One of the most underrated (hell, it was probably THE MOST underrated) metal albums of 2003 was the debut release from Pennsylvania's 'Pharaoh'. 'After The Fire' arrived without much fanfare via the small Italian label 'Cruz Del Sur Music' and then proceeded to spend the best part of six months permanently stuck in my cd player. Two reasons: One - the bands nod to the traditional old school metal ethics of Maiden and Iced Earth and Two - vocalist Tim Aymar! A thousand lashes punishment if you haven't a clue about this guy - he of Chuck Schuldiner's 'Control Denied' (RIP). Aymar is simply one of the most amazing metal vocalists in the game. If his profile wasn't already established, then one listen to 'The Longest Night' will confirm it once and for all. You want to talk about albums of the year so early in the piece? This will take some beating.
After the Fire was a fine, fine album. It hinted of better things to come, particularly with Aymar joining the band on a permanent basis after laying down vocals in a 'session singer' capacity. With the release of 'The Longest Night' it is clear that 'Pharaoh' have become a much tighter, more cohesive unit and one that is intent on providing the metal world with a fresh take on the traditional metal sound.
There are highlights abound on 'TLN', however if I was forced to choose a song that systematically highlights the power and musical genius of this band it is 'By The Night Sky'. An eight minute epic that has it all - vaguely familiar with its Maiden-esque galloping bass line, this track quickly envelops the listener with its massive chorus (led by Aymar's simply earth shattering vocals) and stunning melodic phrasing. As good as Aymar is (and folks, let me just state again, this guy is GOOD!!) 'Pharaoh' would only be a shell of its current form without the talents of guitarist Matt Johnsen - where did this guy learn his chops? Seriously, the melodic lead work that Matt has laid down on this disc is nothing short of jaw dropping. There are lead breaks all over this disc - it is a guitarist's wet dream as far as that is concerned. What's more impressive, Johnsen never drifts off into self indulgent fret-wankery - every riff and every lead is constructed to complement each other and the overall song structure. Incredibly conceived, impassioned and emotively powerful 'The Longest Night' simply entrances the listener from its opening notes.
Perhaps the single greatest aspect about Pharaoh is that they capture the essence of powerful, traditional melodic heavy metal. 'TLN' is rooted in the traditional sound of Maiden and early Iced Earth, has more than a nod towards the early 80's American Power Metal style of Crimson Glory and Vicious Rumors and simply gallops along with an intensity and energy that many other bands could only dream of achieving. Not a dud track on it as far as I am concerned. Essential for fans of pure, no bullshit, melodic heavy metal. This band MUST be discovered!!
- Krozza
(See reviewer's scoring method)
