If band performs, as they put it themselves, "New Wave of Italic Epic Metal", would you think of Rhapsody immediately? Yep, I thought you would. But Dragonia do not step in an age old trap of copying professionals and that's the first merit for them.
Dragonia's metal is epic, atmosphere-oozing heavy metal. Beginning with secretive piano intro, 'Dragonia' transforms into a song in vein of old Helloween (something more like 'Halloween' in style). Maybe the biggest reason is vocalist's wide Kiske-esque voice, which he guides very well. The band raises atmosphere with acoustic guitar and choir synths, giving the song a prog metal edge. Speaking generally about the synth work, there's quite a lot of proggy sounds succesfully utilized. 'Survive' continues in atmospheric and dramatic way, with enough of variety to keep listener happy. 'Heart Glory' is a slower piece starting acoustically and building into a fine epic. Songs are nicely composed, with quite a lot of different ingredients, but still every element feels to be in harmony with each other. That 'Halloween' vibe kind of continues throughout the demo, meaning varying atmospheric songs I guess. Plus Kiske-eque voice of course. Dragonia don't push pedal to the metal and use only double kick drum beats, but they stick to mid-paced and slower playing. I certainly can't directly compare Dragonia to any other band I've heard.
'Resurrection' was recorded at band members' homes. Metal element is kind of powerless and nothing heavy sound-wise. Acoustics, vocals (female choirs are sung, very well I may add) and synthesizers are crystal clear. Heavy use of echo, but in a good way, raises atmosphere level with a few notches. I believe that guys have tried their best, and in any means this is not too bad productionwise. Lyrics include words such as "dragon", "warrior", "steel", "eagle", "holy" and "glory". Yes they are clichéd and easily the worst element of Dragonia, even though that's their point. The vocalist's accent is largish, e.g. "heart glory" actually sounds "art glory"... On the cover, there's 5 graves: "Epic Metal - Glory to the kings of metal, who played loud in the hearts of their brothers, united for the triumph of steel 1982-1992", "The New Wave of British Heavy Metal - Glory to the founders of pure heavy metal who are now running free within an infinite dream, while their songs will keep on living after death 1982-1988", "Power Metal - glory to the guardians of the seven keys of heavy metal who now ride the sky free as eagles 1985-1988", "Thrash Metal - glory to the four horsemen, who sought and destroyed disposable heroes of heavy metal, and riding the lightning they brought justice for all 1983-1988", and "Progressive Metal - glory to the masters of the harmony, that surrounded heavy metal with images and words until their last change of season 1989-1995".
Dragonia's first demo is epic in a fine way, not in an inept way. Just how epic would they sound with a good production?! I like this demo a lot. Probably one of the better demos I've heard this year. Now let's see how this baby dragon grows.
Reviewed by Lane
08/13/2005 21:46
