| Musical Style: Melodic Heavy Metal | Produced By: Gordon Tittsworth & Steve Dorssom |
| Record Label: Pavement Entertainment | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2018 | Artist Website: Images Of Eden |
| Tracks: 12 | Rating: 95% |
| Running Time: 65:20 |
Images Of Eden is back but with a newfound melodic heavy metal designation on its August of 2018 Pavement Entertainment fourth full length album Soulrise. Distancing itself from the progressive aptitude - even if slightly - of previous efforts Rebuilding The Ruins and Sunlight Of The Spirit from 2011 and 2006, respectively, the Phoenix, Arizona based five piece has switched gears towards a sound I relate to as not only that much more accessible (referencing the melodic facet) but heavier as well (the metal aspect). When further factoring how Images Of Eden also lends itself to light modern nuances and even occasional moments of ballad-like AOR, it strategically places itself in position to expand upon what amounts an already established and well rounded fan base.
What has not changed is how Images Of Eden remains a project of founding member and front man, rhythm/acoustic guitarist and composer Gordon Tittsworth, whom continues to bring (as noted in previous reviews) an emotional but passionate classic tenor vocal style that proves the perfect vehicle to convey the groups faith based message. In the albums liner notes, he ‘thanks ‘God, and everything that He has done within me’, while guitarist Carlos Urquidi also thanks ‘my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’ and drummer Steve Dorssom ‘the man upstairs for continually watching over me’. The group further sums things up by thanking ‘God for bringing us all together to deliver His word’.
The Images Of Eden press material offers further detail in terms of where it is coming in terms of expressing its faith:
“Each release from Images Of Eden is a chapter in the tale of a life’s journey, dealing specifically with the trials and darkness that each of us must face in this world, each track is meant to inspire the listener to overcome these obstacles through human perseverance strengthened by guidance from above. The distinct vision that gives Images Of Eden its identity is about drawing strength and determination from faith to see us through our toughest times, but what makes Images Of Eden stand out as one of a kind is that its message is simultaneously accessible to everyone while still speaking to the listener on a very personal level.”
Opener “Harvest Day” does a good job fulfilling the group’s newfound heavier musical calling. This indicates in the arresting guitars that impel it front to back alongside an every bit pronounced low end as distant keyboards lend a lightening effect. As with many cuts here, feel borders on traditional heavy metal.
Not so on follow up cut “Let Me Die Young”, which with its piano based opening speaks of the ballad-like but later morphs into a classy melodic hard rocker that while not quite as heavy delivers its share of muscle all the same. Refrain in particular digs and bites as guitars snarl in the backend. Urquidi lends a fleetly done stretch of lead guitar.
“Shield Me”, of which the group released a single, represents a return to all out metal territory. The song affects from the get go with its striking air albeit not without forsaking melody, as found in the airy vocal harmonies to grace its imposing refrain. Similar to “Harvest Day”, keyboards play a faint but flattering role.
“Only Human” stands out as another contentious mauler. With several seconds of searing feedback to start, it contrasts from its three predecessors with its scrapping mid-paced heading in building up the thick and weighty over periodic darkly tinctures spoken word portions. No, this might not be albums catchiest but it is powerful all the same.
“Moonrise” represents the first Soulrise excursion into ballad territory. Acoustic guitar, piano and orchestration define what amounts a lush setting, with layer upon layer of vocal harmonies building up the conspicuous melody at hand. Tittsworth unveils the full breadth to his soaring vocal abilities in the process.
Back to melodic heavy metal with “Godless”, a lower register - do I dare say down tuned? - and darkly tinctured track that also touches upon the mid-paced. Of note are the meticulous guitar melodies to decorate its length not to mention the precise timekeeping of Dorrsom throughout. A very solid manner to end albums first half, noting the best is yet to come.
Starting with “Once We Believed”, a cut owing more to AOR and finely honed melodic rock as opposed to the signature Images Of Eden all out metal. It works, however, in reflecting the group’s reticent side, as ample doses of piano and breathing bass coalesce with understated rhythm guitars to make a composed if not grandiose statement. I particularly appreciate how things culminate near the end to a crescendo of battering drums.
Cleverly entitled “Twice Upon A Time” takes a technical metal bent but within a melodic framework. Not quite heavy as some here but no less able, it emphasizes catchy melodies and smooth harmonies in equal portions as undercurrents of knife like bass set the sophisticated tone. The groups progressive roots also begin to manifest, revealed in the multiple instrumental portions and calmer passage near the end to feature grand piano.
