CELTIC LEGACY
GUARDIAN OF ETERNITY
Tracklistings
1. The Sentinel
2. Celtica
3. Afterworld
4. For Evermore
5. King Of Thieves
6. Absent Freinds
7 . Erinmor
8. Dance On Yer Grave
9. Forgive Me
10. Guardian Of Eternity
Verdict
Guardian Of Eternity is the third album from Ireland’s Celtic Legacy. Before I go on with the review let me tell you a bit more about the band.
Celtic Legacy was formed in 1997 and their first release was “Celtic Legacy” the band then released their second album “Resurrection” in 2003.
There next third album “Guardian Of Eternity” would prove to be a difficult test, after 8 Months of releasing “Resurrection” most of the line up decided to split. The two remaining members of the band had to rebuild from scratch. The search for new musicians took almost 2 years and in the meantime the remaining band members were busy writing new material and demos.
In Jaunuary 2007 the band finally had a stable line up. So there third album has took a while to release so is it worth the wait? On with the review then.
The first track “The Sentinel” is an intro track setting the mood to what will come. I have never been over excited with intro tracks.
The second track “Celtica” immediately sets of with roaring beats and whirlwind of riffs with singer vocalist Ciaran Ennis providing clean and crisp vocals that range from Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson this is a powerful statement of a band that plays classic no-nonsense 80’ style rock and metal brilliant stuff. As the track plays on I noticed a strong resemblance to Iron Maiden album very melodic and technical indeed.
The third track “Afterworld” starts off very slow pace with a nice bass line then a slab of twin guitars playing at the same time, this track is excellent piece of classic metal. The track owes a lot to one of a few tracks off Iron Maiden’s “Somewhere in Time” album. The track provides us with some nice Guitar solos and fantastic riffs.
The forth track “For Evermore” really shows off the bands playing ability some excellent musicianship and some excellent solos.
The fifth track “King Of Thieves” is in the similar style to “Children Of The Sky” from the last Celtic Legacy album “Resurrection” This gives vocalist Ciaran Ennis to showcase is high pitch and brilliant vocal range. I’ve noticed that the addition of Ciaran Ennis has given the band a boost in confidence and this is only a good thing.
The sixth track “Absent friends” is fast tempo of song that again reminds me of an Iron Maiden song, which lets be frank it’s not such a bad thing. This is wicked stuff this track is very melodic indeed.
The Seventh track “Erinmour” starts off with a smooth side to Celtic Legacy the track reminds me of waking up to the sound of a clan playing somewhere in the mountains of Medieval Scotland. Then after two minutes the track erupts in glourious walls of guitars with riffs galore and excellent bass and drums to boot. This will be a future classic song in Celtic Legacy’s live sets brilliant stuff.
Track number 8 “Dance On Your Grave” will be a sure good single to release. Again the band knows how to mix things up slow tempos; fast beats just some excellent stuff on display.
Track number nine “Forgive Me” reminds me of classic Queensryche some excellent and beautiful executed twin guitar harmonies and some brilliant solos’ and big chucky riffs that will send chills down your spine.
The last track number ten “Guardian Of Eternity” is a mammoth 11-minute epic it starts off slow and shows the bands creative side. Excellent stuff all round with some excellent drumming, guitars and yet again vocalist Ciaran Ennis providing us with some brilliant vocal ranges you will ever hear on a metal album.
To sum up this album, for me the very first time I listened to this I was hooked straight away. This is without a fantastic third album by Celtic Legacy showing that they have the best line up to date and I think they will go on even more determined and stronger as a unit.
This album should be in your record collection now!!
The album finally comes out on March 5 go and buy it you will not be disappointed.
Celtic Legacy are:
Dave Morrissey - Guitars/Keyboards
Dave Boylan - Bass/Vocals
Ciaran Ennis - Vocals
Keith Hendley - Guitars/Vocals
Conor Gillen - Drums/Tin Whistle
Overall Mark
5/5