Customer Reviews

Legend of the Bone Carver

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you thought all the great groups had long since disappeared, or if you've been weaned on a diet of radio pablum for the past few years, chances are you might not have heard of Pyramaze.

And that's a real shame because Pyramaze is one of the best bands going these days.

In fact, every element of Legend of the Bone Carver is first-rate -- from the art quality CD booklet cover to the pristine production quality to the power and range of Lance King's vocals to the songwriting and musicianship. This is music played with heart by a bunch of guys at the top of their game.

Legend of the Bone Carver is the band's second album. And, as other reviewers have pointed out, it's no sophomore slump. If anything, Bone Carver is even better than the band's first album, Melancholy Beast.

In some ways, Pyramaze (pronounced PEER-amaze) is kith and kin to other power metal bands today. The de rigeur sounds are all there -- for example, rapid-fire kick drums, a cruncy guitar tone, lyrics that often border on the Tolkien-esque, swirling keyboards, and a vocalist who soars above it all. If you wanted to create a power metal band, that's the formula.

Yet, Pyramaze isn't like other power metal bands. Perhaps it's Lance King's remarkable vocal abilities. I mean, the man is a singer's singer -- able to hit notes that tickle the bellies of satellites orbiting the earth, without going overboard by doing it too often. Maybe it's the swaggering confidence of the other musicians. They play with boldness and technical virtuosity -- a very fine combination.

Legend of the Bone Carver is fast and agressive, but it's also melodic and well played. (By the way, this isn't as fast as anything by Dragonforce so don't worry. It's still listenable.) The songs are crafted with care and presented with an unmistakable joy and pride.

My only complaint about Bone Carver is that the vocal mix could have been better overall. I would have liked to have heard Lance's voice out front more. At times, it's buried beneath the music. And with a voice like Lance's, that's a major faux pas.

By the way, I recently interviewed Lance King for NotesFromTheOtherSide.com and found him to be amazingly humble despite his extraordinary talent.

I recommend Pyramaze's Legend of the Bone Carver. Consider it a tonic to cure what ails you - namely sheer boredome from listening to the radio too often and not hearing anything worth listening to. Pryamaze is the real deal. Buy this CD. You won't regret it.

Finally!! The sophmore effort from Pyramaze is here, and all I can say is ......wow

I MEAN WOW!!!

If there was any fear of a 2nd album let down - DO NOT BE ALARMED! THE SONIC ASSAULT BEGINS!! After hearing their first album Melancholy Beast (5 stars BTW), I was so itchin' for the next. Well, after a delay, and having my ear tickled last year with a sample cut, IT HAS ARRRIVED! This is top-notch prog-metal at it's best. If you are as much a fan of concept albums as I (Operation Mindcrime - Dreams From A Memory), this one will please.

It is hard to pick a favorite - while there were unique and memorable songs from the first album, picking a favorite here is impossible, when the whole album is so top-notch, and one of my top 25 favorite albums of all time!

To truly capture & enjoy the album, listen (at high volume!) to the album and follow the lyrics - not only do the songs stand alone, but the strong thread of the storyline further enhances the sonic pleasure.

This is not just a compilation of individual songs (and musicians for that matter), but a collection of individuals relaying a story across a progressive rock tapestry of the utmost quality. I am in awe, and cannot wait for more from these guys!

More, more, more - I beg you....my ears are bleeding!

This is like asking for cake and getting to eat it too! I'm having a sugar rush....

The follow-up to Melancholy Beast is every bit as good as its predecessor and is the best concept album since Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime. Michael Kammeyer has written some great songs. Lance King's vocals are amazing, and so are Michael and Toke's guitars, Niels' bass and Jonah's keyboards. This will be one of the top albums of 2006!

Where to begin....Pyramaze's debut album 'Melancholy Beast' was my album of the year for 2004 so my expectations were high for this album. Yet I was still not prepared to hear an album of this magnitude. From the opening notes of 'The Birth' to the final moments of 'Tears of Hate' my expectations were totally blown away and my jaw was left hanging on the floor in awe of the sheer metal brillance I just had the privilage of hearing.

