By DJ Monk
Now and again an artist comes along for whom it is extremely difficult, if non nigh on impossible, to draw comparators. Leonel Silva, vocalist with Portuguese trad metallers Hourswill is just one such example. He has one of those voices that stands out as distinctive and unique, not imitatory of any predecessors or contemporaries, but powerful and identifiable in his own right.
‘Dawn Of The Same Flesh’ is the third album from this Lisbon combo, but to say that it relies on being carried by Silva’s voice would be to them a severe dis-service, as the album is packed to the rafters with competent and powerful performances, from the twin axe work to the solid bass and percussive work, which holds down the bottom end with aplomb and power.
Veering between traditional, uncompromising traditional metal and the thin line between OTT power/prog wankery, ‘Dawn…’ is an emphatic album, one which doesn’t stray too far from the norms but delivers more than enough to make you want to listen all the way to the end. As mentioned, Leonel Silva has a powerful voice, deeper than you might expect for a band of this mien, but that is one of the factors which makes it all the more listenable, as its richness draws you into the tapestry which his bandmates weave.
‘Dawn…’ is not a groundbreaking album. It is not one which will set the heavy metal world alight. However, it is one which deserves to be heard and enjoyed. And, if you like your metal with all of the qulaities mentioned above, then you will enjoy this one.
‘Dawn Of The Same Flesh’ is out now.
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