Area
51
“Daemnocus”
(www.area51.web.com)
Despite their cliched name, Japan’s Area 51 are recognised by Burrn! zine as one of that country’s best neo classical metal bands, and it’s easy to see why. Centred around the guitar wizardry (and founder of Area 51) Yoichiro Ishino - who teaches at Japan’s Musician’s Institut (JMI) - who effortlessly churns out catchy riffs, power melodies and sheer driving guitarwork on a scale that would outstrip Nissan’s factory production. But thankfully, Area 51 is not technical guitarwork but an excellent use of it in a heavy melodic and neo classical metal sound. Even better, he’s wisely assembled a quality rhythm section and got a star in the female vocals of Kate Cain, who excellently complements and contrasts his guitarwork. A successor to the band’s debut (“Ankh” released in 2005), “Daemnocus” is both well produced and engineered (also by Yoichiro Ishino) with a real guitar sound i.e. one that sounds like he’s playing right in front of you! I thoroughly enjoyed all 10 tracks on this album, especially the 16 minute closer ‘Lord Knows’ which features Bob Rock on guest vocals. In a land renowned for guitar god worship, I really have to salute Area 51 for not succumbing to this path (for it would be an easy one), but bravely putting some real class and dare I say it, fashion, into their music - in that they themselves have become worthy of worship.
-Shan Siva
AREA 51
"Daemonicus"
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It would be so easy to say that I love everything Japanese just because i'?s so exotic but the truth be known there's more to the love affair. There's no denying that when the Japanese set their mind to it they often surpass the thing they set out to copy. This is why Area 51 doesn't surprise me when I put their CD Daemonicus in my player. Out comes music that makes me think of a cross pollination of Yngwie Malmsteen and prog metal with a twist of American hardrock. A combination that at first glance might not seem like a match made in perfect harmony but somehow Area 51 makes it work, and the way it works! I wouldn?t say it's a dream come true but it's pretty darn near picture perfect. www.area51.web.com
-Anders Ekdahl