Pyramaze has managed to totally outdo themselves with 'LOBC' and create one of the finest albums in metal history in the process.

The sound of Pyramaze is exactly the same as it was on their debut. Kinda a mix between the heavy tight riffing of Iced Earth and the epic delivery of Kamelot. Only IMO Pyramaze is far better than both of these bands yet ironically far less known for now.

This album steps it up even further in the song writing department. Michael is a song writing genius! This album to me sounds even heavier (Yeah) and faster, yet still very melodic. The rythym section is super tight and the keyboards are very well done and add that epic atmosphere to the songs. The production is even better and crystal clear. Lance's vocals sound better than ever and it's amazing how perfectly his voice fits the bands music. Also noticable is the addition of Toke on lead guitar as the solo's have really improved as well from 'MB'.

Here is a brief breakdown of each track:

1. Era of Chaos NR - Narrated Into

2. The Birth 10/10 - Absolutely Killer Song! The intro instantly sends chills down your spine and the chorus is one of the finest I have ever heard period!

3. What Lies Beyond 10/10 - How do you follow up one of the finest metal tunes ever? Just deliver another one if your Pyramaze. This song is pretty fast with some ultra tight riffing. Another all time great track!

4. Ancient Words Within 8/10 - Very catchy, overall a good song.

5. Souls in Pain 9.5/10 - The heavy speedy intro riffs pummel you in the FACE! Great guitar solo too!

6. She Who Summoned Me 8/10 - Very well done Ballad with Lance singing a duet with a female vocalist.

7. The Bone Carver 9.5/10 - Great speedy and heavy track!

8. Bring Back Life 8/10 - This tune has some folk elements yet still heavy and sounds great.

9. Blood Red Skies NR - Judas Priest cover? No just an intrumental piece with some narration.

10. Tears of Hate 10/10 - Killer song! Pretty fast staccato riffing with a great 2 part chourus. Another all time great metal tune and a very convincing way to end the album.

This album is perfect in every way and it's hard to find anything that could make it better. With 'Legend of the Bonecarver' Pyramaze has really solidified their own personal sound and identity. Raising the bar once again of how great metal music can sound. I really like the fact that Pyramaze can bring you epic tunes without ever losing 'the heaviness' factor like so many other bands do. Also the fact that they pull it off while always sounding dark and never too cheesy or happy! Lastly they keep there compositions right around the 5 minute mark so their songs never drag on too long or overstay there welcome.

If I got real nitpicky I guess I could say I would have liked to hear the brilliant chorus in 'The Birth' one more time at the end of the song. Or the keyboards just slightly lower in the mix but those are very minor details.

I would be shocked if a better album comes out this year. This really is an all time great album and Pyramaze is truely one of the elite metal bands of our time! How they can ever top this one I'll never know.

The second release by this Danish / American power metal band shows the band improving in both the song writing and the song structuring process. Fantastic guitar work woven in with keyboards ( w/ the guitars at the forefront ), a very capable rythm section, and yet another outstanding vocal performance from Lance King make this album a winner. The pieces of this band are really starting to come together on this album and it shows. Fans of melodic power metal, purchase immediately!

4.5 stars. My only complaint during this album is with the spoken-word sections awash with overblown atmospheric keyboards, "Era of Chaos" and "Blood Red Skies" which come off as a little cheesy upon first listen, but are later fogivable as they help tie the concept of the album together. Besides that, the music is intelligently crafted and the band shows some extremely talented interplay on every actual song. On the back of the CD layout reads an accurate summation: "****EPIC, MELODIC, POWER METAL WITH SYMPHONIC AND PROGRESSIVE TOUCHES, ALL SUPPORTING A FANTASTIC EPIC TALE****" Except they forgot to mention an excellent lead singer with upper register vocals and that the Progressive touches are what make the CD easy to return to often as it never gets boring. The ambitious songwriting demands that I give the album an extra half-star on the rating, as well. What sold me on my own purchase, however, was that I read another review here that mentioned Pyramaze being somewhat similar to another band called Lanfear, which I am completely enamored with at this time. Lanfear is another Progressive Power Metal incarnation worth checking out. I know Pyramaze has created a special album with "Legend of the Bone Carver" because my appreciation seems to be growing upon repeat spins of the CD. That is a definite sign that they have created something special. Thank you.

