In May 2016, Italian progressive power metal band Overtures retuned almost exactly three years later since their third full-length album 'Entering the Maze'. That album was my first contact with the band. The album proved to be a bit of a grower, as can be read on my review for it.

Overtures still play melodic metal, that contains power metal, progressive compositions and loads of catchiness. They do sound Italian, and remind of Vision Divine and Labÿrinth at times, but are still original enough an entity. Sometimes there are very German-sounding bits and pieces, as Helloween and Edguy influences and coincidental resemblances can be perceived.

On 'Repentance', the band offer some of their heaviest material to date. Heavy guitar riffing, symphonic synthesizer work, not-that-straight drumming and huge chorus immediately reminded me of Evergrey and Kamelot. Vocals are partly theatrical, and still make me think of Andi Deris, thanks to its range and both clean and raspy styles used. However, it all stays on rather moderate level, so it is elegant, not pompous; but yes, dramatic it is. The title track continues on heavier note, not unlike Helloween's newer stuff (e.g. 'Paint a New World'), but with classical synthesizers included and calmer parts with Tobias Sammet style gasping. Slower 'Go(l)d' was the first music video off of the album, and without no surprise; filled with catchy melodies and heavy and simplistic guitar riffing, with punchy rhythm section; It's simply hit material, but not pop hit material, if you catch my drift.

The band's ability to alloy memorable melodies and loads of tempo changes, never but once settling for that "hit song structure" way of composing the music, is mostly marvellous. And again, the ringleader is vocalist Michele Guaitoli, head composer who also recorded and mixed this. It's not mentioned in the credits, that he played a single note here. While the influences and/or coincidental similar artists were mentioned, I also want to underline Overtures' originality; it never feels that they are copying here, but working on same territories. His lyrics deal with humans, and loss is one more used theme.

As for the rest of the album, it continues in similar vein with catchiness and being punchy. And somewhat adventurous at times, but maybe not enough so! For example, 'As Candles We Burn' is a bit of unsuspenseful in this pack of songs, but its nice rhythmic patterns, shredding guitar work and great, catchy and stylish guitar solos might win one on its side, just like 'Profiled'. It's clear that this album is a grower, again. The drumming is magnificent throughout the album; filled with tempo changes and technicality, plus loads of driving double kick beats heard. Certainly a catchy choruses galore, this album, and even with a dreaded pop chorus happening, namely on 'New Dawn, New Dusk'. It happens to be sole throw-away track here with its Eurovision (TM) backing vocals and being totally unadventurous. Certain kind of pop music sensibilities seem be pester many of the latter songs, and the vibe definitely gets pompous and over-positive with 'Teardrop', a bit in vein of Avantasia, ending up sounding like a Meat Loaf pastiche. Urgh, I'm feeling like I've having a sugar high... The only full band composition, power metal blower 'Angry Animals', is a fantastic ending, thankfully. Helloween would kill for its chorus... Bonus track 'Savior' is a calmed down version of the original, with different arrangement, too. Doesn't beat the original one, but is an okay try.

The album sounds good and totally professional. The playing is skilled, as is singing. Stylish, weird cover artwork crowns it all. One sure bet for those who like Italian progressive/power metal, and I really want to encourage other prog/power fans to inspect Overtures out ASAP! Yes, it gets pretty sugary at times, as Italians often do, but majority of it doesn't. So go on and give this one a try.

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/28/2017 19:20