ETAci_2014

US band EARTH TO ASHES was formed in 2010 by veteran musicians Matt Dorado and Angelo Jensen, based out of Portland, Orgegon, and the line-up was finalized when drummer Mark Raney joined the ranks. “Curse Invoked” is their debut album, and was self-released in 2014.

The threesome describe themselves as a progressive/power metal band, and states that bands such as Iron Maiden, Dream Theater and Rush are notable influences. Personally I can’t really say that I found to many progressive aspects about their music, although that as so much else in this world is a case of subjective opinion, and the possible influence of Rush is one that I didn’t manage to catch either.

But old fashioned heavy metal with some distinct nods towards classic Iron Maiden is a key feature throughout. Galloping basslines, at times also supplemented with galloping, tight guitar riffs, is a frequent occurrence throughout. Many of the most compelling aspects of this band revolves around this core foundation for the verse passages, and that they band opts for some nifty neoclassical guitar soloing alternating with the more typical NWoBHM solo runs is a charming addition to their repertoire I think.

Personally I found the band most interesting when they ventured a bit beyond those realms though, and the long, and fairly quirky and progressive tinged Relic is my chosen track here, not as much for the stylistic alterations throughout as due to the hypnotic bass driven verse arrangement that follows the atmospheric laden opening sequence, and then returns again towards the end. A fine and hypnotic creation, with these passages as the high point. The opining atmospheric prologue is even more alluring with it’s dark dystopian sounds, gentle plucked guitar and female lead vocals, but as that is a defined prologue rather than a standalone creation as such, as well as being far removed in style from the rest of this production, I regard that one as a special case in a best of album context.

There are quite a few other compelling tunes at hand too, but many of them do suffer a bit from coming across as roller-coaster rides for me. Generally speaking I find the band highly skilled in creating compelling verse parts, and they often have a good ear for creating atmospheric and tantalizing opening sequences as well. The other side of the coin for me are occasional interludes that for me comes across as redundant, the use of start and stop type of interludes in particular, and I didn’t really find the chorus sections to be all that alluring either. Vocalist Dorado has a passable, at times subtly nasal voice, with a delivery similar to Bruce Dickinson but without the range and, thankfully, without the high pitched wails. He use his voice well, but to my ears he isn’t a vocalist able to carry a song on the strength of his voice alone. As with most other things in life this is a subjective opinion of course, and shouldn’t be read as a fact carved in stone.

Ultimately I find this album to be an interesting one, not a perfect specimen of old school heavy metal but a production that documents a talented band that at their best are able to produce some truly fine compositions. The ballad Mournblade another fine number by these guys, and then especially the ballad part of it where some clever percussion details adds a nice vibrancy to the proceedings. A production that merits a check if you have an affection for bands whose music can be traced back to NWoBHM in general and Iron Maiden in particular as far as stylistic origins are concerned.

My rating: 67/100