http://www.rockreport.be/

Founded as Aria by keyboard player Markus Bohr, this German band with the strange-to-pronounce name have just delivered their debut album on AOR Heaven’s sub label METAL HEAVEN. The band listen to the new moniker since 2004, the year in which a steady and ambitious line-up was completed, consisting of ex-members of mostly obscure bands as Blind Dance, Horny Speed, Karkadan and Citizen Kane. Guitarist Rodrigo Blattert, once live guitarist for hard rock band Pump, probably is the only credited name you might have spotted elsewhere in the past.

The five-piece prove that even without big names a band can put down a pleasurable album. “…For Those Who Walk The Path Forlorn”, the platter we’re talking about in this case, is presented as the debut by a melodic metal outfit inspired by the likes of Edguy, Stratovarius and Royal Hunt. Although at least two of these references might be justified, Saidian have more to them than that. I’d call them a blend of classic Royal Hunt and their fellow countrymen of Ivory Tower (the Limb Music act) with a slight nod to Edguy, albeit only in the vocal department, as Markus Engelfried tends to sound like Tobias Sammet at times. With song material ranging from adrenaline-raising hard rock like “Lonely Nights” and “The Only One” to fast-paced and slightly neo-classical tunes as “Burn Down The Night” and “Heart Of Stone”, “…For Those Who Walk The Path Forlorn” has something on offer for every one of you. If you’re a dedicated Rock Report reader that is. And to calm down the namedropping lovers amongst you: the album was produced by former Sanvoisen shouter Vagelis Maranis. Another very nice product on the ever growing Metal Heaven line!

(SL)

 

http://melodic.net/

The debut album from German Powermetal/Melodic Hardrock act Saidian will soon be released through METAL HEAVEN. This debut is a very good one with lots of great arrangements and the keyboards in a big part of their sound. I think one of the reasons that I´m really fond about this album is the keyboardsound of the album that I think is fantastic. They have found a great mixture of Powermetal and straight ahead melodic hardrock. The singer Markus Engelfried has a high pitched voice that sometimes gets way too high in my opinion, otherwise I think he sings very good. This is an album that will suit fans of Edguy, Stratovarius and Royal Hunt for sure. There are a couple of tracks that shines out more than the rest. The melodic orientated Lonely Nights is filled with nice hooklines and melodies that reminds a bit of Pink Cream 69. The Royal Hunt rocker Silent Killer has a powerful chorus with strong background vocals and typical Royal Hunt keyboards. The highlight of the album is Heart Of Stone that is filled with pompish keyboards and killer riffs. The chorus is very melodic with tons of hooklines and I think this is a perfect powermetal song.

The production is great and had been handled by former Sanvoisen singer Vagelis Maranis that has come up with a good sound.

This is a solid album and doesn´t contain any fillers that many powermetal albums has and it may not be in the same league as Edguy, Stratovarious and Masterplan but give these guys a chance because this is not bad stuff and I´m sure the next one will be even better.

A good debut album that must be checked out by fans of the mentioned bands.
 

http://melodicrock.com./

Songs: 82%
Sound: 88%
Total: 85%