Teramaze’s music is enjoyable, each new release raises a certain interest in the band’s fans and beyond; in the case of the new birth of the Australian band, Eli: A Wonderful Fall From Grace, we are faced with the chapter that completes the Halo trilogy started with Her Halo and Little Sister. The concept takes us to a mysterious place called Halo, the origin of the protagonist Eli’s cursed fame: it’s up to you to put the puzzle together, lyrics in hand…
Let’s focus on the music then. After the cinematic intro, the opener “The Will of Eli” presents itself with the right dynamics, in fact it takes sixty seconds in crescendo to hear a catchy and catchy chorus accompanied by a carpet of keyboards that certainly recalls Kevin Moore who was (he is currently a psychiatrist).
We are faced with a good piece, which in the eight minutes of which it is composed changes atmospheres several times and manages to move from theater-style metal to thrilling semi-acoustic moments. Excellent production. You are definitely encouraged to continue listening.
“Step Right Up” has the same length as the previous song. We are faced with an enjoyable prog-power and the Swedish cousins Seventh Wonder come to mind in terms of melodic research. The solos are good but lack a bit of creativity compared to the opener.
However, a pleasant surprise is upon us… After the esoteric interlude “The Mantissas”, “Madam Rome” proposes Teramaze in Symphony X style (halfway between V and Paradise Lost) and in all their power. To understand what our band are capable of, just listen to the central section, between unisons, rocky rhythms and a pretty dark crescendo. Perhaps one of the most successful moments of the entire concept trilogy. The coda with piano and sample with recorded voices takes us back in time at least 30 years, when the prog. dictated the law.
Before the final suite there is space for two “short” pieces, 5 and 7 minutes long. “Standing Ovation” is half convincing, thanks to a less than incisive refrain, while “Hands are tied” hits the mark thanks to heartfelt and well-interpreted vocal lines. These are old-fashioned ballads, with the first part being voice-piano and the second part being full of guitar and full band.
It all ends with “A Wonderful Fall from Grace”, a quarter of an hour of good music which includes some sporadic concessions to a certain djent sound (who said Periphery?) and saxophone parts which give a touch of refinement to the whole thing.
Ultimately, the Teramaze do not disappoint and confirm themselves at very respectable levels. Make Eli – A Wonderful Fall from Grace yours, you won’t regret it.
