You know, if you really dig deep enough into the musical universe you come up with gem now and then. Satrap is such an album. This debut by Norwegian quartet, Gaia Epicus was released in 2003 to little acclaim, yet is one of the best of the many unheralded good to great albums lingering in obscurity.
I would label Gaia Epicus' brand of music as melodic symphonic power metal. Other releases by this band are Symphony of Glory (2005) and Victory which is to be released shortly.
Featuring both great melodies and catchy hooks, Satrap is a compelling album. Being power metal, all the songs have a similar feel but tracks like “Fire and Ice, Freedom Calls, Watch the Sky, Keepers of Time” or “Star Wars” are, in my opinion, all five star songs. Songs like the ten minute long “Watch the Sky, Star Wars” (Fabulous guitar) and the excellent instrumental “Innovations” with a great piano solo, demonstrate an underlying progressive tendency that most power metal bands lack.
The musicians, as a whole, seem to be very capable and we have the guest appearance of Morty Black (TNT) on bass which adds to the quality of the delivery. The exception is the band leader himself. Yes his guitar playing his good and flawless but his singing is a good deal less than inspiring. If Gaia Epicus were to get a good lead singer of the quality of say… Roy Kahn (Kamelot) or D.C. Cooper (Silent Force, Royal Hunt) and leave Hansen to his composing and guitar playing, they would be something.
Also, the production is not perfect. Overall the sound is good but with competition like Stratovarius and Sonata Arctica it could be better. Perhaps the newest release, from a new record label, will have better production.
Song/Track List
1. Keepers of Time - 6;30
2. Heavens Gate - 4:45
3. Fire & Ice - 5:20
4. Inside the Storm - 3:56
5. Die for Your King - 3:53
6. Star Wars - 9:28
7. Innovation [Instrumental] - 6:12
8. Cyber Future - 6:06
9. Freedom Calls - 8:17
10. Heavy Metal Heart - 4:37
11. Watch the Sky - 8:46
Total time 69:02
Band Members:
Thomas C. Hansen - guitar, vocals
Joakim "Jokke" Kjelstad - guitar, choir
Guest Musicians:
Morty Black - bass (TNT)
Alessandro Elide - drums (Manifest)
Dj-Dritskummel - keys
Conclusion
One of the things I like about this album is that it contains several long songs, something I have always gravitated to. I like long tasty songs to whet my aural appetite. I hate it when a song I like ends after a paltry four minutes. I like bands that take the time to expand their creativity and go the extra difficult mile to extend their songs.
I also like the progressive feel that emanates from some of the songs, particularly the longer songs. I guess if you’re going to play a song for nine or ten minutes, you need to fill it with something and they do it admirably and progressively.
Final rating 4.5 stars
Gaia Epicus official website: http://www.gaia-epicus.com/index.html
Similar Bands
Sonata Arctica, Freedom Call, Gamma Ray, Helloween, Dragonland, Dreamtale, Secret Sphere, Dark Moor
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