CONSTANTINE
“AFTERMATH”
Album Review by Chris Palmer
7/10
Constantine is a guitarist who was born and raised in Athens, Greece. He started playing the guitar from the age of twelve by copying the likes of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Slayer, and Exodus. This guitar prodigy then started to evolve more on his guitar studying and approach by becoming influenced by the likes of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Marty Friedman, plus others.
According to the promo sheet, Constantine’s guitar playing ranges from shredding riffs to soaring solos with memorable twin guitar melodic harmonies, fluid tapping-arpeggio lines, wide vibrato, and melodic pentatonic. His talents haven’t gone unnoticed in the heavy music scene either, as his efforts have taken many forms, including playing in bands such as Nightrage, Descending, Mystic Prophecy, Nightfall, and Primal Fear.
In 2010 Constantine released his debut solo record, “Shredcore”. The follow-up was released on May 31st of this year and is titled “Aftermath”. Released via Rockshots Records, the new album contains eight slabs of Heavy Metal which add up to a running time lasting just over 34 minutes.
“Aftermath” sees Constantine collaborating with some of the most prominent vocalists in the world of Heavy Metal. Please step forward Ralf Scheepers [Primal Fear], Bjorn “Speed” Strid [Soilwork], Schmier [Destruction], Apollo Papathanasio [Spiritual Beggars and ex-Firewind], and Chris Clancy [Wearing Scars]. With the addition of such vocalists, Constantine has delivered an album containing a wide variety of influences. “Aftermath” is an album that Constantine believes will question genre boundaries and push limits. He says, “The new record is in its entirety a collection of songs that cover the whole spectrum of the heavy metal genre combining the best elements of modern and classic metal/rock as well. I think that it’s an album that will provide a listening pleasure to everybody who’s into this genre of music.” He goes on to say confidently that he’s “…very eager and to be honest, I cannot hide my anticipation to share the new music with the fans. I’m also really positive about how the fans will receive it since the album itself includes not only some brilliant guitar work, but phenomenal performances from the vocalists participating on the songs as well.” Mighty strong words indeed Sir.
But, does the album live up to the hype? The answer is a yes, but to a certain point. Opening number, “Bushido”, is an instrumental rocker which kicks things off in shredding guitar style, before we’re joined by Bjorn “Speed” Strid for “Hellfire Club”. Bjorn’s aggressive vocal attack drives the track forward, as he switches between extreme and melodic vocal styles with ease. The guitar riffs are heavy and will have you headbanging to the rhythm immediately, while the solo is a delight to the ears. “Press On Regardless” sees the delightful Ralf Scheepers at the microphone, as he directs this powerful number through its paces, before “Another Day” arrives. With an opening riff to die for, Apollo’s vocals enter to walk you through this melodic, ballad-type monster that begs to be repeated numerous times.
“Holding On ‘Til The End” gets the second half underway and sees Chris Clancy at the helm. The rhythm is infectious, and Constantine’s guitar-play is exquisite, as the song rumbles along its chosen path. That path leads us back to Apollo Papathanasio, as he returns for “Deliver Us”, which arrives with a flurry of strings, keyboards, and powerful, fast-paced guitar riffs. Penultimate number, “Elegy”, arrives next with Bill Manthos on vocal duties. To be honest, this track doesn’t really do anything for me and I’m relieved when the outrageously excellent “War And Pain” arrives. Destruction’s Schirmer has the mic and this heavy monster pummels the senses in exhilarating style, bringing the album to its conclusion.
Overall, “Aftermath”, is a solid album to a certain degree. Both opening and closing tracks are outstanding, especially “War And Pain”, which closes proceedings emphatically. All the remaining songs are also strong, with each one offering variety and some excellent guitar-play from Constantine. “Elegy” just feels a little out of place for me personally and I wouldn’t miss it if it wasn’t present. I’m not saying it’s a bad song, and I’m sure others may enjoy it. I just don’t unfortunately. It doesn’t do anything for me. But that doesn’t detract anything from this album because, “Aftermath” is a good album which showcases Constantine’s guitar playing abilities and the singing abilities of some of Metal’s favourite characters. A good effort which is worth checking out.
TRACKLIST
Bushido (Instrumental)
Hellfire Club (feat. Bjorn “Speed” Strid)
Press On Regardless (fear. Ralf Scheepers)
Another Day (feat. Apollo Papathanasio)
Holding On ‘Til The End (feat. Chris Clancy)
Deliver Us (feat. Apollo Papathanasio)
Elegy (feat. Bill Manthos)
War And Pain (feat. Schirmer)
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