heyoke
| Format | CD |
| Country | Italy |
| Recorded | 2001 |
| Issued | 2001 |
| Label | AB Records |
| Cat no. | 0001 |
| Playing time | 50:38 |
| Reviewer | Petrus Bojanowski |
| WOUNDED KNEE heyoke |
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How about mixing the heavier material of Gong, Kansas, Iron Maiden and Deus Ex Machina?
Wounded Knee's second record is hard and complex, with a mix of metal prog rock, jazz-rock and symphonic rock. The elegant use of several themes simultaneously, frequent theme changes and a high tempo show that both the musical knowledge and capability is high. Grand variations, with themes and riffs that are both melodic and driving.
The atmosphere is hard and rocking. The band started out in 1994, but sounds like a successful authentic 70s Italian re-issue with a clear and clean sound. Metallic Moogs, Hammond and piano create a mighty sound together with driving guitars and nice bass playing. Acoustic guitars balance the total picture in a delicate way. Violin incorporated in such a complex music is, in my opinion, quite perfect.
The drummer does an impressive job. He has complete control both when the music boils, with double bass drums using sophisticated rhythms, as well as during the many complex time signatures. The singing is typically Italian with a slight operatic touch and lots of power. The lyrics are mainly English, but we also hear vocals in Italian.
The arrangements demand extremely clever musicians, they have good control over their instruments, and the interplay works fine. When we look at the CD with our magnifying glass, we do, however, find a few parts that stumble a bit and taste somewhat of a debut album, but these few incidents can well be looked at as charming trifles.
All in all, "Heyoke" is seven heavy tracks, trong compositions, and a fine nostalgic 70s sound.
© 2002 Tarkus Magazine