More solid power metal true to the original term passes over my desk in Pharaoh’s new EP titled Ten Years. There’s some really viable music to be had here in this unassuming band out of Pennsylvania, and I’m always on the lookout for bands that stick to one style and create the best music they can out of the niche they carve themselves.

With some serious inclinations to traditional metal and NWOBHM, Pharaoh offers an interesting take on what is quickly becoming a watery field in which to play this type of music. Where a dozen bands pop up by the hour to grasp at the fast-fraying edges of the basic old-school style made famous by everyone from Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Diamond Head, every now and then a band manages to create something vital and resonating.

This EP has four really good original tracks that make me want to check out more of the band’s music, and the two cover tracks are a nice addition. The New Model Army cover of “White Light” was really fascinating, and the Slayer cover of “Tormentor” is…decent, but in the band’s defense no one can effectively cover Slayer’s early work. Overall it was a valiant and courageous effort.

“Reflection and the Inevitable Future” is my favorite track on the EP with its very strong mid-80s intro that calls upon a touch of Maiden’s Piece of Mind-era. While casual Maiden fans might scratch their heads in wonder with that, the veterans will hear it and possibly think of “Flight of Icarus” if even for a brief few seconds. The vocals are an easy delivery of mid-range competency over some illuminating guitars that don’t embellish to the point of disfigurement. You might also hear some late 70’s hard rock in the track “Nothing I Can Say”, but it doesn’t go off the board and settles perfectly in the frame of the style. For what it is and claims to be you get your money’s worth all over.        

Next I’ll be seeking out the band’s Coroner tribute single out of sheer curiosity; still on the fence with the Slayer cover, but I’m not judging the band’s ability to cover Slayer or any band for that matter. What I did judge was well worth my time and yours if my humble opinion and description is something you find worthy.  

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Ten Years
2.  When We Fly
3.  White Light
     (New Model Army cover)
4.  Reflection and the
     Inevitable Future
5.  Nothing I Can Say
6.  Tormentor (Slayer cover)

Total playing time:  26:00

Release Date: June 7, 2011
Label: Cruz Del Sur Music

Pharaoh - Ten Years EP

Reviewer: Chris

August 9, 2011