Cellador - Enter Deception

[Liu]

Cellador - Enter Deception
Metal Blade

Its really something when you come across a band whose debut album hits all the right notes. Usually its because the band is comprised by seasoned musicians who have already honed their skill elsewhere. But its a truly rare thing when the album is the first official recording by said group of musicians. Cellador is one such case.

These power metallers are barely out of high school and they're already leaving a burning trail behind them, outdoing many of the veterans of the genre in their first outing. Don't expect any fruity, synth heavy power metal here. Imagine Sonata Arctica with some actual balls. The band plows through eight dominating songs without any sign of slowing down. No cheeseball power ballads to be found anywhere, the album is an energic fireball of molten metal from beginning to end.

Michael Gremio must be the long lost son of Michael Kiske, the voice is simply uncanny. Add a dash of early Bruce Dickinson and you got the perfect voice to front this band. He never really goes into falsetto territory either, so his gender never goes into question. Chris Peterson and Bill Hudson provide the constant back and forth guitar artillery, having the perfect blend of intensity and melody. Valentin Rakhmonov does a superb job holding everything together with the low end. Special note should go to David Dahir, whose use of blast beats make it sound as if the drum style were especially made for this type of music. For a group of youngsters they are incredibly tight. I'm not exactly sure if this is from the chemistry of the five individuals or because of Erik Rutan's production job, but the resulting album speaks for itself.

If you have any doubts that a power metal band can still boast some actual POWER, then don't miss out on what could possibly be the power metal album of the year.


01. Leaving All Behind
02. A Sign Far Beyond
03. Never Again
04. Forever Unbound
05. Seen Through Time
06. Wakening
07. Releasing The Shadow
08. No Chances Lost

Score: 8/10

[Demolition Hammer]

Good review, you definitely hit the nail on the head (except "power metal album of the year", that's reserved for Dragonforce ). Cellador won me over with their live show, which was even better than the album. The few gripes I have about a couple riffs and the production are more than made up for my really good songs and strong performances. And they're a bunch of kids! Hopefully these guys get the success they deserve.

[Liu]

Originally Posted by Demolition Hammer

Good review, you definitely hit the nail on the head (except "power metal album of the year", that's reserved for Dragonforce ).

That's why I put "possibly" before it

[Jenzy]

I met and interviewed the two guitarists at Ozzfest. Then talked with them when they played Studio 7. Great guys, amazing talent. I do however think they will need to mature musically a bit more and get thicker skin about reviews and such. . .but I'm sure this industry will help that along real nice like <sarcasism>

[ophidian]

Originally Posted by Demolition Hammer

that's reserved for Dragonforce ).

True dat !!

What is really funny, is when I was hanging out with ZP from Dragonforce backstage at Ozzfest, I asked him what power metal bands he listens to, and he said "power metal is gay." and I was laughing so hard, because I think guys like him must live in a bubble musically and not even know what their fan base considers them to be. He said he listened to some classical and hard rock while on tour but didn't mention any metal bands.



Please note: I had a way better pass than the kind of media pass Jenzy had while she was interviewing bands. Ha ha !!