Z--Keepers of the Sign (1999/JAMCO)
Rating--9.0
Shadows of Love--RealAudio Cry of the Gypsy--RealAudio
An indie/small label band from California, but a huge talent! This group is extremely tight and sustained, with powerful chord-driven tracks. Some of the
bands brought to mind are thick, early Dio, early etched Queensryche, and the bottom-heavy material from
Dokken's 'Back for the Attack, perhaps.
Vocally, lead singer is a dead ringer for Ronnie James Dio... the similarity is simply uncanny!
However, at the same time, he manages to intermingle mystic feathers of Geoff Tate as well.
In all, an instant classic sound and album, and a group that will hopefully
be picked up by a major (European?) label in the very near future.
Virtually every track stands out in its own right. The thick and solid "Strangers in Fantasy" kicks
the metalfest off, and "Troubles of the Heart" and "Enemy Eyes" are similar in solidity. The compact and snarling groove of "Caught Between the Lines" is lethal, and
check out those flowing tight-ass chords in "Shadows of Love"!
Faster moments show up in "Fire in Her Eyes," "Restless Heart," the galloping verses of
"Cry of the Gypsy," and the swift closer "Lady of the Dark".
The title cut is thick and choppy, and throughout the album there are spoken intros sprinkled about, alluding to
a possible underlying storyline. Again, one of those hidden gems that you have the luck to uncover once or twice every ten years. If you can pick it up, do so...
TRACK LIST: Strangers in Fantasy/Caught Between the Lines/Fire in Her Eyes/Cry of the Gypsy/Day by Day/Keepers of the Sign/Shadows of Love/Restless Heart/
Troubles of the Heart/Enemy Eyes/Lady of the Dark
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