EDGE OF FOREVER – Native Soul

Edge Of Forever state their fourth album since their 2002 inception is their strongest to date. It features anthemic songs, a heavy melodic sound, epic choruses, bombastic production and deep, strong vocal performances. They aren’t exaggerating. The sound they’ve achieved is massive. The vocals are layered and backed with keyboards creating a bottom to top delivery that overwhelms any other fledging melody.

This approach is one dimensional and risky if the vocal melody and chorus aren’t strong enough. The first half of the album carries off the concept fairly well. After the acapella opener sets a serious and somber tone, the title track leads off with raucous guitar work delivering haymaker riffs which keep pace with the super-sized vocal delivery and arena ready rhythm section. This is the best executed and most complete song on the album. A highlight track worth a listen for any Melodic Hard Rock fan. “Carry On”, “Take Your Time” and “Dying Sun” are respectable chorus heavy anthems which succeed due to their vocal delivery and up-tempo guitar work.

The remainder of the journey is punishing. When the vocalist struggles, the guitarist can’t take up the slack. The guitar work is competent, but sometimes non-existent and apparently not up to the challenge of standing in the spotlight. “Promised Land”, “Shine” and “Wash Your Sins Away” are three examples where the band’s lack of depth is most obvious.

Native Soul is said to be a deep and spiritual record containing anthems about life strength and motivation. While the deep waters of these lyrical themes are present, the music itself tends to stays in the shallow end of the pool.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

TRACKLIST (Highlights: 2, 4, 5, 6,)

1. Three Rivers
2. Native Soul
3. Promised Land
4. Carry On
5. Take Your Time
6. Dying Sun
7. Shine
8. I Made Myself What I Am
9. War
10. Wash Your Sins Away
11. Ride With The Wind

LINEUP

Alessandro Del Vecchio: Lead Vocals, keyboards
Aldo Lonobile: Guitars
Nik Mazzucconi: Bass Guitar
Marco Di Salvia: Drums