Bells and Ravens are metal. True heavy metal are the result of one man’s inspiration guitarist Matt Carviero (Contracrash) and ‘’ What Death Cannot End’’ is his second solo outing into the realm of metal with a plethora of special guests along with bassist Roberto Palacios and the talents of late drummer Claudio Sisto.
From the intro of ‘’ Your last Sacrifice “with Tommy Laasch on Vocals, the intention is clear. to create huge rousing heavy metal with fist-pumping choruses’ huge vocals and thumping rhythm sections. ‘’The headless Horseman’’ is further proof with Tim’ ’Ripper’’ Owens providing the vocals.
It’s massive, bombastic with familiar stories and ideas yet turned all the way up to 11!
The musicianship is faultless and the guitar playing is excellent, there is the metal interpretation of 1773 (the first movement of W.
A. Mozart’s 25th symphony) and the almost prog elements of ‘’Zone of Pain’.
Just to clarify how metal this album is Zak Stevens of Savatage provides the vocals for ‘’Scourge of the Sevens Seas’’
The production is excellent and almost symphonic in place, sure it’s not subtle but real metal never is. The riffs are mighty and allowed to dominate proceedings. It’s melodic and powerful and harkens back to a time when metal was full of hooks and large arrangements. ‘’Martyrs and Illusionists (HOME), PT. II’’ is the massive power ballad that continues the story and the struggle of survival after the war.
‘’What Death Cannot End’’ is a triumph in the execution of virtuosity and talent of powerful heavy metal. It may not throw any surprises at you but for fans of the original style then this is a must-listen with your fist in the air!
Bells and Ravens: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: Germany
Reviewed by Sparky
