EXOTIC WAYS

SANVOISEN are a relatively unknown band to the standard prog-metal fanbase that only released two albums in the 90's and then sadly disappeared. Although they broadly belong in the "melodic prog-power metal" scene of Germany, their sound shows elements that distinguishes them from the "pack".

One of the first things that stands out listening to the album is the distinct voice (and accent) of Greek singer Vagelis Maranis who has since left a good name for himself in the metal circles. Typical high-pitched vocals but with a beautiful melodic tint, that resembles at times to Geoff Tate. At more mellow moments, influences from the melodic lines of Ray Alder can be observed (Night). The foreign accent does stand out but does not ruin the final result. The twin-guitar arrangements of Schönbrunn and Böttcher play a dominant role and characterise the sound of the band, reminding at times of Iron Maiden's best moments (I'm Alive).

As a band belonging to the legendary Noise Records, the power metal background is evident, but the number of prog twists and unconventional arrangements certainly moves them under the "prog" banner. The main influence heard abundantly throughout the album is that of Queensryche and it shows dominantly in the mid-tempo tracks such as The Law, Believe and No Place for Me. Not surprisingly, the influence of Conception (same record company, already famous at the time) appears in the album, mostly in the more straightforward power-metal tracks (Under Permission, What I Mean, I'm Alive).

The best bass performance of the album can be heard in Blind where Andree's complex bass lines approach the virtuosity of Sieges Even. The mellow moments are not absent (Tears for Noone, Time is Not and Night), they do not add a lot to the quality of the album, but also do not impact greatly on the end result.

SANVOISEN's debut is a great example of artistically executed prog-power metal and should appeal to fans of Queensryche, Fates Warning and certainly Conception (like myself) and it is worth no less than 3.5 stars.

Highlights: The Law, Colors Around, The Blind, Believe