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CD REVIEWS ISSUE 4 Page 9
By Bob Nalbandian

LOST HORIZON
Awakening The World
Koch Records

According to their label, "Awakening the World is one of the best debut albums ever." Well, this CD a far cry from that bold statement, but I will say that this is one strong power-metal debut. There is nothing unique or original about this Swedish quartet, in fact at first glance of their CD cover, photo, and lyrics, and names (i.e.: Cosmic Antagonist, Transcendental Protagonist, Preternatural Transmogrifyer, and Ethereal Magnanimus), one would think this was the reincarnation of Manowar. Bassist Martin Forangen and guitarist Wojtek Liscki (yes, these are actually their real names) were formerly in the Swedish metal band Highlander, which also featured members who later went on to form Hammerfall. The songs and musicianship are very solid and the band play high-quality, traditional power-metal. None of the tracks really stand out but the album as a whole makes for a strong metal debut.

CUT THROAT
Slave
Sore Throat Productions

I usually tend not to review custom-label CDs, but in certain cases I will make an exception if I come across a CD that truly stands out. This is the case with the LA power-metal band Cut Throat. Slave marks the band's second release and it's a vast improvement over their debut, both production-wise and musically. Co-produced by the band with Jonas Hansson (of Silver Mountain fame), this CD definitely shows great potential.

Musically, the band offers nothing terribly original but the sound is hard and heavy and played with a lot of attitude-sounding like a harder, tougher Skid Row. For the most part, the songs are solid, displaying traditional American power metal, not a whole lot of diversity, but a lot of raw-attitude highlighted by thunderous riffs and impressive leads by guitarists Ken Snyder and Darwin DeVitis, who are definitely seasoned players. The rhythm section with bassist John Anderson and drummer Ramsay Bisharah is tight and solid, and vocalist Sean Okin has the perfect metal voice, just the right amount of harsh-power and melody, sounding much like a ballsier Sebastian Bach.

Some of the tunes sound a bit dated but stand out trax such as "My Parade," "Better Days," "Painted Black," "Long Way," and "The Hate We Have" make the CD definitely worth the purchase price. This band has the right attitude, youthful drive, and musical ability to become LA's new power-metal kings. You can purchase this CD and other merchandise through the bands website at: www.cutthroatonline.com.

Shockwaves CD Reviews Issue 4 Page 10