Titans Eve

Titans Eve joins a cast of musicians who have released a concept album based on the work of John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost.” Two notable artists include Danzig and Symphony X. Danzig released his first solo album of classical instrumentals “Black Aria.” Symphony X released the prog metal masterpiece bearing the title of Milton’s work. Titans Eve’s ode to Milton doesn’t follow in the same musical footsteps as the above-mentioned artists. The Canadian outfit blends the second wave of American thrash with the sounds of the modern metal band.

I made the mistake of assuming “The Divine Equal” is a power metal album, possibly because of the concept, which seems like something suited for magical keyboards and Pantheon-filling vocal highs. A granite quality to the vocals brings to mind the modern core styles. The way the singer(s) (my info lists two singers) project harmony (check out “Tides of Doom”) into these vocals brings to mind Shadows Fall and Machine Head.

Even though this is the style I imagined, Titans Eve inserts plenty of moments of mystical melody. Heavenly keyboards back up soothing clean guitars on the album intro “Mourning Star.” “Judgment” contains a lulling middle section of distortion less guitar and soft, electric solos. “Dusk” provides an instrumental interlude similar to the intro.

Melodies provide balance to the bruising speed and concrete textured guitar chugging. “Becoming the Demon” rolls with menacing muffled rhythms that open at the perfect time. The initial chords and hard drumbeat of “Into Fire” have the same type of attention-grabbing qualities as Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” “Tides of Doom” attacks with speed picking and straight forward pounding drums. “Searching for Nothing” shows the band take a step towards death metal.

Titans Eve take on Milton’s immortal poem probably won’t have the lasting effect as the works from Danzig and Symphony X, but their vision is valid, nonetheless. The harmonies will get its listeners singing chorus lines and humming guitar melodies. “The Divine Equal” is a solid debut full-length.