Pharaoh - The Longest NightTreehouse of Death"One of the very first classic records (they were still called records then) I cut my metal baby teeth on was Iron Maiden's 'Somewhere In Time', which still remains my all-time favorite album by them. In the years that have followed since then, traditional metal has fallen by the wayside in favor of whatever the newest trend may be, with only a few bands like Nevermore, Symphorce, Slough Feg, and a handful of notable others sticking to the path of ambitious, rambunctious flat-out heavy metal glory. "A relatively recent addition to this short and powerful list, are drummer Chris Black, guitarist Matt Johnsen, vocalist Tim Aymar, and bassist Chris Kerns, the four men who collaborate to form the entity known as Pharaoh. Now, I know I've thrown out a couple really high scores lately (actually, get used to it, because there's more on the way), but in this case, you'd have to be truly deaf not to recognize the grace and magnificence of 'The Longest Night' if you're any sort of fan of traditional, thrash, or power metal that lacks any cheese, or bubblegum filler. "Far from being a rehash of past epics from the 80's, 'The Longest Night' has the potential to be a modern classic in the making. I tried to be critical of this album, really I did. I wanted to find fault with the larger-than-life chorus of magnificent opening number 'Sunrise'. If I could have found any fault with the eloquent introspection of the beautifully sung 'In The Violet Fire', then it would be done. If there was a crack in the stainless armor of the brave metal anthem 'Fighting', I'd point it out with a flashlight and magnifying glass, but there's no flaw to be found there. This is pure metal, all metal, and nothing but metal. "Matt Johnsen has a very clever talent of arranging layered, astute riffs on top of each other in a mercurial, consummate fashion. There's a lot of fleeting, delicate detail added to each and every passage, with a mingling of equal parts technique, personality, flash, and substance. It's an unbeatable combination, and a meticulously executed one as well. The Kerns/Black bass and drum team also play a noticeably vital role in the success of steady, calculated tunes like 'Endlessly', and show unrelenting power during the pummeling gallop of 'I Am The Hammer'. By the way, as far as song titles go, that particular one just fucking spits “metal” like so much molten phlegm, befitting the firestorm of refined, lethal musical dynamics the song undertakes. Jackassery isn't suffered lightly on this exercise, for this is metal with visible intent, and uncompromising vision, and there is no place here for weakness. "This brings me to the brightest gem in this crown of class act metallic righteousness, vocalist extraordinaire, Tim Aymar. It would be very easy to sit back and compare him to such stalwarts as Halford, Tate, Dane, and Wayne because of Tim's unique and instantly identifiable voice, but I think he deserves a little better than a lazy match-up alongside people far too many reviewers use for comparison to begin with. People need to start comparing other great newer vocalists to Tim Aymar, because this man does not fuck around whatsoever. His high notes? Don't play this album too loudly around fine crystal, that's all I have to say, because the bridge and chorus to 'Endlessly' would surely destroy your collection. "With a pitch-perfect, midrange tenor that dominates from beginning to end, Aymar shows just why Chuck Schuldiner thought so highly of his talent and ability to perform with a commanding presence as frontman for Chuck's Control Denied project. The range and scope of the many multi-textured vocal harmonies is breathtaking on the somber/explosive 'By The Night Sky', and the smokin' chorus of the simply fantastic 'Like A Ghost', a song I've been driving my roommates positively crazy with my repeatedly hitting the “replay” button. This is one of those songs you use a weapon against those who doubt the talent, dignity, and superlative songwriting ability that no-bullshit metal at it's finest has to offer. Sublime. "I would suggest right now as you're reading this, to go over to the Cruz Del Sur website, and sample all the helpings of 'The Longest Night' that they have up for legitimate investigation. The production could have been tweaked ever-so-slightly just to give the riff extravaganza more breathing room, but otherwise, the sonics are outstanding, especially when played through a really rock-solid system. The songwriting is so varied, and well-tailored to suit the different moods and demeanor of each individual song, telling each chapter with disparate, riveting anecdotes. This really is a stunning piece of work, and an album I've literally had to force myself to take out of the CD player in order to review other things. This has already cemented a place in my year-end list, and I cannot recommend it enough to traditional metal enthusiasts. Pharaoh rules, and it's simple as that. Buy, or pose forever." 