review: Images of Eden (USA): Angel Born -- melodic adult contemporary metal

"ANGEL BORN” TRACK LISTING:

1) Autumn Is Burning

2) Angel Born

3) My Promise

4) Where Dreams Begin

5) If?

6) Killing God

7) Fight The Good Fight (Triumph Remake)

8) War Room

9) Serenity Reign

10) Animation In A Still World

11) Marigold Sun

12) In Memory of Me

Angel Born is the fifth album by the adult contemporary heavy metal band Images of Eden (USA). It follows 2018's Soulrise. The new work is a showcase of the type of songwriting that is the essence of today’s Images of Eden, which began as far back as 1998 as a solo project, but after the 2001 self-titled debut found more collaborators, and nowadays is a full band that tours. At its heart, Images of Eden is a melodic, a bit proggy balance between contemporary sounds incorporated into heavy metal, with a rather muscular, chunky guitar sound, in the style of prog power. Aside from the genre characteristics, the songwriting allows the entire band to shine. You will hear the bass guitar clearly, as well as the rhythm section in general, with melodic guitar solos and hooks, and a subtle background (with things like keyboards) that fills out the sound. Of course, the singing should be a focal point for fans of melodic, mature singing, with lyrics on emotions, relations, and adult-focused topics, including some philosophical, religious and political undertones, but without making self-important grand declarations. On one hand, supporters of prog power and of veteran bands like Fates Warning, Evergrey, Symphony X and Kamelot would find here an affinity to those musical sensibilities, but perhaps one difference is that Images of Eden songs are more compact, as a general rule. In fact, only the last song reaches 11 minutes, while the rest push towards a normal duration of three to six minutes. Trivia: They muscle up a cover version of the classic song “Fight the Good Fight” by the great band Triumph (Canada; classic period from 1975 to 1988), who were very successful not just in Canada but internationally, including in the U.S., with their melodic heavy metal with classic and prog rock traits. In conclusion, in general we can say that audiences with a serious appreciation for quality adult contemporary metal should strongly consider at least checking out this new album. You may find yourself a gem.

Images of Eden- "Autumn Is Burning" (Official HD Music Video from the upcoming album, "Angel Born")

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