Search - Harmony :: Dreaming Awake

Kenneth W. (Eyesore) from TAUNTON, MA
Reviewed on 12/4/2007...

I stumbled upon this CD by complete chance. I was trading on lala.com and someone that was sending me another CD had this one up for trade, so I requested it. The cover looked cool and I took a chance. I'm glad I did. This is a pretty solid album, akin to prog-metal heavyweights Circus Maximus, though not as heavy on the progressive side.

Dreaming Awake kicks off with the first of three instrumentals, "Into The Afterlife." It's the only one that's not orchestral, relying on fast guitars and a heavy rhythm section that leads directly into "Eternity," which follows a stylistic pattern of fast and furious power metal. "Dreaming Awake" is up next, and it's easily the album's best track. A heavy mid-paced number with a ridiculously catchy chorus; this is the song that draws the most comparisons to Circus Maximus. If by this time you're enjoying the album, the rest shouldn't let you down. Dreaming Awake continues a similar path throughout the rest of the album; uptempo power metal numbers with a progressive edge -- "Fall Of Man" and "Maze Of The Past" -- and mid-paced anthems -- "Then Shadows Fall" and "Remember." The two orchestral instrumentals are largely forgettable, but they're short and really don't interrupt the flow of the album.

Recently I was sent a CD by a new Ulterium Records band called Darkwater. Four of the five members of Harmony make up the same number in Darkwater, all playing the same role in each band; the only member not making jump is the bass player. Darkwater is not too far off in terms of style; they're simply more progressive and heavier. And as of right now, Harmony is working on a new album. Either way, I highly recommend both bands.

Website: http://www.harmonymetal.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/harmonyfanpage

WOW.

aiylyn | Washington, Mi United States | 12/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay. I understand that this album and band is a new offering. But it is virtually a crime that they are not well-known yet! Since you MUST check this album out, here's what to expect.Harmony plays very friendly melodic metal. Nothing harsh, no screaming vocals or dissonance in the vocals. A few of the songs are fast, like the intro track (which is actually a song, not just keyboard orchestration like most intros) and "Eternity." Others focus on mid-paced melodies. As mentioned, there are plenty of keyboards and wind arrangements. Lyrics are blatantly Christian; that's okay if you're a believer or if you're just open-minded in general. These guys are label-mates with Human Fortress; if you like them check out Harmony! This is one of the better records I've heard this year. My favorites include Eternity, Without You, and Remember."