AFM Records (2009)
Seizing the day, this French power metal act certainly march up the ladder in terms of individuality and credibility from the beginning of the decade to the present. Anyone remember their 2000 debut “Coming from the Sky” with its super mirror similarities to Kiske-led Helloween? Through their subsequent three follow up albums Heavenly have gained more of a wider appeal with critics and fans alike, developing less of a happy, double bass laced sound into more of a melodic, versatile but still powerful approach.
“Carpe Diem”, the fifth studio album from the quintet, still has the occasional nod to the pumpkin mentors, especially with the faster “Ode to Joy” or mid-tempo offering “Lost in Your Eyes” - the multi-tracked choir vocals with singer Benjamin Sotto a capable substitute for Michael Kiske’s perfect high range pitches. Where Heavenly differ from their brethren on “Carpe Diem” would be the neo-classical exploration and real piano touches, especially in the epic “Farewell” where you feel like you are taking in more of a sweeping drama-filled theatrical arrangement or the follow up “Full Moon” which gives drummer Thomas Das Neves a chance to throw down some slower, straight forward grooves and fills amongst the expected double bass and snare speed chorus work.
The title track gives guitarists Charley Corbiaux and Olivier Lamaze a chance to rip off competitive guitar runs for the first measure of the solo, then really ramp up their fluid motion and tasteful touch during the longer second movement with some whammy bar and intense tapping from the 3:34-4:09 section. My favorite song “Ashen Paradise” takes on a lot of qualities I enjoy with recent Gamma Ray material- containing some space-laden hooks and back and forth guitar/vocal choir action.
I’ll firmly admit “Carpe Diem” and Heavenly aren’t re-writing the power metal playbook. However, the songs and arrangements stick to me like a great steak and potatoes outing, so believe if you’ve been a long time supporter of the movement, this record needs to be a part of your repertoire.
www.heavenly.fr
www.afm-records.de
Composed by Matt Coe