Charisma - Strazhi Granits (Review)

"Russia" and "Power Metal" are not always a good combination. Power Metal uses complex (compared to pop music) patterns and virtuoso solos. And in Russia there are very few good musicians - the state supports only categories of persons for whom the understanding of real art is not available (hucksters, warriors, etc.). Well, a professional is not only letters on papers, but also the ability to overcome difficulties. And today I will tell you about one such example.

My Rating: 60/100

Source: vk.com

I can discuss our stupid financial system for a long time, but here it's not necessary. Just tell about new release from Russia. Band "Charisma" has existed for 12 years already and it's a very good indicator for a country where musicians have very few opportunities. But when you listen to their previous work and compare with it, it becomes clear, due to what they so long stay on stage.

Composer's work can be called interesting. But it seems that there was enough power for one track (4 tracks). And a little for one more (3 tracks). The rest is frank quickie. Moreover, members understood this perfectly - 3rd and 4th tracks are not located at the very beginning so that the listener's emotions gradually increase. And that from the album there is a good aftertaste, in 8 track the virtuosic guitar improvisation is inserted. I assume that big bet was made on the first audition, because in the analysis you can see the absence of many shades in composer's work. You can also notice that even in the most interesting tracks, there is little originality - the 4 tracks (some sections of the general constructions and vocal parts) were reminded me of song In This World Beyond (Loudness). How to talk about the rest? I don't know. Also, there are errors in mixing, and this is not expected from professionals.

An excellent vocalist continues this picture. Here it's impossible to say anything bad about the vocalist, because a great talent is noticeable. Of course, vocal parts and lyrics can hardly be called interesting and unique. Nevertheless, the processing very well hides the flaws and in the end we hear an excellent voice.

Instrumental parts structures are not very interesting, but it makes a good impression. But basically it concerns to 3, 4 and 8 tracks. All the rest is a compilation of standard (for power metal) templates. Well, this also needs abilities. But it's hard to call interesting. The only sane attempt to diversify the instrumental parts was in 5th track. This attempt was clean on guitar in the beginning. Nuff Said. Also, you can not hear the bass at all. Maybe because of simple processing, maybe because of a weak attack, but bass is not audible. Drums - everything is predictable here. Standard heavy metal drumming, blast beat, Booty Camp beat. That's all.

Here is such an album turned out - a huge talent, but some shortcomings have greatly spoiled the impression of album. Yes, I can say that the guys released a good album. But here the minimum for a professional level. Mistakes in mixing, incomprehensible guitar and bass re-amping, standard composer ideas - if they told me that the band existed for 12 years, I would not have believed it. Well, I don't think that they will change anything in future. That's all.