Stormhammer - Cold Desert Moon


Year of Release: 2001
Label: Century Media
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 56:44:00

Stormhammer, hailing from Germany's south, play power metal with a typical German flavour. This sophomore disc follows last year's Fireball.

The main difference between their two discs is that they have changed vocalists. Whilst in many bands this works (as is the case of Kamelot, Anthrax, Iced Earth, etc.) in other bands it doesn't work. In Stormhammer, it doesn't work. In fact, it doesn't work at all. Tommy Lion (ex-Drifter) is not one of metal's promising hopes in the vocal department. Once my co-host [*] pointed out that he was singing out of key with the rest of the band, I haven't been able to listen to the disc in the same way. It's so painful that I almost feel that I can't talk about anything else. The closest comparison is that with Voice vocalist Oliver Glas, but he is not a patch on that outstanding singer.

Musically, the band sound like Grave Digger, Primal Fear, and Angel Dust - a great combination. It means you are in for a head pounding of the highest order. The drums are on fire, the guitars are tuned to loud, and it even has a smattering of keyboards which, although not necessary, fill a nice void in parts.

In general, they have the songs and they have the talent (well, most of the band anyway). Their songs are catchy and vibrant but the singer, in many songs, atrophies the band to the point that it is unlistenable. Not that I want to harp on about the singer but he works as vocal trainer - how can you work as a vocal trainer and sing like he does? Tell me!?!?!?

There are some standout tracks, namely "A Dragon's Tear," "Doomsday," and "Breach Of Faith," but that's it folks. This is not a blind purchase - listen before buying.

[Gary and Peter Fundeis have a radio show -PW ed.]

[This review originally appeared November 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]


Tracklisting:
Sinner's Soul / The Law / Breach Of Faith / Yells Of Rage / Misty Hills / Children Of The Dawn / Doomsday / Cold Desert Moon / A Dragon's Tear / Nobody's Child / Masquerade Of Life / The Strength Of Wisdom

Musicians:
Tommy Lion - vocals
Alex Heigl - guitars
Manfred Ewender - guitars
Horst Tessman - bass
Markus Heindl - keyboards
Django Schuster - drums

Discography:
Fireball (2000)
Cold Desert Moon (2001)
Lord Of Darkness (2004)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin DE

Added: February 20th 2005
Reviewer: Gary Carson
Score:
Artist website: www.stormhammer.de
Hits: 1681
Language: english

  

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