Pyramaze was founded by guitarist Michael Kammeyer in 2002 with Niels Kvist (bass), Lance King (vocals), and remaining current members Morten Gade Sørensen (drums) and Jonah W. (keyboards). This line-up saw the release of ‘Melancholy Beast’ (2004) and was joined by Toke Skjønnemand (lead guitar) for ‘Legend of the Bone Carver’(2006). In 2007 Lance King was replaced by former Iced Earth vocalist Matt Barlow and they recorded their third album ‘Immortal’ (2008).
There have been further changes along the way and the current line-up is Terje Harøy (vocals – formerly in Norwegian progressive metal band, Crossnail /Teodor Tuff), Jacob Hansen (guitar, bass & backing vocals – ex-Anubis Gate & Invocator), Jonah W. (keyboards), Toke Skjønnemand (guitar) and Morten Gade Sørensen (drums). Also there are guest parts by Anubis Gate’s Henrik Fevre (vocal melodies) and Kim Olesen (keyboards) with the two bands sharing Morten as drummer. The song writing for ’Disciples of the Sun’ (2015) is divided between Jacob, Toke and Jonah and takes the band over to the progressively inclined power metal genre.
The album opens with a keyboard-led surging instrumental that could be a film soundtrack in ‘We Are The Ocean’ before the crunching guitar riffs announces the Tolkein-esque tale, ‘The Battle Of Paridas’, which is underpinned by keyboards, striking vocal harmonies and smouldering guitar shred. Then it’s off to the land of the Incas for ‘Disciples Of The Sun’ which features a big chorus.
“Disciples of the sun / Set out to catch the fire / A journey has begun / As flames break loose / They’re forced to reacquire / The reins of order”.
‘Back For More’ is notable for its time changes as it switches between mid-pace and a gallop. After the bright, shining start to the album, there is a slightly darker feel to ‘Genetic Process’ with its moody keyboards. This darker mood continues in the fast and furious guitar of ‘Fearless’ with its piercing chorus. “Fearless / I just can’t hold back what’s on my mind / So fearless / My actions are regarded simply unrefined”. This is where the thrash infused riffs of new guitarist Jacob Hansen take hold to make it one of the stand-out tracks.
They slow the pace down as they bludgeon their way through the melancholy ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ before taking an ominous portent of dark times ahead in ‘Unveiled’. After the previous prog time changes, there is a more straight forward approach in ‘Hope Springs Eternal’ with its dense guitarwork.
“I worshipped the man you were / I beg that you’re still alive / For better or worse, I’m prepared / But hope springs eternal in this human breast”.
The cleverly delivered melodies of ‘Exposure’ take it firmly back to melodic, progressive territory with emotional choruses. Taking me by surprise, ‘When Black Turns To White’ features a glorious instrumental break early in the proceedings with a lightning guitar solo. And they close off with the atmospheric afterthoughts in ‘Photograph’.
Rating: 9/10
Reviewed by Peter John Willoughby
Tracklist:
01. We Are The Ocean
02. The Battle Of Paridas
03. Disciples Of The Sun
04. Back For More
05. Genetic Process
06. Fearless
07. Perfectly Imperfect
08. Unveil
09. Hope Springs Eternal
10. Exposure
11. When Black Turns To White
12. Photograph
Line-up:
Terje Harøy – Vocals
Jacob Hansen – Guitars, bass
Jonah W. – Keyboards
Toke Skjønnemand – Guitars
Morten Gade Sørensen – Drums
Special guests:
Kim Olesen [Anubis Gate]
Henrik Fevre [Anubis Gate]
Joost Van Den Broek [ex. After Forever, Star One] – Orchestration (track 1)
Discography:
2004: Melancholy Beast [Replica/Nightmare]
2006: Legend of the Bone Carver [Massacre/Nightmare]
2008: Immortal [Locomotive. Re-issue: Inner Wound Recordings 2014]
2015: Disciples of the Sun [Inner Wound Recordings]
Produced, mixed and mastered by: Jacob Hansen [Volbeat, Amaranthe, Epica, Evergrey]
Artwork by: Alex, Mayhem Project Design
Record Label: Inner Wound Recordings, May 2015
Weblinks: Facebook / Twitter / Website
Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission
Video below “Disciples Of The Sun” (Album Teaser)
Music Video: ‘Disciples of the Sun’
Lyric video: ‘Fearless’