This is the
album where we welcome one of Epic Metals best and high quality labels the
Arkeyn Steel Records. A Greek, label
focusing on producing high quality and true epic metal records. Most of them
are limited editions in lots of 1000s and numbered.
Arkeyn
Steel Records reminded me the reason why I created epicmetal.net and that was
to give to the world hidden and undiscovered epic metal bands. So I went back to the basics!!! And I thank
Arkeyn Steel for that
Now Regarding
Longings Past and their Album The Meadows of Maseilya. It all started
after James Shellberg (Enchanter, Longings past) had a deal with Arkeyn steel records to
release the demos of enchanter. James was surprised by the professionalism of
Arkeyn Steel and instead of creating an independent label to release Longings Past
Albums he decided to release it with Arkeyn Steel – and true he was right. The
Meadows of Maseilya is the debut album if longings past and the first release
with Arkeyn steel records...
The Meadows
of Maseilya was released a few years back in 500 tapes and is now a valuable
and high priced collectors items, and I have no concerns that this 1000 numbered cds will also be in the future a
valuable collectors items. Great production, Excellent Artwork (hail Kostas Athanasoglou) and a booklet with lyrics and band info.
Now a few
things about the album. Its interesting cover art really sets the theme. It includes
seven, songs including a very interesting prelude (really liked those). The
Epic Metal feeling is everywhere, marching, epical, and in many points it reminded
me the positive things that have attracted me to epic metal. the raw sound of
the 80s with the good production and remastering the album brings a very good
result which I guarantee it will satisfy even the most demanding epic metal
fan.
All 7 songs
are very good pieces of epic metal and an example for those looking to discover the
roots of epic metal. I tried to pick a
favorite song from the album, however all the songs are very good and I liked them all, the 8 minute hymn Warming
Embers with almost 8 minutes of great guitar riffs, epical rhythm,
changes in tempo faster and slower resulting in an epical hymn.. the Dream
catcher has a great pre –chorus
guitars and riffs, and in some parts
great and majestic melodies!!!!! ( listen to 2.:30 yo 3:30). The Meadows
of Maseilya with the piano intro, the horse riding effects, and a kicking ass bass (all in the intro).. the
drums and the backing vocals give a differentiated and creative epic metal
approach to the song. The dawns Eternal Mist Is the ballad of the album which starts with a nice rain effect and changes its tempo in the mid song with a
faster tempo, closing with the ballad song
upon a dragons wings a song different that the rest of the album
but with its own distinctive characteristics.!1The only disadvantage
from this album is the number of tracks, however
who cares at least are all excellent pieces of epic metal.
Overall I highly recommend you to get your hands on this
release, it is the definition of epic metal, it is a very good album and certainly
it will become a rarity in the years to come. Do your selves a favour and buy
the album , not only your support a great band but you also support a great and
upcoming label the Arkeyn Steel.
9/10
