FATIMA HILL - AION - 2002

The 2001 release Aion by Far-Eastern metal warriors, Fatima Hill, is a hard-rocking, radio / vocal rock format onslaught of vocals-dominated metal-edged rock with melodic, singeing guitar leadwork that is set against a texture of conventional hard rock instrumentation including rhythm guitar, keyboards, drums, and base. The layering and mixture of guitar presents the listener with a balance of catchy, overdrive-tainted, clean-toned, and other various pedal affects for the guitar rhythms. But, perhaps the most distinctive aspect of the guitar work is the aggressive, melodic, hair-raising leadwork voiced with the various well-conceived tones that are deployed that provide a medium to achieve maximum effect for the inventive melody lines and instrumental backing.

Concerning the vocals that provide a centric role on this album, I had a mixed response. In a few places the vocals were a little weak or shakey, and not up to caliber with other parts of the CD. Putting the matter of taste for metal vocal style aside as an issue (please keep in mind that I typically evaluate instrumental music), the vocals were gripping, and in general up to prevailing standards for this style of music. In a few places, the changes in emotional tone of the vocals gave an unexpected depth to the tracks. However, beyond a doubt, the creative, melodic guitar leadwork is the forte of this group. The guitarists should be commended for their originality in inventing the . In addition, some of the guitar and keyboard passages demonstrated some decent compositional skills, again mostly consistent with the prevailing standards for this style of music. Some segments were reminiscent of the diminished dominated instrumental works of Rhandy Rhoads, though credit is again given to the group for achieving a fairly unique style and sound that I would not compare to Rhoads specifically. (The Randy Rhoads memory image is just one of many that were triggered to mind while listening to this album.) The group has pulled in influences from many diverse sources and has created an overall soundscape that stands on its own.

Overall, Fatima Hill has a well conceived, well-executed album with Aion. The group has obviously put a large effort into the development of their musical skills as well as the composition and orchestration of this album.
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