“All Is Now Forgiven” comes across in the form of a melodic hard rock semi ballad. First minute is instrumental, with acoustic guitar at the start giving way to heavier rhythm guitar before piano carries things to the opening verses. Mid-tempo but moving as it drifts forward, “All Is Now Forgiven” takes the engaging qualities to the next level as echoing vocal melodies and occasional piano lend to the ornate setting at hand.
“Waiting For The Sky To Fall” also starts acoustically but instead visits straight on hard rock territory as guitars take a bluesy slant. Gritty and rugged in form, it plows its length in driving fashion while sidestepping the repetitious, which establishes in the catchy ‘so once and for all, stop waiting for the sky to fall’ refrain. Not quite polished as some, this one separates all the same with its inviting courser proclivities.
Soulrise closes to its two lengthiest and most progressive tracks in “And Then There Was One” and “Soulrise”. A full seven minutes, former moves forward to reticent piano and orchestration until guitars step forward two minutes in and take a more forward stance. Songs final half reflects those progressive nuances, drifting between extended instrumental moments and others lighter as piano calmly returns to lead the way. I can see prime Kansas doing something like this.
Albums momentous title track comes in at just under ten in breaking down into four ‘parts’. First, “Coming Home”, sets the progressive metal stage with its driving guitars and airy choir vocals but does not back from the melodic with an epic refrain that has Theocracy written all over it. “Beyond The Firmament”, second, ups aggression to near speed metal levels in featuring an instrumental run in which fiery lead guitar blazes over double bass, while third, “Welcome Home”, tempers with its joining of acoustic guitar and even rhythm guitars as “Soulrise” reaches its emotional peak with its enchanting ‘rise, soul rise, let your soul rise’ refrain. Aptly entitled part four “Reunion” highlights ‘voices from beyond’ of lost family and friends.
As noted, the Images Of Eden prose draws from its member’s faith, but instead of going into specific detail, I am going to offer lyric snippets instead and let you form your own conclusions.
“Harvest Day”:
My days of ‘life’ have faded into distant memories
Resurrect my youth, I have been holding on
In your light I pray to wash away the shame
Bleed my sorrow or take my soul today
“Let Me Die Young”:
Now I’ve seen Heaven on Earth
I’ve kissed the face of hell and lived to tell
I know You’re with me always until the end
When Heaven opens for me just let me die young
Let me die young
“Twice Upon A Time”:
By my wounds you have been redeemed
My blood has been shed for you
Remember, the snake will always lie
He has no authority, resist!
“Only Human”:
I know I cannot change the world
But I can change the way I live today
I never want to forget where I came from
So remember now- you’re only human
“All Is Now Forgiven”:
No, it was not your time to go
But I will never lose my faith
No, it was not your time to go
I need you to help me heal
I can’t do it on my own
No, it was not your time to go
So until we meet again?
“And Then There Was One”:
Why do I cry whenever I pray?
How can I smile when I think of yesterday?
Maybe because I know deep down in my soul
You can hear me and always by my side
Dear God, please send us your Son
I know you can see what your world has become
Sorrow still remains with so much to be done
To say that Images Of Eden are back but in big way would be an understatement with what amounts in my opinion its finest album in Soulrise, or at the very least challenges Sunlight Of The Spirit in that capacity. Whereas Soulrise bases itself upon a foundation of melodic heavy metal - in terms of best aspects to both - I find further variety in the form of the albums reserved but every good ballad moments but also trademark progressive leanings. Further factor the choice musicianship and production with a faith based lyrical penchant, and we are talking album of the year potential.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Harvest Day” (4:46), “Let Me Die Young” (4:28), “Shield Me” (4:00), “Only Human” (4:12), “Moonrise” (5:51), “Godless” (3:58), “Once We Believed” (4:42), “Twice Upon A Time” (6:14), “All Is Now Forgiven” (5:33), “Waiting For The Sky To Fall” (4:45), “And Then There Was One” (6:57), “Soulrise” (9:47)
Musicians
Gordon Tittsworth - Lead Vocals, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitar
Carlos Urquidi Perez - Lead Guitar
L. Dean Smith - Piano & Keyboards
Eric Mulvaine - Bass
Steve Dorssom - Drums & Percussion
