In late 2003, Haunted by Angels took its sound to a heavier realm -- creating a perfect synergy of old school and progressive metal that can not be denied.
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Haunted by Angels is a band on the rise, a group of dedicated, professional musicians who are destined for success. The future is now, the future is Haunted by Angels..."

The above was excerpted from the press release accompanying the full length demo for the band's new album. This reviewer cannot fully agree with all of these statements. They are provided to give the reader an idea as to what this band aspires.

Music is the first thing that one hears and it is not entirely bad. Almost instant comparisons can be made to the Bronx Casket Company, particularly due to the riffs being accompanied by atmospheric keyboard parts. The riffing is proficient enough and the production is decent enough (for a demo), but something is amiss. Unfortunately, what is perhaps intended to differentiate this band from many others is the female vocalist, the appearance of which is quite the trend in Metal as of late, no? An emphatic yes.

Much of the music sounds continually forced, particularly the Zakk Wylde-esque squeals and minimal double bass drumming. When the riffs do get heavier they often give way to less exciting riffs, comparatively speaking, which then foster strangely weak vocals. This music could soar if allowed. "Season of Death," a perhaps overly ambitious 18+ minute song (arranged in three parts, no less), featuring male vocals to offset those of Jane Evil, is only partially successful due to its length.

In other news, this reviewer does not hear any Progressive elements until late in the second half of the album. What is heard in lieu thereof is a band trying to find their collective voice. "Hellbound," arguably the strongest song on the album, musically apes Black Sabbath and then early-80s Ozzy. Then the vocals appear and the moment has passed. The final track, a cover tune, is an almost by the numbers affair with vocals that sound strained and labored at once.

Comparisons to Lacuna Coil and My Ruin, two disparate bands other than for the inclusion of female vocals, abound but are really unfounded. Haunted by Angels sounds more like a second rate Amaran, particularly vocally, and they even invoke Fleetwood Mac, or at least Stevie Nicks. If you want something in this vein, track down Left Hand Solution’s "Fevered" instead.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 63.27