VERSUS HEAVEN - Behind the Perfect Mask

\r\nDebut album from the Greeks Versus Heaven, “Behind The Perfect Mask” is a very interesting release for those who are into melodic Power Metal! I have to make clear that despite being labeled as a Heavy/Power metal release this album has nothing to do with “sword and sorcery” themes and melodic smurf-like choruses, or excessive guitar show off. Versus Heaven are not into any of this and that’s exactly what makes this album interesting. Musically they tend to blend various sounds in their compositions from American power metal to pure Thrash, having as a result to be sounding as a more melodic version of Iced Earth!
\r\nThis impression is reinforced by Kostas’s singing style which reminded me a lot that of Mat Barlow. The guys have done a pretty nice job concerning the compositions with the aggressive riffing switching to melodic parts and some really impressive soloing filling the songs. What was really impressing was the production which was in very good levels regarding the sound, something rare for most Greek bands!
\r\nThe only objection I have, and that’s only my personal opinion, is that they should have paid more attention to the choruses as in some songs they sound quite flat.
\r\nThe songs that manage to stand out are, of course the very good “Betrayed”, which is also their first official video, “Time Does Not Heal” with its amazing guitar parts and last but not least the almost epic “Unexplored Land” with the “borrowed” Annihilator’s “King Of The Kill” riff.
\r\nAll and all “Behind The Perfect Mask” is a very decent debut album that reflects the band’s professionalism, performing skills and the abilities they seem to have to take their music to another level. So there’s no exaggeration in saying that albums like this one give to the Greek scene some credits!
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\r\nDimitris Karantounias\r\n

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