9/10 Dekompoze Metal Covenant.com"Now is the time for serious American Metal! After the fire burn which seared my soul from their debut release, Pharaoh return with another total metal classic, fighting their way to the upper eschalon, where bands like Destiny's End, Onward and Steel Prophet once reigned. Tim Aymar from Control Denied and Psycho Scream just gels perfectly with guitar wizard Matt Johnsen and the drumming demolition of Chris Black. Both of these patriots of power also write for "Metal Maniacs" Magazine. These metal scholars scavenge the dregs of diversity; therefore, they intuit the message of metal. As Americans, they designate diligence defining their sound of solid steel with adequate awareness of the roots and ramifications in the underground. They acknowledge their influences and with stridency they strike at the heart of the enemy of all things metal. The Longest Night retracts the realm of mettle and might, gloriously hastening a reconversion to the 80's with hints of Omen, Helstar, Oliver Magnum, and Griffin; all the while upholding and retaining the presence and puissance of today's more polished sound. Tim trained with Chuck Schuldiner and was selected by him as his vocalist when Warrel Dane could not commit to the project. This was our lasting legacy before Chuck's untimely departure, leaving us all to expect the unexpected. Concurrently Pharaoh carries on the metal's sovereign solarflight. Sunrise, the opening track,
a solemn eight minute muster, is well selected to invoke and initiate the
listener into The Longest Night. The flash of the dark diffuses the
incandescence and repudiates the dawn as lyrically this song celebrates
nocturnal nuances of necessity. Even Chris Poland visits from Metalopolis
to subscribe his shredding solo. Then the next track, I Am the Hammer,
hails and kills with the sign of a hammer crumbling my tortured skull.
With music and lyrics written by Chris Black echoing the drum snare and
rebuke of Randy Black from Primal Fear, this metal hammer just smashes in
your face: "As you're losing your way in the night, finding you've run out
of life; Death will drive through your head like a spike...'cause I am the
hammer!". Deference, but never diffidence is displayed to the age of
mastery with ample destruction In the Violent Fire. Tim mimicks Harry
"Tyrant" Conklin, yet still maintains his own unique vocal verisimilitude;
therefore, Pharoah never fall thane to the throne of Jag Panzer. UNRESTRAINED! #30, USA"For fans of American heavy metal look no further than Pharaoh to lead us all to metal’s holy land in 2006. The Pennsylvania-based four-piece have just released their sophomore effort on Cruz Del Sur, titled The Longest Night, a full-on glorious journey of energy, passion and metal. With a nod to the older days of American heavy metal (think vintage Jag Panzer, Iced Earth), as well as showcasing a fresh approach that allows the band to not come across as stagnant/rehashed, The Longest Night is the perfect pairing of singer Tim Aymar’s (Control Denied) vocals and the incredible guitar work of Matt Johnsen, a master guitarist who brings real emotional strength to each note. Along with a killer rhythm section (consisting of drummer Chris Black and bassist Chris Kerns) the band takes charge here, a much tighter and focused outfit than on 2003’s debut After The Fire. Plus the songs have their own identity and are much more memorable. Standout tracks include crushing opener 'Sunrise,' 'I Am the Hammer,' and the stunning 'By The Night Sky.' What a great song! The power of metal is alive and well within The Longest Night and metal fans will feel this right from their first encounter with it. This is indeed a superb album that I’ll be championing all year round!" 9/10 -Adrian Bromley The Metal Exiles"Power metal is a raging beast sometimes when the band gets it right and I have a great CD by a band that knows how to do it! Pharaoh has launched their sophomore CD entitled The Longest Night and it is bombastic by any standards set for metal. Right off hand I have to say for you Iron Maiden fiends that there is definitely a Maiden influence here and if you feel lost by what they have done on their past CDs, let this act take up where they left off. The progressions are intense and massive as played by the amazing guitar player Matt Johnsen, his skill is beyond that of what I have heard lately (Besides the Sensory releases) and that should take them far. Tim Aymar has an amazing range and his vox can be very dirty and aggressive as well. I like that the vocals compliment the music as it can be a rarity sometimes to make the two meld together perfectly and only the best bands can do it. This band needs to tour the states and get a ground swell happening, as this is what America needs. This is aggressive power metal at its best with out being to overblown or over the top." 9/10 -Jeffrey Easton Blistering.com"With the luxury of years and years of metal knowledge under their belts (two members of this band have done time in some major metal publications), Pennsylvania’s Pharaoh had better know how to make an album that eludes criticism. Luckily for them and for us, The Longest Night is as complete and thorough of a classic metal album you’ll hear this year, escaping any form of criticism at all. "Rooted in the textured, melodically capable sound of mid-80’s metal (think Maiden, Savatage, some Dio, and Metal