Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Kamelot, Phantom Elite, Cross Country Driver, One Desire, and Stormwarning

Index

It has been very close to 5 years since 'The Shadow Theory' was released. Kamelot have obviously kept busy through the past few years even with lockdowns and such. 'The Awakening' is the band's latest release and quite honestly might be my favorite Tommy Karevik era album. As those who have been listening to this band for some time know, the band plays a symphonic metal style with good depth and atmosphere. Musically, each album feels like a journey with great songs and good chemistry within the band. Guest musicians are also noteworthy with the album featuring Tina Guo who has quite a resume' with her Cello playing. Definitely look her up. Also, Melissa Bonny lends her talents as well. Fans will know her as the vocalist and founder of another symphonic metal act Ad Infinitum. Musically, it's Kamelot with exceptional songs. Easy recommend!

Release Date: March 17, 2023

The modern metal band Phantom Elite return with another great offering. This will be the band's second for Frontiers and the third overall. Once again, the music has a modern feel with some progressive styled transitions. There is a dose of metalcore as well, but overall, I think modern metal fans will dig this. You never know, maybe a few more traditional fans will enjoy the ride as well. I felt songs were pretty strong with this album. Lots of energy and a little modern diversity as well. You get some electronic arrangements mixed in with a thick overall sound. The songs are very easy to digest in my opinion and get even better with each listen. Bands like Phantom Elite broaden the Frontiers Records label in terms of style and sound. This female fronted act have knocked it out of the park with this album. If unfamiliar, head over to YouTube and listen!

Release Date: March 17, 2023

If you are a fan of Riverdogs and more specifically Rob Lamothe, you are definitely going to want to check this album out. The band is filled out with James Harper and Zander Lamothe. Also, there is a very impressive guest list here that includes King's X basssist and vocalist Dug Pinnick, Vivian Campbell who also has played with Lamothe in Riverdogs, Greg Chaisson, Mike Mangini and many others. Musically, this is album goes to the roots of rock. Earthy in ways and raw, but definitely a little polish to balance the sound out. Songs are very good and really offer up a melodic sound overall. Performances are very good and deliver a disciplined approach letting the songs themselves lead the way. With the musicians involved, there definitely is a lot of capability, but it's all about the songs. Needless to say, you need this album!

Release Date: March 17, 2023

One Desire is one of my absolute favorite Frontiers label bands. I was very happy to see this release announced. 'Midnight Empire' was such a well done album and with the lockdowns interfering with the possibility of touring for that album, I am so pleased to have a second live show. The first was of a 2020 show and was called 'One Night Only'. This new show features an orchestra and an excellent track selection. I really love 'Rio' and it is featured this time. Plenty of the more melodic songs are here as well as the more energetic bunch like 'Buried Alive. The integration of the orchestra is very well balanced. They act as more of an enhancement which adds depth. I ended up preordering both the CD and separate Blu-Ray versions. I have only seen what has been offered via YouTube, but I'm telling you, this live show is an absolute gem!

Release Date: April 21, 2023

It's really amazing. There are so many bands that are creating songs in an 80's fashion and they come from all over the globe. Stormwarning is one of the latest and hails from South America and Argentina specifically. Listening to this platter of goodies, you would probably never guess this as it sounds straight out of the mid 80's. The team of Marcelo Gelbcke and Sergio Mazul helped out and also worked on the Icon Of Sin album as well. The music here is based in melodic hard rock with quite a bit of it being mid tempo. As always, bands that play this style also offer up good melodic more ballad in style type stuff as well. 'Question Of Time' fits the bill for this in terms of style. Most of the album is in the mid tempo melodic rock style. As a whole, I found the album to be a listening treat. Stormwarning has made their mark and I would recommend keeping an eye out!

Release Date: March 17, 2023