Pyroclast hail from Glasgow, Scotland, and have been highly active in recent years, operating within the wider framework of power metal. Now, they are releasing their second album, “Fractured State”, which is the one that will make them skyrocket. You see, Pyroclast are now an expensive, luxury power metal machine, whose gears run finely and which works flawlessly to produce beautiful, fresh heavy metal, either following the tradition of the British/European metal sound or acting according to the guidelines of the American power metal sound. As a consequence, “Fractured State” is an excellent record, featuring first-class material that will completely satisfy fans of good, old-school, nicely produced heavy metal. Pyroclast are not pioneers; however, by taking advantage of their many, varied influences, they compose an exciting sound that is… 100% Pyroclast! This is also aided by the voice and personality of the band’s singer, Mark Reid, who, bringing to mind Bruce Dickinson, Biff Byford, and Michael Kiske, leads the Pyroclast armada, whose heavy metal gunfire leaves nothing standing. One moment you think you are listening to Iron Maiden, the next to Helloween, and the next to a faster, heavier version of Saxon! “Fractured State” will thrill a lot of people, and rightfully so, since Pyroclast create something here that is both old-fashioned and modern at the same time. Here you will also hear fantastic guitar solos, a furious rhythm section, and of course, complex, highly interesting songwriting structures and orchestrations. If you are looking for a full-throttle heavy metal album that looks simultaneously at the past, the present and the future of heavy music, “Fractured State” is for you!
♦ 8,5 /10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
