(Melodic Heavy Metal/Rock) [CD] Random Eyes - Invisible (Japanese Ed.) - 2008, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Here we are back in Finland to tap into the seemingly never ending supply of heavy rock emanating from the country. This time it’s Random Eyes and their latest release Invisible (Bullroser Records 2008). They formed back in 2001 and have gone through a revolving door of membership prior to seeing this apparently settled line up. In 2003 their debut album Eyes Ablaze appeared. It was an album steeped in the bands goth-metal style and established them on the touring circuit, where they have been busy building a solid reputation. Random Eyes strength is clearly as a live band where their sheer force will guarantee winning over most fans of heavy metal.

Built around the vocal power of founder member Christian Palin, the twin guitars of Heikki Paananen and Olli Tanttu, bass player Voitto Rintala and drummer Markus Niemispelto, Random Eyes threaten to literally assault the senses with a full on onslaught of heavy rock constructed over some well written melodic riffs. This is not for the faint hearted by any stretch of the imagination and yet is an interesting, if sometimes over layered, combination. This is powerful riff driven power rock with so much going on within it leaves you feeling somewhat drained.

One of the bands strengths is their ability to write some clever riffs that lift the album out of the otherwise swirl of relentless activity that is going on. There are some timely and unexpected effects written into the album from which the single “Living for Tomorrow” was released. The track is a good example of what Random Eyes are all about, with several sudden switches and mood changes until launching back into the full on power. I’m certain it makes for a stand out track within their live set and is one of Invisible’s own highlights.

The album opens strongly with “Deep Waters” full of doom laden riffs and impressively powerful vocals from Christian Palin. “You Are The Reason” is a well written song, memorable and well delivered. An album highlight for sure that makes you wonder why the remainder of the album wasn’t produced in the same way. In contrast, there are some tracks on here, such as “Alive”, that sound a little too cluttered. Christian’s voice still manages to rise above the power base showing his undoubted potential. “Scriptures” is a hard driving workout with a strong chorus and the mid section of “Take Me Away” works well injecting some interesting effects. “Where I Belong” shows precisely what Random Eyes can do and is another stand out in the set.

Invisible ends with the title track, one of the albums best, which mysteriously fades out rather prematurely. There are several promising glimpses that illustrate where Random Eyes are heading and this album could, in hindsight, represent a big step towards fulfilling their full potential. It is at times an overly intense album but one that also contains some clever diversions. It is their inclusion that helps to show their strengths. They are clearly a band who are putting every effort into forging ahead with some quality heavy metal and in vocalist Christian Palin they definitely have one to watch.

Review taken from www.blogcritics.org

Christian Palin - Vocals
Voitto Rintala - Bass
Heikki Paananen - Guitars
Olli Tanttu - Guitars
Markus Niemispelto - Drums