Dan from UltimateReviewer.com has written a rather lovely review of our Debut CD 'Shadows of Yesterday'
Orestea are a 5-piece female fronted metal band from Guildford. A band who I had the pleasure to meet prior to listening to this album. Their modesty and good nature is a credit to Orestea, who take their already growing success in their stride. Recently achieving a slot at Download festival 2009, they are set for big things. Do we finally have our very own female-fronted global band in the making? This six track album is the first release from Orestea, entitled ‘Shadows of Yesterday’.
1. Shadows of yesterday
2. Drive
3. Watch it fade
4. The deserted
5. To survive
6. Away
Track Two begins with some sharp and precise drum work, before a distorted and grungy metal riff works as a rhythmic link for Avon to enter. The guitars and drums return to a simpler arrangements as Avon takes the band towards the pre-chorus and chorus sections. Background guitar work adds depth to the piece and once again complex arrangements display Orestea’s ability to write inspiring musical sections. The chorus is infectious and would be a crowd pleaser at the biggest venue or indeed festival. Drum and bass work is solid throughout and really completes the layers of the track, where each member can be showcased. Guitar runs and harmonised riffs add detail to background arrangements and Avon extends her vocal abilities with ease.
Track Three rumbles in with the distant riffing of a guitar, before the power is turned up and the juggernaut of Orestea’s musicians drive home the unique sound they have developed. I love the way even the simplest backing sounds during quiet verses still provide a thunderous, bassy sound that thunders out the speakers. I have to point out the stunning drumming of Crozier on this track, which I think shows his diversity and flare behind the kit. For once we don’t see an all out double-foot fest which so often spoils an atmospheric track such as this. The guitar solo is awe-inspiring and includes seamless runs, before the chorus returns and the band build the strength of the song once more into the final sections. The track ends leaving you begging for more as it closes at 3 minutes and 35 seconds.
Orestea are able to write music that leaves the listener wanting more, whilst still reaching the four minute mark. Choosing to include numerous exciting verses, over the bland repetitive approach, which so often dominates modern day songs. Certainly Orestea have a format which allows them to be fresh and unique – confirming their potential.
Track four is the first time we hear an acoustic guitar grace the speakers. At this point Avon is able to deliver a softer approach which fits beautifully with the acoustic setting. As the track reaches a minute, the acoustic is replaced with a distorted axe, providing a simple, yet perfectly placed riff. Returning to the softer sound allows the track to build atmosphere and Avon extends vocal displays on some words which reach eight seconds and more. At 3:45, Crozier begins a thunderous drum pattern across the toms of the drums, which prepares the listener for much needed guitar solo. A truly stunning solo sets the song off as an epic and after countless listens; I believe this is my favourite track on the album. ‘…. We are not deserving’ are lyrics within the song and certainly something fans of Orestea should be chanting throughout any live set.
I first heard track five on Orestea’s MySpace page (
http://www.myspace.com/orestea) and I bought this album on the strength of its infectious nature. After one listen I was already hooked and this is certainly a track I would champion as their first single. For a relatively new band, to write a piece of music with content that immediately grabs the audiences attention is truly astounding. I have written countless times the ability of these musicians and this track is no exception to that. This was one which I had on repeat throughout the day, before I had the album.
Track six has some excellent guitar work which works alongside Avon to produces a harmony which works really well. Missing you metal pinches? Think again, the boys throw in numerous metal sweeps and harmonics which will meet any metalheads desires. Any track which has you singing along before the halfway point (without you realising!) demonstrates a well written piece. Some expressive guitar runs complete this track and I find myself returning to complimentary words to describe this band. Each member contributes first class musicianship and I will be incredibly surprised if this band are not worldwide within the next two years.
A fantastically produced album that will take Orestea from the pubs and clubs to the stages of arenas without a doubt. This is a band that can be compared to no other, because they outshine all within their genre. Orestea are the first band I have heard in a long time that immediately excite and connect with their audience without conforming to bland metal trends. As I suggested at the start of my review, this band are incredibly modest and they deserve every success. If I could put one band on a main stage at every festival around the world, I would choose Orestea.