(Melodic Progressive Metal) [CD] Sacred Warrior - Waiting In Darkness - 2013, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

At long last, Sacred Warrior returned to the studio to give us their first full-length release of new material since 1991's "Obsessions". All members are present and accounted for with the stark exception of original vocalist Rey Parra who was unable to break away from commitments in Florida to record with his compatriots in Illinois. Apparently they've been trying to make the arrangements to record this album for a number of years now. Ironically enough Parra's chosen replacement, Eli Prinsen of The Sacrificed, also resides in Florida. But more about him in a moment.
There was talk that this was the band's heaviest material to date, but I don't agree with that. Sure, the pounding riff and blast beat on album opener "Desperately Wicked" is the heaviest the band has ever used, but the rest of the songs land solidly in line with the Iron Maiden-meets-Queensryche sound for which they have always been known, and for the most part those songs are very well written and enjoyable with deep, thought-provoking lyrics. Stand out tracks would be "Fear Me", "Sinking Sand" and "Desperately Wicked". While there are nods and references to the band's past here and there, like the album intro and the token ballad with 'love' in the title, the songs themselves don't sound like any previous SW album more than another. I can only say that the sound is distinctly Sacred Warrior and would be easily recognizable to any fan.
My only real complaint is with the vocals. Don't get me wrong, Prinsen is an adequate vocalist. However, despite his best efforts to emulate his predecessor he just can't fill Parra's sizeable shoes. Sure, he can hit those high notes, but sometimes it sounds like he's straining beyond his natural range. Parra on the other hand made it all sound so easy and natural. His raw power also lent itself to a more passionate delivery, often blending rougher vocal textures and borderline screams into the mix. Prinsen on the other hand sounds like he's sacrificing passion for the sake of precision. There are exceptions to this, like on "Fallen Hero" where his efforts are quite effective at communicating the sadness of knowing someone who once fought the good fight but has fallen away. He also manages to let loose and passionately belt it out on the chorus to "Long Live The King", sounding more than ever like Parra there. But I can't deny that I am a little disappointed with the change.
As you might expect, the differences in vocal styles are most apparent on the two re-recorded classic songs. "Day Of The Lord" is hands down my favorite song from the "Rebellion" album, so I am rather partial to the original. I will admit this one sounds pretty good too. "Temples On Fire" from "Obsessions" nicely executed as well.
Complaints aside, these are great songs and the strength of the music and lyrics overshadow my disappointment with the change in vocalists. The album has been greatly enjoyed (and often) on my afternoon commute home from work. It doesn't quite surpass the band's older material, but it's a good album and was worth the wait just the same.
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Eli Prinsen - vocals
Bruce Swift - guitars
Joe Petit - keyboards
Steve Watkins - bass
Tony Velazquez - drums