How many CD's can you pick up today by just looking at the cover artwork? Not that many, I'm sure; But on the rare occasion a band catches my eye, which draws me in, then I'm obligated to check them out. The latest band to do that to me was Halcyon Way. Their covers are so odd looking, that it make you want to check them out, and if you do, you will not be disappointed. Halcyon is a power metal band from Atlanta that mixes thrash with power metal. The songs are well crafted mixing in melody with brutality.
Steve Braun's vocals are melodic, which always add a nice touch to a power metal band. This band reminds me of Into Eternity mixed with some Testament, but a little more straight foward. The band has the power metal thrash vibe working, but they also mix in some classic metal aspects into their music as well. Soaring vocals with killer guitars, it don't get much better than that.
Indoctrination is more like an EP than a full length. The CD only contains 7 tracks, with the last 2 tracks being a cover and radio edit of a tune from their debut. The band cover the Sammy Hagar tune Stand Up, which was made popular in the movie Rockstar by the faux band Steel Dragon. Unfortunately Halcyon Way as well as Sammy Hagard can't pull this tune off as well as Steel Dragon. It was cool to hear this cover, but I would have much rather heard another original track. The 5 previous tracks on this CD were so strong, it almost killed the momentum of the CD, by them adding in a cover. All in all a killer release that will kick your ass this way to Sunday. Check it out.
Bottom Line: A new band showing that they've got what it take to make it. A solid, but short platter of killer tunes, executed with precision.
Standout Tracks: Tracks 1 thru 5
-Ragman is wondering what Clive Barker would think of the artwork for this record.