Analogy is a progressive/power metal band hailing from El Salvador, having been initially created in 2003. The lineup now consists of founders Edu Franco (guitar and lead vocals) and Benjamin Lopez (bass and backing vocals), as well as Mauricio Lozano (guitar and backing vocals) and Alex Cordero (drums). The band is heavily influenced by artists such as Angra and Stratovarius, and works to combine the prog and power elements with Latin American rhythms.
In Exordium
This is a nice, quick intro for the album that I am relatively fond of. It is short, at just under 1:30, but I love how it sounds like an epic orchestral piece from a movie soundtrack.
Starlit Skies
Another relatively engaging intro, except this time it is the actual band playing. The song opens up into the traditional power metal style of fast guitar picking and blistering bass pedaling. The vocals, in the expected style of high and soaring, fit relatively well. By two minutes in, you can hear the progressive tinge to the structuring of the song. The vocals seem to get strangely pushed back in the mix around the same timeframe. The chorus of this song is slightly catchy, but not above average. A more operatic vocal style would have suited the chorus. The instrumental section starting at 3:30 has more of a classic rock/metal style to it, interestingly. I quite like the change-up in style, and found it intriguing that the solo section was at a relatively slow tempo considering the power metal style.
Tears of the Moon
The third track on the album opens in a traditionally power metal way, where harmonious guitars scream over the drumming. The vocals are not too great during the first few minutes, outside of a couple nice high notes and a harmony section. The chorus in this song is not up to par with Starlit Skies’. At around 2:30, another much more heavy section starts, and I again really like it. It sounds like it could have been from a classic Metallica song in terms of style. The mix could have been improved, as the drums stood out a little too much.
Chaos Crusade
Starting with a bright riff on the guitar, the song quickly descends into what is definitely the weak link of the album. The occasional cowbell felt out of place, and was gone as quickly as it appeared. The chorus is hard to listen to, and the vocals are way too far back in the mix. I felt like if the band was on stage, the vocalist (if not also the guitarist) would be hidden away singing through one of the drum microphones. The first two full tracks have unique and redeemable qualities, but skip this song, as the term “Chaos” truly is accurate.
Inner Fire
I like when power metal bands slow down a little bit like this, as I previously mentioned. A pretty cool guitar riff opens the track, leading into the best section of the album so far, with a great vocal performance (especially compared to the previous song). The chorus of this song is awesome! Finally! I love the minimalistic drums during the solo section, along with a couple tempo changes that initially threw me off. This is a fantastic power metal song, complete with inspiring, yet cheesy lyrics that feel right at home.
The Dance of Life
The intro of this track might completely catch the listener off guard. This is a nice, calm break in the middle of the album. Definitely the most unique piece of music on the album, it blends some progressive elements with a traditionally structured ballad, and then accents it with an apparent Latino flavor. All in all, a great follow-up track to Inner Fire.
Ghost of the Forsaken
Following the ballad is an instrumental. The first two minutes have a couple problems. The intro, however, is not one of them, as it is rather good. The issues begin in the section starting right after, where the rhythm guitar stem is practically muted, and the lead guitar doesn’t quite fit. Starting at 2:00, the song picks up with some catchy riffs that may have made for a good chorus in a non-instrumental. The song finishes with a replication of the intro.
Petrified
The vocals sound a little tired in the verses, but just fine in the ever-important chorus. This song is slightly disappointing as a return to the form seen in the first few tracks, after the great three tracks preceding it. The end has a nice vibe that I wish would have been present in the rest of the song, as the overall track felt too safe. Not terrible, but average compared to what the band is obviously capable of.
Our Land
Descending guitar riffs begin this track, which almost picks up a punk/pop vibe soon after. I initially thought the vocals sounded a little off here, but after a couple listens, I think they actually fit quite well. The vocal melody during the verses is enjoyable, but the chorus, consisting of the lead vocals being sung over slightly different backing vocals, could have been more tightly performed. The screamed high note to end the track sounds slightly forced and strained, marring what would have been a fine ending.
Time to Fly
There is another mix issue, as the keyboard track is so buried it is practically inaudible at parts. Although a somewhat generic track by power metal standards, there are a couple of standout moments. One is the brief section at 2:15, which feels fresh, with a dark, haunting nature that contrasts well with the bright, happy nature of the solo.
Last Journey Home
There is so much atmosphere and emotion in this song. The vocals carry the song well, for the most part. I honestly wish they would have been slightly lower like this throughout more of the album, as the lower notes get nailed, while some of the high notes sound at the edge of Edu’s range. Simplistic as the instrumental parts may be, they fit the song and add to it, rather than detract from it. However, I don’t believe this was the right spot on the album for this track, since, as the last full-band song on the album, it leaves the listener with the wrong vibe as to the type of band they are. For a debut album by a power metal band, this spot should have been a rockin’ heavy metal track that left you saying, “Wow! This is DEFINITELY a true power metal band,” especially since the calm-down is provided by the following track.
Novus Orsa
Another symphonic piece to bookend the other side of the album, this is also very well designed and orchestrated. After hearing the opening and closing tracks, I actually wish the band was symphonic metal rather than power/progressive metal, as I can easily picture their music melding well with an orchestra.
This album most certainly has its flaws. Numerous mix issues, spots were there should have been another vocal take, and the entire Chaos Crusade track act as a blight to the album. However, I absolutely cannot discount its various merits. Two relatively good ballads, interesting classic heavy metal throwbacks, and the awesome Inner Fire provide a lot of good music. As far as debut albums go, it is average and not mixed well, but the band shows they have potential to make some great music together.
You can check out Analogy at their Bandcamp page.
Below you can check out an excerpt from their Moonfire EP (which contains Inner Fire and Tears of the Moon).
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