(Power Metal) Reverence - When Darkness Calls - 2012, WavPack (image+.cue), lossless

#777#777If you worship music like I do, then you know that it is never too late to discover another amazing act. With each metal revolution rising, another quality band ascends from the ashes of the wake, after the leaves have fallen. Detriot's own Reverence are that metamorphoses of a monster, waiting at the gate; keeping the faith!

As you fight for the rock and see the phantom future, you remember the past, rip through the veil of disguise, and bow down in reverence. This is simply because these Motorcity Madhouse members are no strangers to the metal milieu.

Lead vocalist and lyricist Todd Michael Hall was the singer on the last Jack Starr's Burning Starr masterpiece 'Land of the dead'. He has such an amazing vocal range, and his savage siren call will please fans of those mettle Mikes who own the mic., namely: Mike Howe, Mike DiMeo and Mike Tirelli. However, it is Todd's unique ability to channel Joey Belladonna, that makes him a real contender.

When you begin to experience the dudgeon call, and constant frustrations of life, and desperately need to vent your disdain, then I exhort you to mind your vicious vengeance, and delve into the the power of the night, and might of 'When darkness calls'. This CD will lighten your senses, while creating the perfect pulse in your metal heart; all the while admonishing your head to bang, and bleed. The price you pay for the music will reach its fruiton, guaranteed.

I admire the believable and formal guitar talents of Bryan Holland and Pete Rossi, and their incredible harmony solos. However, the real kicker comes when you realize that none other than Steve "Dr. Killdrums" Wacholz has risen from the gutter blaise' and is shredding the skins like he did in the glorious days of Savatage. Although, the booklet also credits Tony Rossi (Pete's brother?) for additional drumming on most tracks.

All songs are very well written and performed. Fans of Metal Church, Messiah's Kiss, Armored Saint, Sacred Oath, Viciuos rumors, Riot, Heretic, and their ilk will surely celebrate Reverence. (Speaking of Heretic, they have reformed, and are working on new material, now signed to Metal on Metal Records!)

"Phantom road" is a bit more upbeat, and "Monster" has some suggestive arrangements, but selections like "Gatekeeper" and "Vengeance is mine" are the real standout cuts for me. Todd truly showcases his vocal talent on the slower, more passionate "After the leaves have fallen".

Overall, this self-released CD has excellent packaging both physically and digitally. The musicianship and songwriting is top notch, and any fan of traditional metal will definitely want to add this to their metal archives.

REVERENCE was brought to life in 2010, so this band is a new be, but the members certainly aren’t since REVERENCE features members from: TOKYO BLADE, SAVATAGE, CRIMSON GLORY and JACK STARR’S BURNING STARR. So REVERENCE’s a band that does contain a lot of experience and that does show very clearly on their heavy power metal debut album “When Darkness Calls”, brought through Razar Ice Records. Lucky me that I did get the chance to listen to this kick ass album and write a review.

Being experienced doesn’t always mean being able to put down a great album, but in this case it does, also because the chemistry between the members of REVERENCE does feel sincere and very powerful. And chemistry together isn’t something you can just buy. It’s simply not always there, no matter how experienced members are, but when the team chemistry between the members is there, the music gains an extra dimension and that’s always a treat for the listener in special at live concerts.

REVERENCE did put down a powerful heavy and passionate album with “When Darkness Calls”. According to their Facebook page they like JUDAS PRIEST, DIO, PRIMAL FEAR, SAVATAGE and QUEENSRYCH and that shows. Not that REVERENCE does sound like any of them, but because their sound can be found somewhere in between all of them with their own sound. A sound that makes this Metal head happy. So weird that sometimes music can make me feel more at home than people can. Have been to strange places where I had never been before, but where I felt at home right away because they played the music I love. Well that’s how “When Darkness Calls” made me feel right from the start. At home.

“When Darkness Calls” contains great bass work, wonderful guitar work, smashing drum work, amazing vocal work and chemistry teamwork, brought together in a tour through dark places and over Heavy Metal roads on a powerful motorcycle to make you feel the hot, the cold and wind rush by while riding the powerful steel horse touring the places where darkness calls. Every song has its own strength to hold water and stand, giving this album the energy to grow your hair and let the wind rush by. Guess that REVERENCE did get me hooked with their masterpiece called “When Darkness Calls”.