Church), Pharaoh’s deep and involved sound is guided by the guitar playing of Matt Johnsen. Johnsen’s melodic sensibilities are what dominate this thing; no movements are killed by bad note choices and most, if not all his solos and harmonies are memorable in some way. "Vocalist Tim Aymar (ex-Control Denied) uses the rough edge of his voice throughout most of The Longest Night, resulting in gritty, potent chorus sections in 'I Am The Hammer' and 'Fighting'. When Aymar does reach for the rafters, as in some moments of 'Like A Ghost' and 'Sunrise', the man takes over the mix and shows the true power of his voice. No wonder why Schuldiner liked him so much. "'In The Violet Fire' and 'Like A Ghost', take the cake here on an album without a bad song on it. Both display urgent, surging power chords from Johnsen (especially Like A Ghost') in addition to Aymar's boastful and raucous vocal choices. "Pharaoh is the real deal, devoid of the annoying shtick and gas-station worker persona of Three Inches Of Blood or the innate dorkiness of many of its power metal contemporaries. However, tagging this as true power metal is misleading, for what Pharaoh does would probably confuse and bewilder a lot of those in the power metal scene. Really, this album is that good." -David E. Gehlke PyroMusic.net"One of the most underrated (hell, it was probably THE MOST underrated) metal albums of 2003 was the debut release from Pennsylvania's 'Pharaoh'. 'After The Fire' arrived without much fanfare via the small Italian label 'Cruz Del Sur Music' and then proceeded to spend the best part of six months permanently stuck in my cd player. Two reasons: One - the bands nod to the traditional old school metal ethics of Maiden and Iced Earth and Two - vocalist Tim Aymar! A thousand lashes punishment if you haven't a clue about this guy - he of Chuck Schuldiner's 'Control Denied' (RIP). Aymar is simply one of the most amazing metal vocalists in the game. If his profile wasn't already established, then one listen to 'The Longest Night' will confirm it once and for all. You want to talk about albums of the year so early in the piece? This will take some beating. "'After the Fire' was a fine, fine album. It hinted of better things to come, particularly with Aymar joining the band on a permanent basis after laying down vocals in a 'session singer' capacity. With the release of 'The Longest Night' it is clear that 'Pharaoh' have become a much tighter, more cohesive unit and one that is intent on providing the metal world with a fresh take on the traditional metal sound. "There are highlights abound on 'TLN', however if I was forced to choose a song that systematically highlights the power and musical genius of this band it is 'By The Night Sky'. An eight minute epic that has it all - vaguely familiar with its Maiden-esque galloping bass line, this track quickly envelops the listener with its massive chorus (led by Aymar's simply earth shattering vocals) and stunning melodic phrasing. As good as Aymar is (and folks, let me just state again, this guy is GOOD!!) 'Pharaoh' would only be a shell of its current form without the talents of guitarist Matt Johnsen - where did this guy learn his chops? Seriously, the melodic lead work that Matt has laid down on this disc is nothing short of jaw dropping. There are lead breaks all over this disc - it is a guitarist's wet dream as far as that is concerned. What's more impressive, Johnsen never drifts off into self indulgent fret-wankery - every riff and every lead is constructed to complement each other and the overall song structure. Incredibly conceived, impassioned and emotively powerful 'The Longest Night' simply entrances the listener from its opening notes. "Perhaps the single greatest aspect about Pharaoh is that they capture the essence of powerful, traditional melodic heavy metal. 'TLN' is rooted in the traditional sound of Maiden and early Iced Earth, has more than a nod towards the early 80's American Power Metal style of Crimson Glory and Vicious Rumors and simply gallops along with an intensity and energy that many other bands could only dream of achieving. Not a dud track on it as far as I am concerned. Essential for fans of pure, no bullshit, melodic heavy metal. This band MUST be discovered!!" 9.5/10 -Krozza MetalReview.com"My problem with today's traditional metal is that the majority of it has little to do with the music I fell in love with more than twenty years ago; instead coming off like tired, diluted versions of what was, at the time, the only music that mattered. But when a band breaks from the pack with an outstanding traditional metal album, it connects me right back to what I loved about metal in the first place. That's where Pharaoh comes in, and with The Longest Night, the band has gifted fans with the best traditional metal album I've heard in a long time, proving that they are capable and loyal keepers of the flame. This, my friends, is how American-made metal should sound. "The Longest Night is the second effort from Pennsylvania's Pharaoh, and based on the mp3's on the band's site, since their first album the band has become more focused and lethal. This album simply bleeds metal–ageless, trend-proof metal