Helion "Fool's Paradise" CD
[self-released]
I heard a few samples from this Finnish band's last release and just wasn't into it, but while they've still got just a little ways to go, this full-length is a massive improvement, I'm pleased to say. Their style isn't too technical or flashy, based in traditional metal overall. Things are usually moderately paced and somewhat heavier than can often be the case, with some rhythmic chunkiness and whatnot, but the singing is straightforward and ever so slightly raspy, with some tactful lead lines and memorable choruses and such. It's not as catchy or as powerful as I'd prefer, but I love the dynamics... the clean break with superb singing in "God of Fire", for example. The introductory riffing in "Forsaken Religion" is great as well, blending thick chord progressions and interesting picking patterns with great little note flurries or discordant arpeggios. There are definitely some proggy leanings here, but thankfully they focus more on writing actual songs rather than any guitar wanking or anything, though there are a few steps into typical progressive metal pitfalls here (overly long songs, a lack of speedy tempos, etc.). "King of Fools" is somehow more upbeat and memorable (superb chorus), not really faster, but something about it is more energetic than most of the other songs, and I like that a lot. The eighth track, "The Point of No Return", finally kicks up the pace a bit with some significantly faster guitar parts to match all of the double bass, and even though it's not a completely great track, that faster pace really does make it a real standout (as do the killer vocal harmonies and creative riffs during the chorus). Overall I could compare this on some level to a slower mixture of Judas Priest circa "Painkiller" and Control Denied, with a smattering of Dream Theater accents tossed around. The production's very tasteful. I like that the basslines are very defined and have their own space, the guitars are heavy and fit in, the drums are resonant and stray from coming off as flimsy, the vocals are pretty well mixed, etc. I do think something could be done to liven up the vocal recording a bit, but I'm not sure. The synths play a pretty minimal role in accenting the guitar parts, and I'm certainly okay with that. The layout on this thing is absolutely awesome. I love it. Everything is 100% consistent, the fonts are compact and crisp, the cover imagery is heavily saturated with color and looks like strange painterly photographs, while inside the focus is more on abstract textures and black and white imagery, etc. Very fucking nice, and one of the best looking self-released efforts I've seen in ages. The lyrics aren't bad, I'm not that interested, but they're well done, often referencing religious conflicts and such: "Eternal shame shall meet with all who see beyond me, Enter reign of lie, my build is strong, It will last your mutiny..." I have to say, while this band is but a mere few steps away from truly impressing me, this disc is amazingly professional and well handled - far more so than even a good number of similar records from significantly sized labels. Keep an eye on this act for sure. Very good work... this is damn close to a 7/10, and I know for certain these guys could blow me away without much more of a progression. (6/10)
Running time - 48:06, Tracks: 10
[Notable tracks: Forsaken Religion, King of Fools, The Point of No Return]
Helion - http://www.helionprog.com

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