Customer Reviews

Spirit Web

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

 

 

SPIRIT WEB "Spirit Web" ©2000 Stentorian Records Rating: 9,5 - by Julio Cesar Crepaldi Whatever you expect from a modern and complex power metal band, you will find in Spirit Web. The group brings in its line-up ex-members of bands like Syris, Stonehengem Winterkill, Stygian and others. The main member is guitar player Paul Speredes, ex-Syris axeman. From Syris also came the excellent vocalist Scott Huffman, whose voice tone sounds very much like Bruce Dickinson's. The album brings 11 songs in its almost 70 minutes of play. A lot? Not really, because all the complexity of Spirit Web's songs never converts itself into boredom, reminding a times the better phase of Fates Warning, on the instrumental issue. The group, even being solid and vigorous power/heavy metal in great style, with influences from Armored Saint, Omen, Helstar, among others, also makes room for amazing rhythmical changes and killer solos, something like what Destiny's End performed on the album "Breathe Deep The Dark", but with even more musicality. It's hard to highlight one musician or the other, but we can't allow ourselves not to mention that Scott Huffman is for certain one of the best metal vocalists of these days. The consonance of Paul Speredes' guitar playing along with the precise bass playing of Brent Sullivan is also remarkable. Tony Rios ( Winterkill, Slaughter Xtroyes ), the drummer, is extremely talented, specially on the double bass. Songs like Osiris Be Thy Judge mingle deep, dense elements ( this song's atmosphere in particular will remind you of old Mercyful Fate ) with ramping riffs, in the Iron Maiden style. Other devastating moments of power/heavy metal with the best influences possible are Sleeping Shadows, Cut You Loose and Days Of Nowhere. But it's unfair to cite the best songs, for the whole album in wonderful. You can check out all of Spirit Web's quality at the following link:.... There you will find some of Spirit Web's mp3 ( and also Syris ) and verify why I put Spirit Web among the bands that shall become giants in the coming years, if theyge the deserved attention from the media and record labels.

For an unsigned band this is some really good material. These guys have their stuff totally down. Spirit Web are from Chicago and their bio claims that it's members are from a bunch of well known Chicago metal bands...well they are not well-known to me and I would surmise to most outside of the Chicago metal scene. The bands driving force is a combination of guitarist and founder Paul Speredes and vocalist and Scott Huffman. This is US styled power metal that is in the vein of Steel Prophet, a style of metal that doesn't get the attention is deserves over here! The first element that grabs you on the opening track "Ghostly Chill" (after a short, and to some extent, unnecessary intro) is the killer drums then the vocals cut in and it's like wow! Vocalist, Scott Huffman, sounds like a cross between Michael Kiske and Bruce Dickinson. He's not to their level yet, but if he keeps working on it he could get there. This music goes from the melodic and intricate clean guitar sections to more aggressive heavier parts. This combination is the strong point on the track "Cut You Loose." The solo section of this track has some great drums under it that ups the intensity of the track. The solos are for the most part SHREDDING! The lead guitar tone seems a bit shrill to me, but this guy can rip! "Osiris Be Thy Judge" begins with an ghostly harmony vocal part then the song slams in with it's riffing a la Kind Diamond's "Egypt"!!! The only track that kind of lost me was "Once Beyond" - it' s a bit too "dreamy" sounding and in parts is somewhat dragged out. The song is also kinda long, clocking in at over 8mins so it does have it's moments especially near the end. The CD's last track "Reflections and Sighs" begins with a clean section that is somewhat suggestive of the moody, acoustic with vocals, stuff that Nevermore does. The vocals are (at least) doubled up and they really shine! Spirit Web have created a CD that will make repeated trips to my CD player. It's always refreshing to hear a true metal band from the US since this style of metal is not as prominent. If the right ears in Europe hear this band I'm sure they'll have a loyal following before long. Spirit Web - s/t Got this through trade with Scott. U.S. power metal that has the 80's vibe Helstar and Forbidden had somewhat. Scott has improved his voice and there are some great vocals with some killer hooks. The soloing is interesting, unusual stylings that may not be ultra melodic always but demand attention propelling the songs further. Song writing is very good letting the other intsruments breathe as in the psychedelic Once Beyond, love that one. Great U.S. power metal. It's heavy but keep things interesting changing it up at the right times. Surpise of the year for me in just how good it is. Nice cover too. -King Spirit Web just might grab my CD of the year vote. It's between that and the Panzer at this point.