EDEN’S CURSE – Cardinal [Japan Edition +1] (2016)

Multi-national killer quintet EDEN’S CURSE are back with “Cardinal“, their 5th album for long time label AFM Records, and they really have excelled yet again with their unique brand of Melodic Hard Rock / Melodic Metal.
Written by the long time partnership of founder members Thorsten Khoene, Paul Logue and ex drummer Pete Newdeck (In Faith, Tainted Nation), and once again superbly mixed by the band’s long time engineer Dennis Ward (Unisonic) with the mighty production by Tobias Lindell (H.E.A.T, Europe), they really have taken it up a notch.

Opener ‘Prophets Of Doom’ is so progressive but at the same time highly melodic starting with awesome keyboard riffs from new member Finnish Chrism Pulkkinen, before Thorsten Khoene comes in with an awesome guitar riff alongside Paul Logue’s thundering bass lines and new drummer John Clelland’s tight rhythm.
Next is ‘Sell Your Soul’, plenty of keys, funky guitar riffs and a catchy chorus – a highlight. ‘The Great Pretender’ sounds big, heavier and with a slightly dark atmosphere but again, the chorus is epic and accessible, featuring Pete Newdeck on guest backing vocals. Great solos as well.

‘Messiah Complex’ is an upbeat rocker with strong vocals and busy musicianship, then ‘Find My Way’ is the ballad for this album, and another highlight. The guitar and keyboards are mixed in textured layers and again the chorus is powerful, so beautifully sang and so well structured. Nikola Miijic really sings his heart out with so much emotion.
‘Kingdom Of Solitude’ is one of my favourites on this album. Think of Dream Theater at their more ‘melodic rock’ side, you get what I mean. The song really does groove, and is definitely something different from the boys.

‘Utopian Dreams’ opens with a monster keyboard line, a huge atmospheric sound, before the band kicks in fully. The verse is tight, with quick changes, and the chorus sections are smooth and emotive.
‘This Is Our Moment’ is a kick ass rocker from start to finish, so melodic yet so passionate throughout. It has a very dark sound but really dynamic and upbeat.

‘Unconditional’, featuring ex-Leave’s Eye Singer Liv Kristine has a big dreamy sound. It’s so melodic and smooth. The solo section is really well arranged, never going over the top despite the epic nature of the song.
‘Jericho’ is the album closer, a modern melodic metal tune with some prog elements and quite bombastic at places.

The Japanese bonus track is a re-recorded 2016 fresh version of ‘Man Against The World’, originally appeared in the band’s second album eight years ago. The new take is quite awesome, more atmospheric with a pristine production.
Additionally, this Japan retail CD seems to sound much better.

In “Cardinal” Eden’s Curse have pushed themselves creating their more elaborated album to date, but at the same time pretty catchy. The combo really have used their varied skills to set up an opus that fans of melodic hard rock, melodic metal and progressive hard rock will love.
Highly Recommended

Universal Japan ～ 【IUCP-16250】
Ｃ Ａ Ｒ Ｄ Ｉ Ｎ Ａ Ｌ / エデンズ・カース レンタル

01 – Prophets Of Doom
02 – Sell Your Soul
03 – The Great Pretender
04 – Messiah Complex
05 – Find My Way
06 – Kingdom Of Solitude
07 – Utopian Dreams
08 – This Is Our Moment
09 – Rome’s On Fire
10 – Unconditional (feat. Liv Kristine)
11 – Saints & Sinners
12 – Jericho
13 – Man Against The World (2016) [Japan Bonus Track]

Nikola Miijic (vocals)
Thorsten Koehne (guitars)
Chrism Pulkkinen (keyboards)
Paul Logue (bass, backing vocals)
John Clelland (drums)
Pete Newdeck (guest backing vocals)

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www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/IUCP-16250
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