Friday, July 17, 2009

Burning Point - Empyre (2009)


Genre: Power Metal / Melodic Heavy Metal
Label: AOR / Metal Heaven
Country of Origin: Finland
Band Formation: 1999
Band Members:
Vocals/Guitars: Pete Ahonen
Guitars: Pekka Kolivuori
Bass: Jukka Jokikokko
Keyboard: Pasi Hiltula
Drums: Jussi Ontero

Song list:
01. Intro / The Godfather theme
02. Empyre
03. Manic Merry-Go-Round
04. Face The Truth
05. Fool's Parade
06. Was It Me
07. Walls Of Stone
08. Sacrifice
09. Cruel World
10. Blinded By The Darkness
11. Only The Wrong Will Survive

Run time: 47 minutes (approximately)

Review: This band’s last release swung between being good and not good in many reviewer’s notepads. One of my friends who reviewed this bands’ previous release was caught scratching his head, as he was not quite sure whether to admire it or despise it. However, this album doesn’t complicate that decision as the earlier album.

Give it a listen. No, I don’t mean, a single listen because they are always deceiving. Listen to it more than once and you will agree with what I have written below. To simply reveal it, I like this album.

Now, without further delay, let me bring this to your attention that I don’t detect any improvisation by the band in their music. That 80’s vibe lingers in their music with Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Dio influences too. Still, they manage to strike a chord with their audience in a more positive manner this time.

There is this fine blend of both melodic heavy metal and power metal in a few songs in this album. Frankly, these cocktail pieces are the best pieces in this record (see below). Undoubtedly, you will be able to detect rock-anthem symptoms in the song Sacrifice.

So, I would conclude that there are two factors making this album a good one. It is the “old-school” technique used here and there in bits and pieces. But, most importantly, it is the superior production that has very successfully shown the maturity in the band’s musicianship. There is neither anything terribly wrong with this record, nor is it ground-breaking.

Not a perfect album as it has uneven areas to further polish. However, this is one of the band’s finest works, so far. It is more mature. Give it a listen. Remember, not just one listen.

Highlights of the album: Fool’s parade, Was it me, Walls of Stone, Only the wrong will survive, Sacrifice

Links: Burning Point
Burning Point on MySpace

Ratings: 7.5/10
Originality: 6
Instrumentation: 8.5
Lyrics: 7.5

Written for Headbangers India

Copyright © Ajey Padival 2009 (Brisbane, Australia; +61-434360675; ajeypadival@msn.com)

25 responses:

Walker said...

More music to check out, cool.
I just finished watching a batch opf concerts.
Kiss was last night. Not what I saw 20 years ago but hey its something.
Skynard is on Friday

Opaque said...

Wow, you must have had a ball! Well, yes, I mean, they are old now! Enjoy! And, thanks for reading!

Escapist said...

Just a big WOWWWWW !



Jolliiieeesss!!!!

Opaque said...

@Escapist - Thanks!

Jenny said...

Really intersting review, Ajey. In fact, I even feel a bit proud of the fact that all these cool heavy bands from my regions attract listeners from the other side of the globe. :) Not that I have ever listened to this sort of music myself. Yet, I am going to give it a try. You are so great at presenting things!

I think it is our dreadful winters that makes many creative Scandinavians go pretty gloomy. lol. A dark sense of humour.

Good writing indeed!

Opaque said...

@Jenny - Thanks! You must be proud as most original bands come from your region.

Josephine said...

Hi Bros,
Another great review!! I feel objectivism which is so important here. In subtle way you point out imperfections and complement the good efforts of the group. At the end the reader is most likely to give it a listen. Good work!!
-Alex

Anonymous said...

cheked out the whole album, Only one I did not like was the second song I think called face the truth. If you are into heavy metal than I 'd say they are good. he sounded like Meatloaf to me and thats a GOOD thing.

Strawberry Girl said...

Hey Ajey,

Looked for Burning Point on playlist and found their song "Parasite." Oddly I liked the sound, though the lyrics were uh, interesting. ;D

I like your write up of the group, it gets me interested in checking out bands that I wouldn't otherwise think of. Good Job!!

SG ;D

Opaque said...

@Alexandra - Thank you!!!

Opaque said...

@inky - Meatloaf, eh? Umm, yea, you could claim that. Thanks!!!

Opaque said...

@SG - Thanks!!!

Rikkij said...

AJ-another really well done review. Inky says it sounds like Meatloaf and being I have dial-up, I'll have to go along with her in thumbs up as I'm pro-meatloaf. ~rick

Opaque said...

@Rick - Thanks mate!!

PhilO♥ said...

I like the name 'Burning Point' :)

Opaque said...

@Cursed - Okay. Thanks for reading.

Marion said...

I'll have to go check this group out. Great review, AJ. I tend to have 'different' tastes in music, but I'm always open to discovering new bands.

By chance have you reviewed any of Nick Cave, Grinderman or P. J. Harvey's music? I only discovered Cave and then Harvey this year and I'm head over heels in love with them, especially their haunting lyrics (well, except for "No Pussy Blues" by Grinderman....you can't really call those lyrics haunting, but Nick Cave kicks ass on the guitar in that song in this live performance):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxqlb1--uKc

He's so HOT in that video!!! It cracks me up, too! I got off track there, but I'd love to know what you think of Cave and Harvey. Blessings!!!

Utah Savage said...

Lovely music. I love piano and this was especially beautiful.

Thanks for your comment at my place. I had no idea my poetry would gain an audience.

I'm now following you and have blog rolled you. Do you twitter?

Opaque said...

@Marion - Yes, I listened to Nick Cave's compositions. They are pretty good. I have not reviewed his music yet. But, I shall, when and if I get a chance. Thanks for reading!

Opaque said...

@Utah Savage - No, I do not twitter. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Brose I did hear some really good vocals , I hate screaming or not being able to hear words when there is such great music, thats why I did not like the song face the truth. The lead vocalists reminded me of Marvin Lee Aday AKA Meatloaf's style .

Opaque said...

@inky - Thanks for reading! Yes, there is some similarity in vocals with Meatloaf.

Anders Enochsson said...

Hi A-J,

I had a girlfriend a long time ago who was passionate about this kind of music. She loved all kinds of metal, but I wasn’t very impressed by the music at the time. However I never really listened to it. Great review, got me curious about it!

Opaque said...

@Ande - Thanks!

Chelsea + Shiloh said...

Gees ... you getting crowded over here :)... hope your well mate