Overlord's Perpetual - s/t (2005)Sonic Age Records

I wonder if you've heard the music of such Greek guitar virtuosi like Theodore Ziras and Angelo Perlepes? If not, it's a matter of time to place them in the DoV. This time, as the label announced, I have the opportunity of writing about a "neoclassical jewel" - Cosy "Overlord" Varras. The band's line-up is: Overlord himself (guitars), Vasilis Axiotis (vocals; Phantom Lord), famous Bob Katsionis (keys; Magic Kingdom, Firewind, Nightfall, Septic Flesh, Imaginery, Casus Belli etc.), Leo Petropoulos (bass) and Fotis Bernardo Giannakopoulos (drums; Inner Wish, Septic Flesh).

Overlord comes from Athens and is about 20-year old boy, haha. Thus, he is still learning and getting experiences. He is regarded as one of the most significant heavy metal guitarist in his fatherland. It's not a secret that Malmsteen's music is a great inspiration for Overlord. Just take a peek at his guitar (Stratocaster of course), then at attire (Malmsteen was identically dressed during the session for "Facing The Animal") and sunglasses. Obviously, I am not interested in artist's exterior, because a dress can't be to musicians' credit. All depends on their playing!

The album consists of diversified material. It is complex and performed on so high level that it's really hard to distinguish only one track over the rest. Here are three instrumental compositions: "Perpetual" (solemn atmosphere, keys that imitate organs, dynamic "jumps" through the neck), "Empire Of Shadows" (let's pay attention to its rhythmical course and tempo changes) and acoustic outro - "Melancholy". I can hear some similarities to contemporary bands in Overlord's music, e.g. "Immortal Hymns" is started as one of Lost Horizon's tracks. The composition is performed very forcibly (feature typical of many Malmsteen's tracks). I admire Overlord's abilities of tunes multiplication in a short time intervals. "I Can't Wait" isn't Malmsteen's cover, but Overlord's original number that is stylistically similar to a Japanese band's music - Concerto Moon. The following "I'll Never Try Again" is a nod to Europe, especially to John Norum's guitar style (except "Optimus" CD). I do enjoy a mood in "Prince Of Darkness" full of "fairylike" keys. I am prety sure that "Majesty" would be the best single to the album. It's a classic heavy metal track with anthem-esque choruses, very melodious guitar-keys parts and easy-to-remember leitmotif.

I do like such a music! It's neoclassical heavy metal, not too original, but played on extremely high artistic level. There is still something I do value in virtuosic music - frequent key changes. Overlord is incredibly good at it. Sometimes it hard to imagine yourself how fast he has to finger to move his hand from higher to lower parts of the neck. Vasilis' vocal timbre doesn't depart from singers famous for the Malmsteen band, but I can't pass something in silence and must write that he, similar to Costas Hatzigeorgiou of Wolfcry, sings English with his native tongue's accent. There are two lines of Axiotis' parts that amplify his lead vocal. To make Overlord's music visualized you can watch a clip to "I'll Never Cry Again" that is next confirmation of similarities between him and Mr. Malmsteen (throwing over the guitar round the shoulder; a cigarette driven in strings). I sincerely encourage you to familiarize with the music out of the Overlord's fingers.