WISZDOMSTONE – Rise

WiszdomStone is a cross between Iron Maiden, Iced Earth, and Pagan’s Mind. Some passages are reminiscent of Journey as well. Since the guitarist is the songwriter, his riffs are resident at the topmost layer. However, it’s the lyrical sharpshooting of the singer that’ll blow audiences away.

The title track is best, as it fuses lithe bridges to a stiff outer hull. This temperamentally glee song also starts the album.

WiszdomStone puts their best foot forward and finishes in respectable fashion. Then again, “Without Faith” is a meaty highlight that’s present around its midsection. Overall, the album has no chinks in its armor. Each song deserves merit in some way, shape, or form.

To be honest, the oddest aspect of this release is in its looks. Without beating around the bush, the cover shows an angelic figure inappropriately fondling a young gal. Like the perverse image that meets guests at its gates, the music is hard to gauge from the get go. It’s hard to tell if its holy or intent on wrath, and it’s hard to say if the music is meant for rockers, Metal-heads, or intellects. While it’s likely geared for a certain niche, there’s no denying the solid musicianship of WiszdomStone.