CAIN’S OFFERING – Stormcrow (2015)
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CAIN’S OFFERING is the brainchild of Finnish guitarist / songwriter Jani Liimatainen (founding member of Sonata Arctica), including Stratovarius singer Timo Kotipelto and super keyboard player Jens Johansson (Yngwie, Dio). In between his busy schedule with Sonata Arctica, Liimatainen finally found time to create another Cain’s Offering album after their debut six years ago.
The new opus to be released through Frontiers Records on May 18 is entitled “Stormcrow“, again moving into a perfectly balanced blend between melodic metal, hard rock & Euro power and, at the end, achieves to be included as another perfect example of today’s living and breathing Finnish music scene.
The music of Cain’s Offering is special; I mean that this band has something different to offer here. For sure, it’s not your ordinary metal / melodic hard rock band.
On one hand, they have a lyricism and a ‘melancholic’ vibe in most of their songs that made Cain’s Offering music so special. On the other they sure knows how to write a powerful and in-your-face metal anthem that will blow your mind!
Yet, it’s undeniable: ‘I Will Build You A Rome’, ‘Constellation of Tears’, ‘The Best of Times’, or ‘I Am Legion’ are galloping metal horses full of epic and bombastic glory. Actually, that last number is the strongest of the songs for orchestration.
But there’s a reason why Cain’s Offering is signed by Frontiers Records: Liimatainen likes to draw from (melodic) hard rock as well.
‘With A Night to Forget’ is an awesome Melodic Hard Rock song, as it is “On The Shore”, both moving more with a rocking groove, turning on a catchy melody and lyric, rather than speed and intensity.
‘Rising Sun’ is yet another killer song. A fast-paced hard rocker with a memorable hook and chorus that makes you wanna push the repeat button again and again.
Additionally, there’s an anthemic ballad with ‘Too Tired Too Run’ which builds at steady pace with a lighter melodic beginning, only to rise into a large elaborated crescendo and amazing performances.
“Stormcrow” is a perfectly balanced record from start to finish; there’s something for everyone here alternating metal tracks with groovy hard rockers, all ruled by melodies.
Great arrangements, very good songs, powerful and emotional performances, superb guitar work and a tight musicianship makes “Stormcrow” a great release by Cain’s Offering, even better than the first album.
Production & mix are superb with an updated sharp sound that will blow your mind.
Considering the musicians involved, you know it will be quality stuff.
Strongly Recommended.
01 – Stormcrow
02 – The Best Of Times
03 – A Night To Forget
04 – I Will Build You A Rome
05 – Too Tire To Run
06 – Constellation Of Tears
07 – Antemortem
08 – My Heart Beats For No One
09 – I Am Legion
10 – Rising Sun
11 – On The Shore
Timo Kotipelto – Vocals
Jani Liimatainen – Guitars
Jonas Kuhlberg – Bass
Jens Johansson – Keyboards
Jani Hurula – Drums
PRE-ORDER:
www.amazon.co.uk/Stormcrow-Cains-Offering/dp/B00USKVND0
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