Arryan Path - Terra Incognita

TRACK LISTING

1.  Cassiopeia
2.  Molon Lave
3.  Terra Incognita
4.  Open Season
5.  Ishtar
6.  The Blood Remains on the Believer
7.  Elegy
8.  Angel With no Destination
9.  Minas Tirith
10.  The Mind (Bonus Track)

Total playing time:  50:19

August 14, 2010

Reviewer: M.J.

Terra Incognita (unknown land) is the second release from Arryan Path who has been rather absent from the metal scene since their debut “Road to Macedonia” in 2004. Lead singer Nicholas Leptos, armed with a batch of new songs and new wing man on guitars (his brother, Socrates) is now set to make a credible return. For the curious, the band’s name has no Nazi association of any kind - arryan is a type of flower; roughly meaning, the flower path. One could infer from their name that the band strides down the “flowery power metal” path but they do pretty well to steer clear of it. In reality, what the band opts for is a mix of straight up heavy metal, power, and prog metal that has shades of traditional Middle Eastern music influences.

Terra Incognita has a strong sense of cohesion, which stands in stark contrast to the band’s debut which was rather uneven and hodgepodge. Everything that you would want and expect from a band of this type is here including sweeping epics with lots of orchestration served up with plenty of crunch that quell any concerns the band is playing it too nice. Nicholas has some incredible pipes, belting out a series of Greek mythologies with an unwavering and strong clear voice. He is joined by the amazingly gifted Vagelis Maranis (Sanvoisen) on the opening song "Cassiopeia" who also supplies guitars on several tracks. “Cassiopeia” and “The Blood Remains on the Believer” veer toward Helloween and Iron Maiden territory while other tracks hint at influences from Stratovarius but overall, Arryan Path carve out a sound that is unique to itself. “The Mind” is presented as a bonus track and is straight forward heavy metal lacking the epic qualities the other tracks contain, making me question the need for its inclusion. The title track is plagued by an overly repetitious chorus but is delivered with such conviction and musical diversity that makes it more digestible. The band incorporates Middle Eastern sounds into it and many other songs including the intro to “Ishtar” which flaunts a guitar sound that mildly mimics that of a sitar. My favorite track is “Minas Tirith” which is one of the best songs buoyed by Nicholas’ mesmerizing vocals and Socrates’ stellar guitar work.

The potential for Arryan Path to achieve greater success is evident on Terra Incognita which acts as a refreshing new start for the brothers. I hope this becomes Nicholas’ main focus over his other bands, Diphtheria and Prodigal Earth, and we get another new album soon. All in all, a solid release that is worth checking out. 

Release Date: February 16th, 2010
Label: Pitch Black Records

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: