In the world of rock and metal, more and more artists are delving into side projects outside their main bands resulting in a whole host of unique collaborations available for music fans. One of the latest comes from Frontiers Music and involves both sides of the Atlantic with a project called Level 10. This new band features a mastermind of German heavy, melodic metal in Primal Fear bassist Mat Sinner and powerhouse American vocalist Russell Allen of Symphony X and Adrenaline Mob. The project also involves guitarist Alex Beyrodt and songwriting by Magnus Karlsson just to name a few.
“Chapter 1” is the best of European style melodic metal with all the freshness of American rock. The songwriting is outstanding with killer riffs and huge choruses. The album opens with one of the best tracks “Cry No More” which is crisp and clean sounding with great guitars and a catchy chorus. On the other side of the spectrum is the epic grandeur of the prog metal “Blasphemy” with powerful, soaring vocals by Allen. The not to be missed track is the heavier “Demonized” with the driving bass lines of Sinner and epic guitar work by both Beyrodt and Masterplan guitarist Roland Grapow.
With 12 quality, rocking tracks, “Chapter 1” is an excellent debut from this new group and one that metal fans will want to check out. I personally am already looking forward to hearing “Chapter 2.”
