Grimmark - Grimmark (2007)Rivel Records

There are many precious bands in which Carl Johann Grimmark played or still plays: Narnia, Rob Rock, Flagship, Planet Alliance, Divinefire, Audiovision, Locomotive Breath, Beautiful Sin, Bob Daisley and Saviour Machine. Mr. Grimmark is a multi-talented instrumentalist (guitars, bass guitar, keys, programming) and vocalist as well. A Swedish guitar ace invited two excellent artists to the studio: Peter Wildoer (drums; Darkane, Majestic, Time Requiem, Electrocution 250, Arch Enemy, Silver Seraph) and Jan S. Eckert (bass guitar; Masterplan, Iron Savior). There were also two guest musicians: Sven Halbeck (stunt triangle) and Horst Dirkschneider (drums).

If you expect neoclassical metal, you are wrong! Mr. Grimmark doesn't repeat himself, and this time he prepared a new-tangled progressive metal grounded on massive riffs and powerful rhythm section made up of Wildoer and Eckert. Carl, as a singer, comes true as he can administer a strong and distinct vocal fitting this style of music. His mysterious vocal manner reminds me of Roy Khan's of Kamelot and Andi Deris' of Helloween (especially his parts on "The Dark Ride"). A moderate use of electronica makes Grimmark's music hit in a sense. I think it is so thanks to his fusionish solos full of subtlety and neat virtuosity.

Carl Johann Grimmark is earnest in his playing, and the sincerity of the stuff is its gist which goes to show his artistic thrustworthiness. This debut proves that progressive music can be technical, sophisticated and heaviness-based on one hand, and melodic, catchy and accessible on the other one. I am pretty sure Mr. Grimmark will convince you that a modernity and tradition can harmonize together. I recommend "Grimmark" CD to these listeners who enjoy listening to Platitude and Mundanus Imperium.