EIDOLON – The Parallel Otherworld

Eidolon is a Canadian Heavy Metal band that has been putting out albums since 1993. These guys have built up a solid fan base over the years, but have never reached the top of the mountain in terms of popularity. Beginning in 2004, the band’s founding members, brothers Glen Drover (guitars) and Shawn Drover (drums), began spending a bit of time in Megadeth.

The Parallel Otherworld is Eidolon’s latest opus, following 2003’s Apostles Of Defiance. Since the release of that album, the band parted ways with singer Pat Murlock. Taking his place is Nils K. Rue, lead vocalist for Progressive Metal masters Pagan’s Mind. Bassist Adrian Robichaud rounds out the foursome.

The Parallel Otherworld is made up of 10 tracks, and has a playing time of a little under one hour and eight minutes; this album puts the “long” in the expression “long player,” with only one song shorter than five minutes. Eidolon? More like Eido-long. Har har.

Previous Eidolon albums were heavy, with lots of big riffs from Glen Drover. The Parallel Otherworld continues on in that vein. This album is very heavy, with lots of punishing (but catchy) riffs, soaring solos, and melodic, galloping leads. Guitar fans will like The Parallel Otherworld, as it’s not only a showcase for Glenn Drover’s skills, but the skills of guest guitar heroes like Michael Romeo, Chris Caffrey, Frank Aresti, and others. Shawn Drover and Robichaud do their part too, supplying a very heavy bottom end to the music.

So The Parallel Underworld is heavy. Eidolon fans won’t be surprised by this bit of news. But, the album also has an epic feel to it that helps lift it above the pack. All of the songs feel big, starting with the 11 ½-minute title track, which kicks the album off, through to the last track, a cover of the Mercyful Fate classic “The Oath.” A big reason for this epicness is the presence of Rue, who is a dynamic, world-class vocalist with great range and power. With his soaring vocal abilities, he adds a dimension that had been lacking a little on previous Eidolon albums. Just check out his singing on “The Oath;” you’d swear that was King Diamond himself nailing those killer falsetto wails.

Even though this is a long album, it isn’t a boring one or one bloated with excess and bouts of lethargy … all of the songs move quickly, with lots of melodic dust and energy sprinkled over the top of all the heavy goings-on.

The Parallel Otherworld is a freight train barrelling down the tracks, continually gaining momentum as it goes, not stopping for anyone or anything. Get on board or get out of the way.