SIRIUS (feat Tim ”Ripper” Owens, Derek Sherinian) – A Quest For Life (2024)

Greek heavy metal band SIRIUS has returned with a bang, seven years after their promising debut EP emerged onto the scene, delivering what is arguably one of the standout traditional metal albums of the year. Their debut full-length album, ”A Quest for Life”, recorded, mixed, and mastered by the talented David Prudent at Made in Hell Rehearsal and Recording Studios, is a tribute to their musical evolution and dedication to their craft – not to mention patience.
Without relying on triggers or artificial intelligence, Prudent has crafted a sound that is both massive and intimate, allowing the raw energy and emotion of the band to shine through. This is classic metal, with twin guitar, each coming out separated, swirling, headbanging.
The album includes two legendary guests, Tim ”Ripper” Owens and Derek Sherinian, adding an extra layer of power and prestige to this strong release.

From the very first track, Unbound the Scream, listeners are plunged into the sonic maelstrom that is ”A Quest for Life”. The twin-guitar partnership of Dimitris Napas and Dimitris Stathopoulos is relentless – but tastefully so – offering a barrage of riffs that are both intricate and headbang-worthy at the same time. Their interplay is a highlight of the album, showcasing their technical prowess and deep understanding of metal’s rich tradition.
Complementing this guitar work is the thunderous rhythm section of Dimitris Simiakos on bass and Nick “Yngve” Samios on drums, whose tight, propulsive playing anchors the album’s sound and drives each song forward with unrelenting force.

Vocally, Napas delivers a performance that is never less than impressive. His powerful, soaring vocals bring an anthemic quality to each track, perfectly capturing the album’s themes of struggle, redemption, and the human experience. Tracks like Beyond the Sands Of Time and Among the Heavens showcase his range and emotional depth, drawing listeners into the album’s narrative and keeping them hooked from start to finish.

The album concept revolves around the journey of life, exploring how our actions impact ourselves and others, the hidden truths we carry, and the sacrifices made for love. This thematic richness is evident in tracks like Desdichado, inspired by Sir Walter Scott‘s timeless classic Ivanhoe, which delves into the quest for redemption and personal freedom.
Even the more fantastical songs maintain a focus on personal struggles and inner conflicts, making ”A Quest for Life” a deeply resonant and thought-provoking listen.

Adding to the album’s allure are the guest appearances by metal legends Tim “Ripper” Owens and Derek Sherinian. Owens’ vocal contribution on Unbound The Scream adds a layer of intensity but doesn’t swamp the song, while Sherinian’s keyboard work on standout cut Land Of Swords brings a touch of prog-metal sophistication, elevating the album to new heights.

The production on ”A Quest for Life” is top-notch, with Prudent ensuring that every instrument is given room to breathe. The mix is clear and balanced, allowing the warmth and organic quality of the band’s performance to come through.
This attention to detail makes the album a joy to listen to, whether you’re cranking it up on a high-end sound system – which, if you can you definitely should- or blasting it through your headphones.

In summary, ”A Quest for Life” is a remarkable debut from Sirius, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting acts in the current Greek metal scene. With its combination of catchy choruses, technical brilliance, and thematic depth, this album is sure to resonate with fans old and new.
Sirius has truly kindled the fire and led the way with this release, and we can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them next.
Highly Recommended

1 – Unbound The Scream (feat Tim Ripper Owens)
2 – Beyond The Sands Of Time
3 – Desdichado
4 – Edge Of The World
5 – Fragment
6 – Lostlight
7 – Land Of Swords (feat Derek Sherinian)
8 – Among The Heavens

Dimitris Napas – Lead Vocals, Guitars (rhythm and lead)
Dimitris Stathopoulos – Guitars (rhythm), Vocals
Nick “Yngve” Samios – Drums
Dimitris Simiakos – Bass, Vocals

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www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D5DDKZP5