Six Minute Century - Time Capsules Review

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Tracklist:
1. Under The Moonlight
2. The Perfect Picture
3. One Man's Dream
4. April 19, 1995
5. Zero Hour
6. Guitar Concierto
7. Saved In Time
8. Heaven's Gate
9. Get Your Wings
10.Seven Seas

Release Date: 03/18/2008

user rating

4.5
superb

recommended by reviewer

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4.0
excellent

Josh Deragon USER (11 Reviews)

2008-09-30 | 10 comments | 658 views

2 of 2 thought this review was well written

Classic metal has the word “classic” in front for a reason. The days of pure, powerful metal are gone. These days, we can find pretentious, progressive music and over thought metal that tries to push the boundaries of what defines being heavy. And so Six Minute Century intervenes to save us all.

Brought up with Savatage, Iron Maiden, and the likes of Dream Theater, SMC derives from their power metal predecessors to help refresh metal, and help it remember where it came from. Playing the local clubs, building a fan base, and making a few demos, the band has finally arrived with their first full length album in Time Capsules. With only four members, the band has been making it sound as if there are six since 2004, and their presence should definitely be felt. Backed by synths and keys for atmosphere, Don LaFon’s signature crunchy guitar relies more on groove and writing instead of skill and showboating. Coupled with Sampy’s bass, the two guitars take the wheel to steer the ship with focused and restrained rhythms. Don’s solos themselves are well done and seemingly know when to hold back, and when to play. “April 19, 1999” exhibits all of these qualities in a powerful and tasteful package.

The band as a whole is tight. The one thing about their sound that obviously stands out is Chuck Williams. Chuck’s vocal performance, in my honest opinion, can’t be rivaled by many. Soaring, pure, beautiful, powerful, expert are all words to describe what a talented voice he has. Holding a very impressive range, his presence quickly reminds the listener of Jon Olivo, Bruce Dickinson, and at times, Rob Halford. The ending note of “Under the Moonlight” can break glass at the right volume.

In the same vein as Rage Against The Machine, SMC takes a slightly different path. Instead of being political, they are what I call a current events band. Topics of choice include the Oklahoma City bombings, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Iraq War. Yet, what I consider to be the best song off of the album is about vampires. Each track contains thought though, excluding lame lyrics and fantastical themes. The band even threw in a cover of TNT’s “Seven Seas”. As a fan of the band, I find it unfortunate though only because they play a mean version of “Under A Glass Moon”. An instrumental in “Guitar Concerto” and front-runner for band classic, “Heaven’s Gate”, round up the album. The progressive qualities and melodic hooks of the band help define their sound. The passion in each track kind of sucks you in. Bringing up the rear is Darren Davis, formerly of the local prog metal outfit Outworld, who fits the mold perfectly with driving rhythms and more fitting riffs, leaving the super-technicality at home.

All in all, Six Minute Century is a pure power metal giant. The whole package is waiting to explode. This album is the next step in their evolution, and I for one can’t wait to see what’s next. Fans of any type of rock and heavy music, especially those still lost in the days of Judas Priest and TNT, and anyone in the thick of Kamelot and Symphony X, should invest 15 measly dollars and an hour of time to hear the revitalization of the bands that started it all.
This is power. This is Six Minute Century.

Rating: 8.12/10
- Josh D.

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