Farvahar Records (2008)
Seeking out quality talent regardless of the territory shows me the strong belief Farvahar Records maintains with each individual release. It’s easier to build your label when you sign acts from larger countries or even a large city with proven name bands- yet how many groups can you name breaking it big in the northern Czech Republic? Developing their style for years as Candela, this sextet started in 1998 with founding members Olaf on bass and Pepa Fiser on guitar- finding their current keyboardist Honza Cinert in 2003, second guitarist Tomas Matula a year later and finally their current vocalist Eva Markvartova in 2007 (their new drummer Zdeno didn’t perform on this debut album, handled by Vlada Solin). "Fear" entails 10 main tracks along with 2 bonus cuts and a video clip for the title track- along with another outstanding value for money CD inlay with full history and lyrics to enjoy.
Evarest play a blend of thick power metal along with plenty of Euro positive speed influences into their sonic design. The keyboard fluidity and tonality brings acts like Sonata Arctica and Power Quest to the forefront, especially in the mixture of softer chord progressions and bursts of arpeggio sweeps in a track such as "Searching For Lost Times". With dual guitarists helming the fretboard action, this is where you will feel the Iron Maiden/ Helloween connection, unafraid to charge with rhythmic passion and then lay down a solid, anthem-like cultural line that captures your sing-a-long tendency such as the immediate title track as well as the stunning ballad "For Goddamned Love". The drumming fluctuates between bursts of adrenaline fury and movements that are more in line with the old school stay in the pocket playing ("Requiescat" a stellar look into both dimensions). Olaf handles two of the lead vocals, rolling through in a lower, comfortable register while main vocalist Eva rides in wider range glory throughout the rest of the album. I’m sure many will quickly think Eva has that Tarja/ Nightwish nature to her voice, but I also hear snippets of Leather Leone as well as Anneke (ex-The Gathering) in tracks like "Hero’s Fate" and "River Of Death".
Preparation leads to success- Evarest have all the tools in place to ascend quickly in popularity with the variety and versatility present on "Fear". In a just world, gold and platinum awards should flood this band’s doorstep- so carry your part in buying this record as metal’s flame continue to burn bright.
www.evarest.cz
www.myspace.com/evarestczech
www.favaharrecords.com
Composed by Matt Coe