Malachia
Red Sunrise
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Relying heavily on mid-seventies gothic metal keyboards, Malachia churns out a very original metal - even if Ken Pike does sound like Geoff Tate of Queensryche. He's got a three and a half octave range! This album, which has been out for almost a year, is hot. It's real heavy metal and it's powerful. It's not outstanding or exceptional, but it is very good and holds its own musically. It's definitely an impressive debut from a band that seemed to just appear (at least on the national scene, after their Under the Blade EP). Hopefully this band will be around for a long time, because they offer us a unique style of metal. The members are accomplished musicians: Jeffrey James, the guitarist, is a graduate of the Guitar Institute of Technology; and Steven "Chima" Ayola plays seven synthesizers in concert. Highlights from the album are "Sightless Eyes," an emotional, high-pitched rocker that opens side two. "Lonely Is the Night," a melodic number played Malachia style, is probably the standout cut on the album. The band has had their video of the song aired on TBN's Real Videos and has plans to get it aired on MTV. Another standout cut, and I hate to admit this (because I don't like anthemic songs where tons of people chant/shout the chorus), is "In Christ We Rock." There's some nice guitar here, especially the intro. This song has a good hook too. While Christian metal is still in its infant stage, almost anything on vinyl is snatched up by hungry fans. This one's worth snatching. You can pick this up via Spring Arbor or Regency Music at your local Christian bookstore. Local hip record stores that stock import metal albums should have this on their shelf. Important Records, a national importer, distributes this album.