : [41:49 minn │
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│ ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ │
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│ ╔═════════════════════╗ │
│ ║ Greetings To: ║ │
│ ╚═════════════════════╝ │
│ │
│ Too all people who contributes to make this │
│ archive of good music in a exceptional conditions │
│ │
│ │
│ │
│■ ■│
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