BLACK FATE – Ithaca

Power-Prog Metal Odyssey

Greek metallers Black Fate are releasing their 4th full length album on Rockshots Records titled Ithaca, which showcases the talents and excellent musicianship of vocalist Vasilis Georgiou and company as they take us on an epic musical journey. Fans have been waiting since 2015 for a new release and won’t be disappointed with the work done on this tight, slick production of well written and executed Power/Symphonic Metal. The lineup has remained constant with Gus Drax returning on guitars, Vasilis Liakos on bass, Nikos Tsintzilonis on drums and new member Themis Koparanidis adding his considerable talents on keyboards to an already solid band.

About the Album

Ithaca offers listeners another great example of well written and executed metal with what can only be called stunning guitars and beautiful vocal layering that follows the Greek hero Odysseus, king of Ithaca on his journey home after the Trojan War. The album has 12 well produced tracks that come in at just over 52 minutes, leaving the listener wanting for more. From the opening symphonic intro to the last song, Black Fate gives us a strong variety of tempos, moods and expertly played riffs that marks the strongest release for the band to date. Each listening of the album draws the you back for more, as the songs take on a life and gnaw into your head like the proverbial metal ear-worm.

Highlights

The title track “Ithaca” comes out of the gates at full speed, hitting you in the face with expertly played riffs and stunning vocals over a solid bed of pounding rhythms and keys. The similarities to Dream Theater and Kamelot are well deserved, as the compositions display different time signatures that combine to give us another great addition to the prog Metal genre. “Savior Machine” echoes the still strong influence that Yngwie Malmsteen has on guitarists to this day as Gus Drax tears it up on this kick ass track. Another highlight is “One Last Breathe” with it’s cool syncopated drumming and sweet keyboard arpeggios that help to make this a strong contender for top track.

Final Notes

The overall production and musicianship alone make this album quite incredible, add to that the powerful voice of Vasilis Georgiou and you have a release that really shines. The song structuring is not groundbreaking, but works perfectly for the genre. If you aren’t already a fan of Black Fate, then pick up a copy of Ithaca and you soon will be.

Lineup

Nikos Tsintzilonis – Drums
Vasilis Georgiou – Vocals
Vasilis Liakos – Bass
Gus Drax – Guitars
Themis Koparanidis – Keyboards

Ithaca – Tracklist

1. From Ashes & Dust
2. Ithaca
3. Maze
4. Savior Machine
5. Fortress of Solitude
6. Nemesis
7. Secret Place
8. Reach for the Stars
9. Rainbow’s End
10. One Last Breath
11. Queen of Shadows
12. Circle of Despair

Running Time: 52:22