Eden's Curse by Eden's Curse
|
Release date : August 2007
Reviewed by Eric Stephens
Background information
Review
Background information
Eden's Curse's roots can be traced as far back as January 2006, the very same month that both songwriter / bassist Paul Logue (Cry Havoc) and American singer opted to oversee the eventual birth of a Metal group. Erstwhile Paul Dianno's Killers / The Shock sticksman Pete Newdeck (currently of the Steve Grimmett Band) was asked to step behind the drumkit, and all three embarked on the quest to recruit a guitarist. A friendship happened to nurture between Logue and Evidence One / Midnite Club vocalist Carsten “Lizard” Schulz (formerly of Domain), and through that friendship Schulz introduced Code of Perfection axeman Thorsten Koehne (ex-Demon Drive / Attack). In late June 2006, current Axel Rudi Pell, Uli Jon Roth and Rough Silk keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg joined the fold on a permanent basis.
Duties to mix and master the group's debut effort were handled by Pink Cream 69 bassist Dennis Ward, and both Logue and Eden travelled to Ward's studio (located in the South of Germany) in late August 2006 so that lead and backing vocals could be laid down. The trio of Logue, Eden and Schulz collaboratively penned most of the material that would comprise Eden's Curse's inaugural full length. Given the fact that the pair had co-authored a track featured upon the man's forthcoming solo debut, Pink Cream 69 vocalist David Readman was persuaded by Logue to supply backing vocals. Schulz also aided in this endeavour, and so did current Yngwie Malmsteen, Cornerstone, ex-Rainbow and Midnight Blue vocalist Doogie White. Penned by himself and writing partner Robby Boebel (also the guitarist for Frontline), Schulz submitted left over Evidence One composition “Eyes of the World” for inclusion. A record contract for Eden's Curse's European release was inked with AFM Records in June 2007, while Spiritual Beast, Dynamo Records and Metal Mayhem Music agreed to distribute the album within Japan, Latin America and North America respectively.
Review
The proclamation “... and the books of judgment were open” inaugurates the full length, and so the dawn of a new chapter in Metal history has arrived. By adopting guitar shredding Rock 'N' Roll Metal as a chosen musical style, Eden's Curse pen unadulterated material. Armed with both immaculate guitar sprints and glorious solos, Koehne firmly takes the reins. Specifically during the tracks “Eyes of the World” and “Stronger Than the Flame”, Koehne's fret work incites riotous sparks. Aiding in the assault, Michael Eden's vocal inflections immediately follow. Possessing magnificent chords which occupy a Classic Metal vein, Eden's voice bears shades of both Quiet Riot and Rainbow. The ballad “The Voice Inside”, meanwhile, unveils the group's soft, sultry tones. “Fly Away” marks the album's shifting point somewhat, given the fact that the group spontaneously opts towards a progressive stance. Also, a modern touch becomes more apparent. “What Are You Waiting For” wholly reflects this musical sentiment, and illustrates Eden Curse's heavier stylings. Eden's chords prove authorative, and draw keenly attentive ears. Progressive Metal isn't a genre categorisation one would necessarily apply towards Eden's Curse, although the incorporation of Doernberg's keyboard parts lend a fresh dimension. “Don't Bring Me Down”'s keyboard aspects radiantly beam, even though a shredding guitar ultimately robs the limelight. Gaining notoriety via the 2001 film Rock Star, Steelheart's “We All Die Young” undergoes a modern adaptation. The track's musical structure is partially modified, yet those vital Power vocals still remain intact, and Eden perfectly achieves the vocal notes. A sufficient debut, “We All Die Young” comprises a fitting conclusion to Eden Curse's inaugural outing.
To summarise Eden's Curse's inaugural full length, Classic Hard Rock leanings pair themselves against a humble sprinking of modern sonics. Even though the group can be deemed a relatively new act, Eden's Curse vaunts seasoned veterans whose primary goal is to etch a creative mark upon the Rock landscape. Eden's chords can comfortably nail “We All Die Young”'s chorus, and that alone warrants the album's purchase. If that doesn't prove curiously enticing, then Koehne's fret work will. AFM Records maintains a preferential flair for inking record contracts with diverse groups, and Eden's Curse's signing vindicates this opinion.
