(Heavy/Power Metal) [CD] Clairvoyants - Word To The Wise - 2009, WavPack (image+.cue), lossless

REVIEW FROM WWW.DANGERDOG.COM:

Put a definite article in front of Clairvoyants and you have one of the most respected Iron Maiden tribute bands in the European theater. Word To The Wise is Clairvoyants attempt to come out from that shadow and perform their own material. The result is the fulfillment of the old adage, 'Imitation is the best form of flattery.' Fans of Maiden and all things NWOBHM will find the disc a pleasing rendition of that classic genre with a mighty nod to one of it's greats. In other words, Clairvoyants is still paying tribute; they're just doing it with their own songs in their own style and doing it very well.

You need not fear: Clairvoyants will not supplant Iron Maiden's role in heavy metal's past and present history. However, they are very very good and I hear echoes of Maiden in their music. Where it would be easy to steal riffs or melodies, Clairvoyants's compositions are quite original and effective. 'Choose Of The Truth,' Journey Through The Stars,' 'The Pain Of Sight' and 'Back To My Dreams' are highly competent and satisfying pieces of classic melodic heavy metal. Clairvoyants expertly delivers the twin guitar attack throughout. Even though it's natural to make comparisons, I don't hear Dickinson in Gab Bernasconi's vocals; I hear his range and passion, but I don't think Bernasconi sounds like Bruce at all. Actually, I feel he sounds better than Bruce on their cover 'Hallowed Be Thy Name.' (I wonder if yells 'Scream for me ...' at their IM shows.) Bernasconi establishes himself on the title track, 'Word To The Wise,' as does the rest of the band. This song displays Clairvoyants's mastery of their genre and their impressive technical skills.

Clairvoyants's Word To The Wise is a noble and impressive work of melodic heavy metal in the grand NWOBHM style. Sure, their foundation is in their Iron Maiden tribute work. Yet, this platter contains well crafted and highly entertaining original material which will not have you immediately saying, 'They just sound like Maiden.' In the end, this would be real success. Very recommended.

REVIEW FROM WWW.METALCRYPT.COM:

Clairvoyants began their journey back in 2001, and over the past seven years have won critical acclaim as the best and most popular Iron Maiden tribute band in Italy. Now after having inked a label deal with Italy's Valery Records, they have unleashed nine of their own original compositions and, as you would expect, one Iron Maiden cover. The album includes guest musicians Andre Matos (Angra, Shaaman), and Oliver Palotai (Kamelot, Doro).

It is clear from the opening notes of album opener "Journey To The Stars" that Clairvoyants are not bashful in terms of displaying their Iron Maiden worship. In fact the similarities are so striking it is as though they are still paying tribute, the exception being they are doing it with their own songs. Now I don't want to infer that they are stealing any melodies or riffs, just the opposite. While the tones of the riffs are similar, the compositions are in fact original and the technical skill relative to the manner in which they are delivered is first rate. The twin guitar attack of Luca Princiotti and Marco Demartini deliver the goods mightily. The powerful and passionate vocals of Gab Bernasconi do not display a hint of Bruce Dickinson in terms of tone or delivery. In fact, lest I say, you could make an argument that he sounds better.

Just like the Finns of Machine Men, Italy's Clairvoyants is an essential purchase for any Iron Maiden fan, or for that matter, any fan of the NWOBHM style. Every song is memorable with the exception of the one lame ballad "Closure". Brilliantly produced, wildly entertaining and loaded with catchy melodies and choruses, fans of traditional Heavy Metal will bask in the glow of Word To The Wise

Gabriele Bernasconi: vocals
Luca Princiotta: guitar
Marco Demartini: guitar
Paolo Turcatti: bass
Manuel Pisano: drums