ENDLESS – The Truth, The Chaos, The Insanity [Japan Edition] (2016)

Resurrected by Power Prog Records, Brazilian rockers ENDLESS are back with a new album: “The Truth, The Chaos, The Insanity”. The history of Endless dates back better than 20 years, and includes two early albums at the turn of the Century, only to be followed by some chaotic times and countless lineup changes.
But now ten years from their last album, Endless returns with new enthusiasm and this solid third album.

Endless is pure, clean classic melodic metal with an accessible progressive and power touch here and there.
Imagine a mix of Avantasia grandiosity, Dream Theatre’s Images & Words easy to the ears sound, Yngwie Malmsteen Eclipse era (just check the keyboard arrangements), a modern sound & groove akin Axel Rudi Pell and a pinch of a lighter Helloween.

The compositions are held together by lots of harmony and melody, whether by twin guitar harmony, hooks in melody and refrains, or Vitor Veiga’s clean and melodic vocal style and arrangements. This fellow may be the hidden gem within Endless. Truly, his vocal work is almost perfect.
Besides, being principally melodic, his best vocal virtue may be his awesome control. He’s never out of range, never goes screamo, always stays with the music, and elevates the melody. He’s probably classically trained. I could listen to this guy sing all day.

There’s also some kind of ‘heavy AOR atmosphere’ at places. Yes, call me nuts, but it’s true. Just check the title track with its heavy groove but at the same time a vibe recalling TEN early works.
Or “Black Veil of Madness” as example, a track which, despite some epic power metal arrangements, owns a classic hard rock skeleton. “Lady Of The Lake” (not the Rainbow song) also offers more in this vein, a ballad with much of Yngwie’s early era feel.

Fundamentally, Endless “The Truth, The Chaos, The Insanity” is premium melodic metal, well composed and well executed by some talented musicians, and something that will please the most discerning fan of the genre. Vitor Veiga’s vocals are top notch, and production crystal clear.
Hopefully, they’ll stick together and return with more in the future.
Strongly Recommended.

Avalon/Marquee Inc ~ 【MICP-11278】

01 – A New Sunrise
02 – The Code of Light
03 – Will of Destiny
04 – The Truth, The Chaos, The Insanity
05 – Black Veil of Madness
06 – Veins of Blood
07 – Save Me from Myself
08 – Lady of the Lake
09 – Under the Sun
10 – Puppets on a Stage
11 – A World Without Fantasy
12 – Celestial Dreams
13 – The Dawn of the Red Sun [Japanese bonus track]

Vitor Veiga (vocals)
Cristiano Moura (guitar)
Luciano de Souza (guitar)
Marcio Brito (keyboards, piano)
Rey Araujo (bass)
Sergio Sanchez (drums)

BUY IT !
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/MICP-11278
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