ARCHETYPE

It has been a while since I last reviewed Archetype ? apparently they weren't happy with the production of 'Dawning' so after their management company had been touting the product for a while they decided to go back into the studio and re-record most of it. The result has certainly been worth the wait as they have moved on from 'Hands Of Time'. They are much more firmly entrenched in the technical rock/hard rock area. A solid rhythm section allows Chris Maytus to really stretch his melodies on the guitar, and he moves quickly from one genre to another while Greg Wagner has also really grown into his vocal role and uses many different styles. This gives them yet another way of moving the music onwards and not resting within one particular musical area for too long.

When a band and singer work together to challenge the boundaries of what they are doing then it can produce some stunning results and that is certainly the case here. I kept being reminded of Helloween or even Stratovarius but these guys rely solely on guitars ? there isn't a keyboard overplay to be found anywhere. It is a rock album that will appeal to head bangers as when Archetype crank it out they certainly do, but in fact this is an album that will appeal to all who like their rock to move and challenge conformity without relying solely on volume, speed or distortion. This is solid rock music that deserves close attention. Visit the web site at www.archetype1.com.

Originally appeared in Feedback #67, Apr 02

This American band came together in 1997, and pursues an interesting avenue of prog/techno metal. No keyboards for these guys, just a lot of clever things going on with the melody, and plenty of riffing from guitarist Chris Maytus. It is the guitar work that sets this album apart from many, as Chris proves that he is much more than a guitarist with his amp set on ten, while at the same time he is not a huge fan of the widdly widdly either.

This four-track debut CD offers a lot in the way of promise, and it will be interesting indeed to hear the new full-length album 'Dawning' when it is available. If I had to pick fault it would be with vocalist Chyle Vagner who seems to be struggling at times, but given the fact that he only joined the band two weeks prior to going in to the studio he ought to be given the benefit of the doubt. Overall a very intriguing and interesting band with a lot going for them. Occasionally reminiscent of Qüeensryche or Winter, this is a band that is worth discovering.

Although they are American they have a Danish management company and are probably best contacted by e-mail at [email protected] or visit their website at www.intromental. com/archetype.

Originally appeared in Feedback #58

This album is a forgotten pearl in the prog metal world!I was absolutelly amazed by the passion and true dramatic feeling of this album since I 've discovered it,many years ago! Today,in 2010,I have the same enchantment and emotion when I make an audition!It transmits the same feeling and I wonder how it's possible after so many auditions to have the same satisfaction and positive mood when I hear such wonderful music?!?!I really can compare this album with the brilliant THE EDGE of ETERNIITY X,and I really feel thet the prog metal proposed by ARCHETYPE has the same common roots like the band mentioned before! The dramatic voice of GREG WAGNER has something that makes ARCHETYPE's music not to be ordinary or common!It's a dramatic sense of the performance,-interpretation-in the high register especially,but also when we feel his rage in the interpretation!Musically speaking,this is pure American metal with strong technical and progressive touch!The musicians are so performants ,they are really efficient and technical,every musician is 100 % skilled on his instrument!It sounds a little like FATES WARNING in the beginning,but more muscled,it sounds like METAL CHURCH or VICIOUS RUMORS,but definitelly ARCHETYPE has it's own personality!Chris Matyus at guitar is also a strong ace in the hands of the band,and he really pushes here some impressive solos,diverse and catchy,each time melodic and intense!All songs are brilliant and the track YEARS AGO is a pure masterpiece,like HANDS OF TIME too,a musical anthem for ARCHETYPE undoubtedly!!!It's a pity that Wagner left from the band,because he was exceptional,and I don't know if the new one will bring something new compared to the brilliant previous one!The European presentation of the album,under the licence of the Italian label LUCRETIA RECORDS is trully superbe,in DVD format as aspect of the slipcase!4,5 STARS for a wonderful album that worth to be in every collection of any prog power metal fan!

Filled with complex, melodic, and catchy passages, this album is amazing from start to finish.

It takes the listener on a journey through maze-like riffs, reinforced by excellent solos and vocals coming from a slight power metal angle. The musicianship displayed by Archetype is exemplary. Listening to these guys pull off this detailed songwriting with such authority and precision is exhilarating!

Very well recorded, every instrument is given equal room to shine, though the bass guitar is slightly in the background, but that is to be expected.

An incredible progressive album on all points. If I were to describe this album in two words, they would be "catchy" and "technical". Very highly recommended!

This is an album that prog metal fans will listen to over and over and over again. I must admit that the complexity of the music made me have to listen to it a few times before I could penetrate it, but most people aren't as slow as I am. :-) So much is right about this project. Any prog metal fan needs this CD in their collection. It'll put hooks into you like you won't believe. Enjoy!

What can you say? It's just been done so many times over that this CD sounds flat. Nothing interesting here. Sure the musicianship is good but do we really need to hear it in this format. You'll find this one in the cut-out bin or balancing the table of your local bar/club.

This is a very powerful album. Each musician has mastered their respective art and the compositions are a delight no matter how often I put this album in my CD player. The only aspect of this album I didn't dig 100% was the vocals...but they have since replaced the vocalist with Les Paul, which makes me really believe these guys know what they're doing!!!