So while reviewing some metal content online, actually it
was a podcast episode of Focus on Metal, I came across a great power metal band
called Scelerata.
First, to quench your curiosity, Scelerata is a Latin word. Loosely
translated it means “criminal.” The band hails from Port Alegre, Brazil and has
been in existence since 2000.
The current line up consists of:
Fabio Juan – Vocals
Magnus Wichmann – Guitar
Renato Osorio – Guitar
Gustavo Strapazon – Bass
Francis Cassol – Drums
In 2006, 2010 and 2011, Scelerata performed as the band
backing up ex-Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno during three tours of Brazil.
This may explain why the band, in my opinion, sounds like they have a very
heavy Maiden influence. Not just the early Di’Anno Maiden, but the Dickinson
years as well.
The band has released a few CDs. The first, Darkness & Light, was released in
2006. The second effort, Skeletons Domination, was released in 2008. However, the one that caught my ear is
their current 2012 release titled, The Sniper.
 |
| Darkness and Light |
 |
| Skeletons Domination |
 |
| The Sniper |
I had planned to also do a review of The Sniper, but there
are quite a few websites that have done some and I agree with just about all of
them. This particular write-up, courtesy of The Metal Review, just about sums
it all up:
This album starts out
strong and doesn’t let go. “Rising Sun” kicks off with a fast guitar melody and
traditional power metal drumming. The riffs continue on through the song, but
when the vocals come in the real hooks begin. The songwriting is strong yet
simple, easy to enjoy and fun to sing along to. Just when I thought things
couldn’t get any better, an overwhelming dueling guitar solo hits and I am sold
on this band for life! “Must Be Dreaming” starts out slow with a nice bass
feature, but opens up into a strong song with amazing vocal presence that sends
shivers down my spine. The combination of Andi Deris and Fabio Juan creates the
most pleasant of listening experiences. This song is very reminiscent of Dark
Ride era Helloween (go figure). I really love how the overwhelming feeling of
darkness in the music is contrasted by the power metal vocals. All of this
tells me that Andi and Fabio need to work together in more projects in the
future.
The next notable
track, though all songs have proven themselves great in one way or another, is
“’Til the Day We Die”. This is by far my favorite track on the album. The song
opens with this thrashing riff and guitar solo, layered over pounding bass work
and drums. As it goes on, I manage to get lost in the catchy choruses and
impressive guitar work when all of a sudden, everything slows down. The thrashing
ends and a beautiful rendition of the chorus ensues, complete with layered
vocals that practically brought a tear to my eye. The album closes with the
near ten minute long title track “The Sniper” showcasing even more fantastic
musicianship and leaves me wanting so much more from this band.
Give these guys a listen. If you like them, or don’t like
them, leave us a comment and let us know why. You can check out the band at
their main Scelerata webpage, as well as MySpace and Facebook.
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