ADIASTASIA
Adiastasia - Life War (Bombworks) 2006
1. Guerra Della Vita [instrumental] (2:25)
2. Father Of Light (5:58)
3. The Fellowship (5:07)
4. Freedom Call (6:40)
5. Eternal Life (4:21)
6. Kingdom Of Glory (5:25)
7. By Dreams (6:53)
8. A Terra (7:10)
9. Adiastasia (6:50)
10. The Winner (7:32)
11. Consummatum Est (1:10)
Adiastasia hail from Brazil their style is rooted in European power metal. Their sound is a combination of orchestration, neo-classical elements, progressive songwriting and power metal. Comparisons to Dragonforce, Rhaspody of Fire, Stratovarius, Kamelot and fellow Brazilians Angra would not be out of order. Much like those bands, the keyboards play an important part in the bands sound, and many times a more important part than even the guitars. However, unlike Dragonforce, who play every song at break neck speed, "Life War" has its share of variety, ranging from up-tempo tracks such as "Father Of Light" and "Kingdom Of Glory" to more mid-paced pieces like "Freedom Call" and "Eternal Life". "Father of Light" is a double bass driven song with some neo-classical touches, which "Eternal Life" delves further into the symphonic elements. "Guerra Della Vita" is the instrumental opening which sounds like it could be the score for the opening credits for some sci-fi or action adventure movie. There are even some more laid back, acoustic moments such as "By Dreams" and "The Winner", though even these numbers are peppered with symphonic elements. Vocalist Jeff Winner has a classic tenor vocal style that works well with this style of music. His Brazilian accent adds a bit of charisma and distinction to his voice.
As with much of this style of music, I find the technical ability to be astounding, however I also find the lack of hooks to be distracting. The music is well crafted and more than ably performed. No one will doubt this band's musical abilities. However, even after repeated listens nothing resonates in my head. Sometimes a simple head banging riff is what metal requires, but the flowery nature of this style doesn't really allow for that. Also, as might also be expected from a progressive band of this nature, the songs are rather lengthy, with four clocking in at the seven minute range and two others over six. I found this particularly distracting during some of the mellower moments. Both ballads seem to go one forever without end. However, melody is the key ingredient in this bands sound. I suppose heavy riffs and memorable hooks are not really the point.
Originally released on Bombworks Records in late 2006, "Life War" was re-mixed, re-mastered and re-issued in the summer of 2010 on Bombworks in digi-pack format with new, improved album artwork. Unfortunately the reissue does not come with a booklet and the lyrics are all crammed on one panel of the digi.