that's entrenched in tradition but presented with a contemporary flair. The band has some obvious Iron Maiden leanings, but in general, you'll hear bits of just about everything good in the mid to late 80's, and it's delivered with energy and class. You'll remember the massive voice of frontman Tim Aymar from his Control Denied days, and as you'd expect, he comes up huge here. But you might be surprised at just how well he uses his range, giving most of the material a powerful mid-range grittiness, and making judicious use of his soaring, higher registered delivery. Aymar alone is enough to grab your attention, but Pharaoh's secret weapon is guitarist Matt Johnsen, who strings together an unrelenting flow of headbangable riffs, persistent hooks, and dizzying leads. Johnsen is the most effective kind of player, constructing guitar lines that dazzle and punch but always serve the structure of the material. As a collective, the band has a sublime melodic sensibility, creating a textured blitz by weaving undeniable hooks around a foundation that has a gutsy, fist pumping heaviness that's well anchored by the rhythm section of Chris Black and Chris Kerns. No over the top melodic histrionics here; no twinkling shininess; no cheese--No shit. "Ex-Megadeth (it's a growing group) axe-man Chris Poland contributes a solo to the potent eight minute album opener, 'Sunrise', a statement of intent that creates a high benchmark. But the album contains no substantive dip. The band flexes some muscle on 'I Am the Hammer,'and 'Fighting', dealing out some rapid fire Iced Earth gone Iron Maiden riffing. Songs like 'In the Violet Fire' highlight the band's ability to skillfully blend clean guitar lines and slower tempos with sweeping, intense choruses and looming heavy transitions. The album flows incredibly well, and even at nearly an hour long and with two 8+ minute songs, The Longest Night feels like anything but long. This is an album that's easy to listen to from front to back without getting the least bit antsy. The band closes the affair with the album's only instrumental track, 'Never Run', which teems with an energetic, 'Flash of the Blade' vibe. "The Longest Night reminds us(and hopefully other bands) that today's traditional metal doesn't have to be second rate, or cliche ridden fluff, bereft of creative passion. Pharaoh has joined a small circle of bands that get it right, and continue to live the tradition. Just great metal, existing outside of sub-genres, trends, and pretense. This thing smokes from start to finish–Very highly recommended." -Matt Mooring Live4Metal.com"As metal writers themselves, the duo of drummer Chris Black (aka Chris Maycock, 'The Professor' of Word Of Mouth/Metal Maniacs notoriety) and guitarist Matt Johnsen (Feast Or Famine and likewise Metal Maniacs scribe) have quite the reputation for no holds barred commentary in their critiques through the years. Unfettered by publicity laden bravado, these gentlemen have firm notions for where metal has been plus where it currently resides - aiming to add their log to the traditional fire with Pharaoh. I’m of the opinion that the follow up album in a group’s discography tends to be a little bit of a letdown due to the simple convention that you have a whole lifetime to come up with material for your initial first impression but merely a year or so to usually deliver the goods again. Fortunately for Pharaoh 'The Longest Night' obliterates that norm, as the quartet steps up their game plan a few notches while gaining a much warmer production tone that sets a high standard in the current American metal movement. Pharaoh assuredly look to their overseas brethren for musical and lyrical inspiration- be it English (Matt’s twin lead nods, Chris Black’s triplet snare patterns, Tim Aymar’s epic voice) or otherwise (detect a chainsaw like Coroner buzz in 'I Am The Hammer' or Rage like chord progressions throughout 'In A Violet Fire'). 'By The Night Sky' opens with a ringing guitar harmony that would make all Thin Lizzy freaks salivate with a special nod of headbanging approval to bassist Chris Kerns who delivers some understated bottom end to this 8 minute epic that would be in my opinion the biggest highlight of the album. It’s as if each song was sifted through the sands of time for weeks and weeks on end, making sure that every dynamic or little twist was put to the test, all for the benefit of the strongest song in the end. Producer Matt Crooks along with Pharaoh should beam with joy at the final product as 'The Longest Night' flows seamlessly from first note to last fading harmony. 'After The Fire' may have been highly Maiden inspired, but 'The Longest Night' easily obliterates anything the Eddie troops have put together since 'Piece Of Mind'. Pharaoh prove that America can still produce well crafted metal without pandering to the lowest common denominator. Such a shame that this remains a studio project as I would be willing to travel a long way to see this material performed in a live setting- maybe the buzz will begin to explode Pharaoh into rehearsal mode for future US or European festival gigs. Top 5 Album without question for 2006 and possibly of the current decade twofold." -Matt Coe |