| Musical Style: Metal/Hard Rock | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2021 | Artist Website: Arclight |
| Tracks: 7 | Rating: 75% |
| Running Time: |
The Arclight self-titled debut demo EP from February of 2021 does a lot right. Production gets the job done in allowing an even separation of instrumentation, albeit a lack of big budget polish lends an element of overall thinness. Musicianship meets expectations as a power trio consisting of vocalist and guitarist Bryan Neal and bassist and keyboardist Chris Hyezda, whom are joined by three different drummers. Songwriting up to standard attributes to the Arclight consistency, with styles diverse as power/progressive metal, hard rock, thrash, instrumental metal and blues attributing to it written over a twenty-year time frame. The Arclight press material sums up best when it suggests fans of ‘Barren Cross, Sacred Warrior, Haven, Deliverance, Stryper, Whitecross, and Bloodgood might like our sound!’
Short acoustic instrumental opener “Ancient Prophecy” gives way to “Book Of Shadows”, seven minutes of consummate power/progressive metal in the vein of Theocracy and Northern Flame. It proves presuming from the get go, freewheeling in terms of pulsating riffs and technical drum intricacies but also home to a resilient melody to draw in with repeat play. An elevated instrumental run covering nearly half the songs length highlights Bryan Neal’s lightning-like guitar leads.
“Goliath” takes a straight on metal to hard rock heading. With jagged riffs covering its length, song reaches for the unyielding as pelting bass shores up the low-end and prevalent hooks play an assertive role. Best way to describe things might be Saint meets Rez Band. Vocals accordingly are of a mid-octave variety that while not mirroring the range of
the Matt Smith’s, Ted Leonard’s or Lance King’s of the world otherwise prove technical sound and solid.
“Curse Of Egypt” is of similar form but in a mid-tempo vein instead. It delivers variety in the form of heavier passages gashing to plodding guitars - noting how refrain reflects an anthem-like mentality - and others slowing to stilly done guitars, as found in the harmony driven instrumental moments. Vocals reach down low in aligning with the pensive feel to prevail.
“When The Devil Comes Home” brings a bluesy acoustic sentiment in similar vein as Van Halen’s “Ice Cream Man”. Acoustic guitar over record static in the backend to start, with the easy going feel preserved until gritty rhythm guitar explodes a minute and a half in to bolster the towering melody. Laid back but assured the rest of the way as Neal puts on display his earthy but engaging guitar sentiments.
Further lending to EP’s variety is eighties shred instrumental “Kerry”. It opens to the sound of a plane flying overhead ensued by a grooving bass line, transitioning its remaining distance between moments alive with catchy rhythms and those of an elegant nature to see plush keyboards play a decorative role. Satriani fans rejoice!
Title to three minute closer “Abide In Me” evokes images of a ‘mellow’ acoustic to keyboard driven worship rocker. Such, however, is not the case in that what we instead have is a Maiden-esque power metal style stomper with all the trimmings: galloping riffs, turbulent gumption and all the explosive guitar leads you would ask. What better way to end the EP in strong fashion.
Arclight equates to a solid debut EP from a promising band in which I hope to hear more from in the future. Yes, I enjoy the diversity - power/progressive metal, hard rock, blues and instrumental - but would also encourage the group to define its sound by narrowing in on one or two styles and stick with them on any future project it might record. Overall, I give Arclight and its self-titled debut EP a strong thumbs-up.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Ancient Prophecy” (1:42), “Book Of Shadows” (7:18), “Goliath’s Head” (4:09), “Curse Of Egypt” (5:45), “When The Devil Comes Home” (4:28), “Kerry” (4:44), “Abide In Me” (2:48)
Musicians
Bryan Neal - Lead Vocals, Rhythm and Lead Guitars
Chris Hvezda - Bass Guitars, Synthesizers & Programming
Dan Lanning - Drums and Percussion (tracks 2, 4 & 7)
Joshua Dodge - Drums (track 3)
Tyler Ollnau - Drums (track 5)