"LEGEND OF THE BONE CARVER" is finally on the streets. The anticipated second release by PYRAMAZE now has the music world buzzing. This CD is amazing, a quality mix of melodic power and progressive. There is not a bad track on the entire CD. It will take you into a world of EPIC granduer, and will not release you. These guys have proven to the music worl they are hear to stay. The Vocals of LANCE KING are amazing, LANCE shows that he not only has the ability to hit the high notes but also the low ones also. His voclas are amazing on this CD. Jonah's keyboards are awesome and fill in perfect with the guitar work of Micheal and Toke, and then Neils and Morten supply the sythm that is unmatched. This CD will be in the top 5 of all CD lists for 2006. My advice BUY IT WHILE YOU HAVE THE CHANCE. IT is awesome and you won't be disappointed. Also PYRAMAZE will open ProgPower USA on Sept 15, 2006, and this is the most highly anticipated opening act ever at ProgPower.
So to everyone out there BUY THIS CD today.

Pyramaze consist of an international lineup of band members from Denmark and the USA. The Legend of the Bone Carver is a fictional concept story, but with some underlying truths that we all can benefit from. The music is heavy and technical, but Pyramaze doesn't compromise it's melodic sound. Iced Earth and Jag Panzer come to mind when attempting to describe Pyramaze's music.

In addition, Pyramaze's vocalist, Lance King, offers up his brand of melodic vocals to bring the story home to the listener. Lance is a renowned vocalist who's resume consist of bands such as: Shining Star, Avian, Balance of Power, King's Machine, and Defyance. Make no mistake, Pyramaze is a perfect fit for Lance's voice, due to the nature of the concepts and musical overtones.

The latest Pyramaze offering, The Legend of the Bone Carver, is an excellent place to begin exploring this band, as well as the Progressive Metal Genre. With a storyline that illustrates the battles between good and evil, a band that plays sharp, well refined metal, and a vocalist that enhances the entire erie concept, you're sure to enjoy The Legend of the Bone Carver!

This is my review for the new Pyramaze, sorry if it is not good, I am not used to writing reviews.

Pyramaze returns with another album of damn good power metal. Melancholy Beast was a good album, and I think this is just as good with the listens I have given it. The guitars are great, and I love the drumming it's killer!!

Of course, Lance King gives a very good performance, showing that he is one of the best vocalists in the genre. THe best track for me is song 6. She Who Summoned Me, Lance singing on this is awesome and my favorite of the disc. THis is one of two songs with a guest vocalist by the name of Christina Oberg, who adds a nice touch to the song with her beautiful voice, Hopefully, she will come to ProgPower with the band and they perform this song!!

So, if you like Power/Progressive metal with good vocals, pick this up!!!

I so wanted to love this album. I like it a lot after a couple of listens but there is a little dissapointment. Yeah it's epic, it's full of power and has great progressive elements.
So what's wrong. Other than song 8, Bring Back Life, I just didn't hear any stand out tracks that stay with you. The first album had Sleepy Hollow, Legend, and The Mighty Abyss that rang in my head long after I had listened to them
But all is not lost. Pyramaze set the bar so high on the first album I hoped for even higher this time around. Still a great album with great vocals,(has anyone ever said Lance's vocals were not great),and tight playing again by masters of the genre. And who knows, with more listens I may find it grows on me and I'll find hidden metallic nuggets of greatness I missed so far.