PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Heavenward are a band that cleverly blur different metal genres together. They were founded in 1986, with deep roots of progressive rock/metal elements with a lashing of 80’s thrash and a burst of the power metal movement. They released their first demo in 1989 “At first nature …” . In 1991 their first CD was published “Within These Dreams” . The band’s second album was launched in 1992 “A future worth talking about?” . At the peak of everything they even performed at the legendary festival Wacken in 1993. Over their career they have had a lot of split ups and line up changes, they have attempted Heavenward reunions too. In 2003 the original drummer Guido returned with the keyboard player Marco Grasshoff (Ex-Centaur) to start the hype of Heavenward by releasing five new songs through their website. This did not lead to very much but now over 20 years later at the end of 2011 the original four founding members play live again, they are currently re-releasing their rare album ‘Within These Dreams’ with a signed worldwide deal with Pure underground Records/ Pure Steel Records on the 7th of December 2012. There are extra featured demos on the album that haven’t been released before.
The album charges straight into a full feature song, no intro, no messing around, full pelt into a heavy and extremely loud guitar. It instantly catches the perceiver’s attention. ‘Systems Going Down’ exploit thrash characteristics into the rhythm section. There is an accelerating feel throughout the drums, with double bass and a relentless driving beat. Rhythm guitar use low-registered riffs to back the insane shredding style lead guitar work.
‘Within These Dreams’ like I mentioned before is quite experimental in terms of an album that incorporates different elements of genres making each song have a different take. ‘The Sky’ has a stronger musical style of power metal, vocals are so clean cut and compelling.
There is a considerable amount of influence from Liege Lord throughout the whole album. Although vocalist Stefan Kessel has such a cross style between to Joe Comeau and John Arch, he brings his own personality.
Songs like ‘Cold Embrace’ have a real progressive substance, the guitar work is full of ambiance, even though the guitar is a lot more hefty than Rush or Pink Floyd it still has the core of what these bands created back in 70s.
There are some potent key features placed in this album a well developed falsetto and a prominent bassline. The prominent bassline sounds like a reference to The Stooges/Iggy Pop, how well they are known for their production to have an conspicuous instrument.
If you are a fan of Blind Guardian, Helloween and even progressive metallers Crimson Glory you will most enjoy this album. [8.5/10]
Band Line Up
Vocals – Stefan Kessel
Guitar – Bernd Gröters
Bass – Oliver Müller
Drums – Thomas Kelleners
Track List
Systems going down
The sky
Dreams in disguise
Cold Embrace
Their eyes
Remember – At First Nature
Raging Waters
Holding The Key
Remember – At First Nature (Demo)
Dreams in Disguise (Demo)
Hell on Earth (Demo)
Holding The Key (Demo)
