Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Ivory Knight - Unconscience - 2005 - Self Released

Track Listing1. Up From The Ashes 2. Borderline 3. Holy Martyr 4. Unconscience 5. Introspective 6. The Unseen Enemy 7. In Fog I Walk 8. Theater Of The Insane 9. Eleven 10. Waiting For Tomorrow

I have spent a great deal of time with this rather comprehensive Canadian act. Classified as "classic heavy metal", I really find that term to be a rather loose description at best, with Ivory Knight offering a tremendous amount of diversity and technical elements to a backdrop of a classic or traditional sound. "Unconscience" marks the group's second full length album, the follow-up to the band's "Up From The Ashes" debut back in 2001. As the debut was completely produced by the band, this time around they get a big helping hand from a fellow Canadian. Annihilator mastermind and possibly fastest speed picker around, Jeff Waters, lends his mastering touch to this impressive effort, really putting a final spin on a rather early 80s production sound, with plenty of modern groove oriented stomps that fit nicely in the mix.

At times Ivory Knight sound like a hard rock act, other times the most notorious of power metal frenzy. Frontman John Devadasan Perinbam is a supreme commander-in-chief, recalling the finest moments of Zak Stevens, but really identifying with the audience in a more subdued manner. That is really the fascinating part about this band, the ability to go large and lethal with a ripping thrash sound but never compromising the ideals and principles of the traditional approach. Guitarist Rob Gravelle lists James Hetfield and Yngwie Malmsteen as influences, and both are clearly put on display here. Gravelle is really a string wizard, blazing along in an almost speed metal approach (Agent Steel at times), other times just hopping along in a merry rock way. Bassist Steve Mercer and drummer George Nesrallah round out the four piece, adding in their sharp talents to make this sophomore effort one that is truly a shining moment.

For me I think Ivory Knight fits well with fans of Evergrey, Symphony X, Kamelot, and even Conception. But by no means is this group as progressive as the above. Very few keyboards are present, and really the band don't show off many progressive moments. But it is the arrangements, the odd, quirky tracks that seem to push the band to the boundaries of power, into the Psychotic Waltz/Lethal forms of power-prog. Favorite cuts for me are the more straight forward affairs, with songs like "Holy Martyr" and "Borderline" really putting on display this band's specialty.

Note - This is some of the best packaging I've seen out of an indy band this year. Also, the group gets the award for best band business card! It is the little things...




--EC 05.24.05