METAL TO INFINITY

Aspire is a New York based Metal with a lot of quality on board! Aspire was formed back in November 2004 by guitar player Al Candello and vocalist Ryan Metzger. First Aspire effort was an EP called "All Ahead", i presume released in 2005. Haven't heard this work myself, but some research allow me to say the received response was very well. Even, the title track was chosen to take part on the 'ProgPower USA VI Music Fest' promo CD!

What follows was a debut album entitled "Quest Eternal", released with a full line up, ready to kick some ass. Ryan took all the lead and backing vox for his account and all guitars, MIDI sequensing and additional keyboards were perfectly handled by Al. Yeah, you read it right and well, Aspire contains only two members those days but all is so damn great recorded, arranged  and fixed up, you almost won't hear the difference. I really do like the style of the band's vocalist. He has quite a unique voice with a lot power in his might. He reminds me of Tim Lachman from the 80s US Metal gods Gargoyle. To be honest, climbing the ladder straight to some ultra high vocal notes are aiming a bit too high for Ryan but a global meaning allows me to say, he's good - real good! Maniacs into US Metal with nice vocals, check it out!

As for their style of music, be prepared for a mixture of different styles such as Classic Hard Rock / Metal, Euro Power Metal and even Symphonic or Epic Metal won't be forgotten. Throwing a few names to comprae, well i'll give it a try and go for bands like: Domine, Skylark, Labyrinth, Rhapsody. "Lost Forevermore" is one of my faves due to great vocals and fantastic guitar leads / solo's played with several keyboard parts in a mid / up tempo way. Great song anyway!! "All Ahead" is another fave of mine, sounds pretty fast and push me in the direction of early Helstar (J.Riveira) days, especially when you listen closely to a few vocal lines and guitar duties.

"Riding With The King" shines really bright and once again, vocalist Ryan Metzger caughts my attention along with the awesome sounded guitars of Al Candello. All slow down for a while with the song "As Many years (Go Passing By) but the speed and trye power will turn back during "From The Shadows". Longest track entitled (9 minutes!) "The Liberator" is superb. Sometimes, vocals are not that stable but the entire song has so many variations and quality minded elements on board you'll forget that little argument real fast.

"Quest Eternal" is more than just a regular album to me. It has a strongful US Metal character, is made by only two guys in very good circumstances...definitely recommened to both US, Euro Power Metal worshippers. Lately, some other guys joined the Aspire ranks so the band's current line-up contains five members. They're ready to play some live performances which is planned for the autumn of 2005. Hopefully, the Quest Eternal tour will be in your hometown real soon. If that happens, don't hesitate and go talk a walk straight to the venue where Aspire will walk the stage...a feast on Metal won't be far away!!

You can order this precious product via: info@aspireband.com  or visit their website at: www.aspireband.com   MY POINTS: 90 / 100

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