Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Valley's Eve - Deception of Pain - 2002 - Limb Music Reviewed by Nailer

Track Listing 1.FIRE BURNS 2.POINT OF NO RETURN 3.SUN 4.IN YOUR HEAD 5.MIRROR IN YOUR EYES 6.KINGDOM OF PAIN 7.DARK ROOM 8.CREATING GODS 9.FALLING 10.OPEN THE GATES 11.DARK SHADOWS ON THE WALL 12.UNHOLY POWER 13.SHADOWS OF MISERY

Leaving behind the Prog Metal of their early work, Dutch band Valley's Eve turn in a no-risk, consistent piece of Euro power metal without the swords, sorcery and thigh boots of the genre.

Deception of Pain is a concept album comprised of 12 songs dealing with the manifold phenomena of suicide. "The basis of the album is a book written by an American psychiatrist who had spoken to failed suicides", singer Roberto Liapakis explains. "The thing that connects all these failed suicide attempts is that all the subjects spoke of an inexplicable pain immediately before the attempt. Hence the title, Deception of Pain."

Musically, they never hit the blistering pace of celestial scribes Iron Savior or the ear-wrenching power of reigning castle kings Blind Guardian choosing instead to hang in the pubs with the working man crew. Up-tempo and not really speed metal, melodic leads scantily support the straight rhythm chords of the guitars and the vocals with a stronger first half and a thinner hard rock middle. Roberto's vocals are forefront and rich through rockers and ballads, similar to Blue Murder/Thin Lizzy/Whitesnake veteran John Sykes, who may be similarly under-acknowledged and overlooked on the metal scene.

Bottom Line: Hardly a downer in the bunch.


Score: 7.5 of 10




--Nailer 08.16.04
Valley's Eve - Deception of Pain - Limb Music 2002 reviewed by: Chaoslord

Track Listing 1.FIRE BURNS 2.POINT OF NO RETURN 3.SUN 4.IN YOUR HEAD 5.MIRROR IN YOUR EYES 6.KINGDOM OF PAIN 7.DARK ROOM 8.CREATING GODS 9.FALLING 10.OPEN THE GATES 11.DARK SHADOWS ON THE WALL 12.UNHOLY POWER 13.SHADOWS OF MISERY

Well, once again I have been pleasantly surprised by something I have had recommended to me. EC recommended this CD to me and I must thank him first before I rave about this CD.

Anyways, this CD is just awesome all the way through. It's power metal but very aggressive. Lead singer Robert Dmitri Liapakis has a voice that can either wail his balls off or just kind of serenade you. Some of the riffs throughout the CD are very Maiden-esque and make your head bob back and forth constantly. Like so many power metal bands do, this album is a concept album, however, it is not a typical power metal album dealing with slaying dragons, fighting wizards, etc. It deals with suicide.

Unlike some power metal bands however, there is not an incredible overdose of keyboards on the album. They are scattered throughout the album and when used add a very atmospheric and eerie vibe to the music. The production on the CD is very crisp and very well done. The lead singer produced the CD and the mix comes out fantastic. For those of you looking for someone to compare them too, I would say it's Queensryche's music mixed with a Dream Evil style of singing. Any fan of power metal should go check out this CD.

--Chaoslord 7.7.03