| Musical Style: Heavy Metal | Produced By: Fotis Benardo & Diviner |
| Record Label: Ulterium | Country Of Origin: Greece |
| Year Released: 2019 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 80% |
| Running Time: 45:30 |
Diviner took the traditional and power metal scenes by storm with the November of 2015 release of its Ulterium Records debut full length Fallen Empires. With its goal to create metal that is “powerful, intense, deep, heavy, dark, inspired and sounds up to date at the same time” (as taken from the Diviner press material), the Athens, Greece based five-piece traces to the material that arose out of a summer of 2011 partnership between former Innerwish vocalist Yiannis Papanikolaou and current Innerwish guitarist Thimios Krikos. The two later recruited bassist Herc Booze along with guitarist George Maroulees and drummer Fragiskos Samoilis prior to signing with Ulterium and creating a work in Fallen Empires that ‘(brings the type of) robust heaviness as to be infectious’ and ‘(features) material with the near perfect coalescence of melody and technical leanings’ (referencing the 85% Angelic Warlord review).
More of the same on the Diviner June of 2019 sophomore effort Realms Of Time (also Ulterium). With the exception of the departed George Maroulees and his replacement Kostas Fitos, the album finds Diviner maintaining the continuity of the same lineup that draws upon the influence of Judas Priest, Accept, Dio, Iced Earth, Iron Maiden, Metal Church and others (again, as found in its press material). The Dio reference is of particular note, particularly as it pertains to Papanikolaou, whom brings a similar full bodied and effortless low tenor voice capable of a delicate melody or more aggressive snarling growl. Said Angelic Warlord review offers contemporaries Leandro Cacoilo (ex. Eterna) and Dale Anthony (Zaxas) as potential points of reference, although it deserves note Papanikolaou highlights a bit more raspy grit to his delivery when placed alongside.
Consider in this capacity opener “Against The Grain” from how it finds Papanikolaou revealing the full breadth to his voice, at times sweeping in soaring for the stratosphere and others earthier in reaching for some lower register angst. The song otherwise revels in the same attributes that made Fallen Empires such a solid release: heavy but technical proclivity with an equal emphasis on catchy hooks, all within a high energy and up-tempo metal framework.
“Heaven Falls” ups force to further levels as rhythm section makes a decisive - almost machine-like - statement, pinpointing the assertive timekeeping of Samoilis and ample bass attributing to Booze. An epic flair arises in the process, manifesting the darker in terms of an understated hook essence but leaning towards equal parts imposing if not outright sublime.
“Set Me Free” tempers with its weighty mid-paced metal impetus, touching upon the groove driven in terms of a forceful bottom heavy allure but also unrelenting in terms of the hard charging riff action to convey its strong-willed distance. Instrumentally, Diviner asserts the aggressive with a knife-like lead guitar penchant.
“The Earth, The Moon, The Sun” takes a power metal stance. It maintains a galloping flair throughout, staunch verse sections mirror the churning, but also hints of the palatial, as revealed in the intricately flowing refrain. Instrumental section impresses from how it morphs from the rumbling acoustic laced to choral vocals.
“Cast Down In Fire” ranks with this reviewers choice tracks. It begins with a classic metal guitar feel - catchy but unyielding in capacity - but also encompassing a swarthy register revealed in the engaging refrain (one of the albums strongest in my opinion). Of equal note is the bluesy guitar flavor instrumentally.
Double bass slugger “Beyond The Border” impresses of the progressive. Intricately woven, it highlights an instrumental aptitude - noting the minute long opening interlude urged by technical riffing - alongside sledgehammer guitars and smoother harmonies allowing a contrasting effect. Of note is how Papanikolaou reaches down to reveal the lower register side to his delivery.
“King Of Masquerade” magnifies tempo to a speed metal clip, breakneck charging through its verse sections - as always, adroit rhythm section is spot on - only to evenly progress to the punchy but lightly hook driven refrain. Tempo upraises as well, made plain in periodic outbursts of guitars with a thrash like quality. Shouted vocals adorning the final seconds give rise to a booming feel.
“Times” presents a change of pace with its melodic metal bent. The song proves tempered compared to some, with guitars continuing to make a forward statement, albeit of a more melodic structure in revolving around tight harmonies and melodies. Momentum correspondingly focuses on the elaborately mid-paced.
Back to straightforward metal territory with “The Voice From Within”, a meticulous cruncher in which a precise rhythm section and technical riff execution align to impart a melancholic if not moody effect. Choral vocals further build upon this. In particular, I enjoy the dual lead guitar to grace things instrumentally.
“Stargate” separates as one of the albums more interesting and outside the box. It certainly does not lack variety, starting its first minute to offbeat keyboards and acoustic guitar until rolling drums flow in to elevate further one of the finer Realms of Time melodies. The hard rocking rhythm guitars that step forward after two minutes soon morph back to a calmer, acoustic disposition. The Diviner creative side reveals on this one. Great song.
Realms Of Time adds up to another very good album from Diviner: two sings; two home runs. Fans of traditional to power metal will find a lot to like here, as will those that appreciate a light progressiveness. The raspy Dio influenced vocals are a plus, while same applies to Samoilis’ spot on timekeeping and adept Maroulees and Fitos guitar team. In the end, Diviner represents another quality band in the burgeoning European metal scene.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Against The Grain” (4:37), “Heaven Falls” (4:24), “Set Me Free” (4:12), “The Earth, The Moon, The Sun” (5:32), “Cast Down In Fire” (4:43), “Beyond The Border” (5:41), “King Of Masquerade” (4:19), “Time” (4:06), “The Voice From Within” (4:38), “Stargate” (4:55)
Musicians
Yiannis Papanikolaou - Lead Vocals
George Maroulees - Guitar
Kostas Fitos - Guitar
Herc Booze - Bass
Fragiskos Samoilis - Drums
