Archetype's debut album 'Dawning' deserves a new review, because the album will been re-released shortly by LMP (November 15th 2004). However, this is the original version reviewed. Why? Just because the first review I wrote is badly lacking.

Archetype's metal is a link between melodic metal and prog. American style metal (ranging from Jag Panzer to Megadeth, with emphasis on 1980s stuff) is full of fantastic riffs and leads. However, rhythms and compositions are more like Rush or something. Songs are in constant motion, but of course these still include verses and choruses and other basic elements. I remember that after first few spins I was quite lost. I haven't listened a lot to this in these two years (and probably not for six months before this), but I have to say this is very good and the music flows on naturally. Plus very interesting and unique song structures. There are some less interesting parts in some songs, but they are always followed by good things. I wonder how long it has taken to compose these meandering songs. Try out 'Final Day' (one of the most straight songs), 'Hands of Time' (more abnormal timings and absolutely great riffs and vocals), 'Dawning' (simply a great song, more atmospheric than the first two) and 'Arisen' (more laid back song with acoustics) and you get quite a complete picture of Archetype's music. Towards the ending the album gets more of less good elements, even though not bad ones. Maybe this is too long and stuff like instrumental 'The Mind's Eye' should have been left out. Okay, smaller doses at time and random play work miracles here. And never for background listening! There is enough variety in these 66 minutes, however.

The man behind Archetype (previously known as Prototype) is classically trained guitarist Chris Matyus. The man plays surprisingly heavy stuff and real metal, but of course his other skills are in good use here. He has created really memorable riffs, leads and solos. all music and lyrics are Mr. Matyus's work and he also participated in recording and released the album by himself. Rhythm duo Jamie Still (bass) and Keith Zeigler (drums) know their instruments too and handle varying stuff nicely. I wonder is there one tiny mistake in instruments... Therefore vocalist Greg Wagner is a good choice. Sounding somewhat similar to ex-Iced Earth singer Matt Barlow, his range is wide from calm lower voice to soaring up high. However, his voice isn't very powerful, or then it's reverb which is utilized or something else in the production. I really don't get the lyrics, but I think they deal with life generally. The sound is very clear, but somewhat too loose. It should have been more powerful. I wish there was more concentration on some instruments, like flat snare drum. Generally, the production is good anyways.

A strong debut album, at least when thinking of the music and the band's performances. If wish the re-release is remixed and has a stronger sound. It has a bonus track (even longer...) and new cover art (which is a good thing, because this first edition looks bad). This is something wonderfully different in the mass of metal releases nowadays.

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
10/21/2004 14:30