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Track Listing: Rated: Total Play Time:  |
The Ottoman Empire consists of four Wisconsin-based metalheads bent on putting
the Midwest back on the proverbial metal map…and methinks they're going to do pretty damn
well for us! They're brand of "speed-prog" is just the kick in the ass the genre needs.
The best way I can explain it is to try and picture an amped up, steroid-enhanced Dream
Theater crossed with some Iced Earth and some of the finer 80s power metal (not to be
confused with the crap calling itself power metal today – I mean the true German Helloween-era
sound)! Some of the guitar solos scream Dave Murray as well, so that's always a plus. With
influences like that, how can this band go wrong?
They didn't.
Comprised of vocalist Mary Zimmer, lead guitarist Brian Koenig, bassist Jacob Bare and drummer
Eric Madsen, this Madison-area unit not only did its homework on real metal they could teach a
class on it to this younger breed coming up! Zimmer's vocals cross between Lee Aaron and Dawn
Crosby just nicely! Musically the CD is amazing in its technical use of every single metal device
known to man, both aged and modern, and made one hell of a CD! Tracks like "Ottoman Empire",
"Vendetta"and "Demon Twin" showcase the band's over-the-top assault. Seriously,
without dripping from all orifices all of this sweet banter, I must heartily admit that this band
is not only a breath of fresh air for me and the Midwest, but hopefully more bands will follow
the similar dichotomy. Less is definitely more, but in this case nothing is left out and everything
runs in concert with what the band was seemingly going for: a kick ass metal record!
As a former vocalist and songwriter years ago a band's lyrics and presentation of said lyrics are
very important to me. More of ten than not, they make or break a CD for me. When I learned guitar
and bass years later I was realizing how misinformed I had been overlooking many musical masterpieces
that didn't vocalize much to my liking. In essence, I was a vocal snob of sorts and I'm glad to say
that time and billions of decibels have mellowed my tastes, so to speak. Musically Ottoman Empire
leaves little desired, and that's a fact! Totally and happily void of sloppiness and overproduction,
Brian Koenig's guitar work is nothing short of impressive and Dave Murray would be proud! Bare's bass
is in the forefront and easily heard without being obstreperous or "heavy". For my new band coming up
soon I'm hoping my drummer can take some inspiration from the drumming of Madsen's technique – damn good!
I recommend this CD to anyone into metal that doesn't overdo it and doesn't underlay anything weak or
trite! Visit their website and catch them live when they hit your area, which will hopefully be soon!
Chicago's date will surely be attended by me!
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