Halcyon Way – Indoctrination (2011)
Halcyon (hal-see-uh’n) – adj. – calm, peaceful, tranquil
Imagine that Cookie Monster meets hair metal and they fall in love. The offspring of their nuptials would be Halcyon Way, an exceptional progressive/doom/glam metal band that is offering their latest round of intense music for the masses in the form of Indoctrination. Halcyon Way blends doom metal, progressive metal, and 80s metal in perfect harmony for the greater good of music. The vocals of lead singer, Steve Braun are the perfect contrast to the gravelly rock voice of death vocalist, Kris Maltenieks, and it is noticed immediately on the opening track, “On Black Wings.” The end result of that serene mix is some exceptional music.
Part doom metal, part progressive metal, all heavy metal – Halcyon Way has released a strong album in Indoctrination. Even though several songs contain cookie monster vocals, Braun’s high notes make the songs fresh and enjoyable. Fortunately, Braun is the dominate voice on this album. However, the direction that Halcyon Way took to sprinkle in the death vocals makes the two contrasting voices work well together. It’s like enjoying a good plate of sweet and spicy wings. Most of the journey is an enjoyable savory taste, and every now and then the bitters are thrown in to snap the senses to life and make the listener aware.
The songs on Indoctrination are layered with multiple levels of musical genius. Each song was painstakingly crafted with numerous changes and arrangements to provide the most ear enjoyment possible for the fan. It is truly an honor to hear such art in the finished format. Phenomenal guitar work overlaying both angelic and devilishly gruff vocals mixed in with one of the best drummers in rock and roll (Ernie Topran) make Indoctrination an album worth owning. Although ripe with double bass throughout most of the record, Topran makes enough changes and spectacular rhythms to prove that he is in the elite of the drumming world.
Indoctrination is metal at its finest. If you prefer your rock dark and heavy with a touch of glam, you will love Indoctrination by Halcyon Way. To learn more about the band or to order a copy of Indoctrination, visit www.halcyonway.com.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing
- On Black Wings
- Our Finest Hour
- Indoctrination
- Revolution Is Now
- The Wages Of War
- Stand Up
- The Age Of Betrayal
- The System
Halcyon Way Is:
Steve Braun – Lead Vocals
Jon Bodan – Lead Guitar
Ernie Topran – Drums
Kris Maltenieks – Bass Guitar, Death Vocals
Zane – Rhythm Guitar
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