Review Summary: Ashes of Ares’s second full-length album shows a mix of heightened musicianship and stagnant songwriting
Five years after their 2013 self-titled debut, Ashes of Ares shows signs of life with their second full-length album. Well of Souls runs on the same melodic power metal template as its predecessor, with vocalist Matt Barlow offering his signature theatrics while Freddie Vidales singlehandedly covers the guitar and bass work. Drummer Van Williams has the role of a guest rather than that of a full member this time around, but his performance is indicative of his usual hard-hitting technicality.
For what it’s worth, this album hits even harder than its predecessor. Vidales outdoes himself in the guitar department, boasting a nasty tone on songs like “Transcending,” while “Sun Dragon” and “Time Traveler” among others are driven by more intricate riffs and lead work. Barlow also gets on in the fun, utilizing more of his lower range this time around and even letting loose the occasional growl. Comparisons to Iced Earth were easy to make before, and now they’ve become all but mandatory.
Unfortunately, the time between albums hasn’t quite focused the band’s songwriting method. A greater emphasis on elaborate guitar melodies and gallops puts them on near equal footing with the vocals, but neither element offers much memorability. Part of me feels like the tempos make the songs sound stilted but the awkward executions of more ambitious tracks like “Spirit of Man” would benefit from tighter structures. Thankfully “Time Traveler” comes close to catchiness, and the closing take on Chris Cornell “You Know My Name” is odd but respectable.
Overall, Ashes of Ares’s second full-length album shows a mix of heightened musicianship and stagnant songwriting. The guitars have stepped up in technicality and the heavier presentation is worthy of classic Iced Earth, but the writing still isn’t quite there. Matt Barlow still sounds great and that alone will likely be enough for diehard fans to check this out, but I really wish he had some stronger riffs behind him.
Highlights:
“Sun Dragon”
“Transcending”
“Let All Despair”
“Time Traveler”
“You Know My Name”
Originally published at http://indymetalvault.com
