(Progressive/Power Metal) Ashes Of Ares - Ashes Of Ares (Limited Edition) - 2013, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

#777ASHES OF ARES is a band which represents the culmination of experiences, trials and tribulations of founding members Matt Barlow, Van Williams and Freddie Vidales. Within months of their departures from the iconic metal bands ICED EARTH and NEVERMORE, the trio came together with a renewed drive to create a sound which is a true collaboration of their personal influences, ideas and visions. Armed with the knowledge acquired through years of the writing, touring and recording cycle, and with the support of an army of loyal fans across the globe, Ashes of Ares is poised to carve out a new legacy and stand alongside those who have helped pave the way.

#777As paths cross, just like that. When three friends, stepping out of their known realities, finding the way to create their own joint venture, formulating a new enterprise with the purpose of the foundation of a new legacy, another Metal titan for the ashes of something greater. The departure of Matthew Barlow from ICED EARTH was quite catastrophic, yet I was sure that the band would eventually find their new suitable frontman, and they did with a younger version of Barlow in the image of Stu Block. Freddie Vidales served as ICED EARTH’s bass player up until last year and then took his leave while drummer Van Williams, along with the departure of Jeff Loomis, forsaken NEVERMORE to its utter collapse leaving the remaining members to focus on the resurrection of SANCTUARY. With these three icons forming ASHES OF ARES, investing their experiences and knowledge of the music, the expectation rate couldn’t be other than higher. Recently, ASHES OF ARES signed with Nuclear Blast Records for the release of the debut self-titled album. As a prologue, the colossus titan is currently being built.

It can’t be denied, maybe it was due to Jim Morris’s involvement on the production or due to the fact that two out of the trio took part of the old emblem, but in overall the ASHES OF ARES undertaking forged into being a slower stampede of ICED EARTH, somewhat more theatrical and epic, yet less melodic. While listening I had an unexplained feeling of pessimism, sensing heavy heart, doom and oblivion as if the ultimate song share depicted the edges of sorrow, personal failure and regret, like a darkened requiem divided into segments. Undoubtedly, Barlow’s vocal production is something else, especially when the harmonies take their toll. It has been always a pleasure to listen to his diverse vocals between lower groans through middle level melodies and high register pitches.

Through this album it was my first time listening to Vidales handling the guitars, writing what appeared to be simpler heavy riffs, yet coloring them with several appetizing handouts with tweaks of melodies. As a lead guitarist, I was heavily impressed, shredding his way into existence while also featuring classic Metal orientations. Williams has always been a monster on the skins, listening to him performing with NEVERMORE, and with ASHES OF ARES his abilities were no different, an astounding drummer, yet I can’t say that I was dazed by the tick tick base drum kicks’ sound engineering.

Backing up to the material again, ASHES OF ARES prompt a parcel of darkness and mystery. “This Is My Hell” is a creature of anguish, an inner devastation, and despondent yet mystic altogether, presumed to be the continuance of something out of the Spawn’s story of ICED EARTH’s earlier hitter, “The Dark Saga”. Musically, it is massive as it can get, heavy and chunky with emotive acoustic moments, MAIDENish harmonies and a sparkling solo verdict. “On Warrior's Wings” keeps that same vibe of the former, catchier, somewhat anthemic, simple riff with several spices. The darkened “Dead Man’s Plight”, the formal single of this release, inflaming with the old ICED EARTH heaviness, Barlow sounds as classic as he can be just like in the early days, emphatic guitaring and great rhythms. “The Answer”, a bit loosen in comparison to the others, distributing impressive harmonies, flamboyant choral vocals and serving great lead guitar pleasures. ASHES OF ARES swiftly moving forward with a murky form of Heavy Metal ascertaining gloom and heavy patterns, with a release still bounded to their old heritage, at least some of it, they have what it takes to form wonders. Highly recommended.

Review written by Lior "Steinmetal" Stein for www.metal-temple.com