Imagika - My Bloodied Wings
Crash Music
Power/Thrash Metal
11 songs (47:21)
Release year: 2006
Imagika, Crash Music
Reviewed by Dylan
Like a giant 2,000 pound cube of steel tumbling towards you from the sky, Imagika is about as solid and straightforward as American heavy metal can get. With this being their 5th release, the band adds another notch in their belt of metallic consistency. Thrashy riffs, vocals that are as powerful as they are melodic, and a reliably catchy songwriting style make this album nothing groundbreaking or original by any means, but damn strong and satisfying when looking for some metal that is easy to sink your teeth into.

Once the short intro track, Tongue of the Nyx gives way to the first real song, Hunter’s Moon, Imagika lets their prominent Iced Earth influence be made clear. Vocalist Norman Skinner proves to be quite the chameleon, switching between the shrill power of Rob Halford, to the more ballsy tone of Matt Barlow (formerly of Iced Earth), to a rough gruffness that any fan of Testament’s Chuck Billy would be able to appreciate. Guitarist Steve Rice constructs his riffs with the mentality of an 80s thrasher, delivering the groove during the choruses and shredding his way through some blazing solos. Although the band’s rhythm section doesn’t stand out quite so much as the guitarist and singer, drummer Henry Moreno and bassist Elena Repetto Luciano hold things down with a very firm grasp.

The album starts out with a very strong first half. Hunter’s Moon and Second Coming both feature rolling double bass, wicked solos, and soaring vocals. Throw the Horns is sure to absolutely slay during Imagika’s live show. An ode to moshing, screaming, drinking, and numerous other staples of live metal, the song is one of the most energetic on the whole album. Containing Arabian-tinged riffs spread throughout, both Heart of Icarus and The Darkest of All Secrets have a nice system of tension and relaxation in them, making the heavy parts all that heavier. One More Day serves as the obligatory ballad of the album, but is a damn fine tune to make those lonely nights seem even lonelier (bring out the lighters!). Forever Darkened shows Skinner singing in a lower register than normally displayed on the album, but with a familiar level of quality. The final track, My Bloodied Wings begins with an interesting, somewhat bouncy riff, moves into another verse that displays the band’s skill in tension and relaxation. This song is also the longest on the album, clocking in at 6:46. About one minute of that is comprised of a solo that is slower than most found on the rest of the album, but is well structured and executed to perfection.

Avoiding a problem that is common among many a metal band, Imagika has managed to create songs that have their own identity, and can be easily remembered after first listen. The vocals suit the music perfectly and are performed with a great deal of power and skill. Fans of Firewind, Iced Earth, and Judas Priest will all feel right at home with Imagika’s latest offering.
Killing Songs :
All
Dylan quoted 87 / 100
Other albums by Imagika that we have reviewed:
Imagika - Feast For the Hated reviewed by Thomas and quoted 40 / 100
Imagika - And So It Burns reviewed by Danny and quoted 83 / 100
1 readers voted
Average:
 80
You did not vote yet.
Vote now

There are 12 replies to this review. Last one on Mon Mar 12, 2007 4:16 pm
View and Post comments