Immortal Guardian – Psychosomatic

Immortal Guardian
Psychosomatic
M-Theory Audio
February 12, 2021
52:06

Author: Erich Robbers

Immortal Guardian is an international multi-cultural group that, due to the coronavirus, has recorded their second album “Psychosomatic” over long distances with the help of the latest techniques. Everyone practically recorded / sang their parts on their own, yet the album sounds homogeneous and has the character of a band.

Musically, they are at home in Power Metal, which is often reminiscent of Gamma Ray in “Heading For Tomorrow” era. The songs are mostly characterized by strong guitar leads and solos by guitarist Gabriel Guardian (also responsible for the keyboards), who also took care of the band name as a leader. Much has a classic touch, reminiscent of shredders like Malmsteen or Marty Friedman, and at the same time puts baroque and symphonic elements in the limelight via six strings. The Brazilian singer Carlos Zema, who has a wide range of styles, is also no stranger and has previously worked in bands such as Outworld, Heaven’s Guardian and the David Shankle Group.

It starts with the fast title track “Psychosomatic”, which shines with a lot of melody and a hyper-catchy chorus in the spirit of European Power Metal. The band immediately unfolds its musical potential and leaves nothing to be desired. Maybe you could also say that they are playing it safe. Anyway, a good start. Also, on “Read Between The Lines” the guitars and the chorus are the distinctive things. For the first time Immortal Guardian also use elements of (modern) Prog Metal and leave behind a few Evergrey traces.

A classic guitar motif is cleverly woven into “Clocks”, which sounds again and again and spins the red thread through the song. Carlos Zema, whose clear power voice changes from time to time to rougher, more aggressive singing parts, refines what is heard in every phase, even if the very high recognition value is missing. With “Lockdown”, greeted by a short-spoken word’s introduction, you seem to have your finger on the pulse. It should be tricky, but this straight number on the album is the least convincing.

In “Phobia” Gabriel Guardian gets guitar reinforcement from Marcelo Barbosa (Angra), who, like his main band, reaches into the strings. In the background of the epic power metaller “Goodbye To Farewells”, Mary Zimmer from Helion Prime sings softly. Small points of criticism are generally the drums, which sound programmed, even if drummer Justin Piedimonte probably recorded his parts directly in Canada. More punch would do well here. Otherwise, the sound is generally good.

At the final “New Day Rising”, after a computer-distorted beginning, you get a thoroughbred Prog Metal Smasher, which shows that Immortal Guardian can absolutely convince in this area too.

So, “Psychosomatic” is a super catchy (Prog) Power Metal album, which is recommended in the guitar area with a lot of classical features, offers quite strong vocals and skilfully interpreted in the song writing area. Small flaws included, but still a good thing.

Immortal Guardian – Lockdown (Official Music Video): https://youtu.be/5lqkhMNijBk

Lineup:

Gabriel Guardian – Guitars, Keyboards
Carlos Zema – Vocals
Joshua Lopez – Bass
Justin Piedimonte – Drums

Track list:

• Psychosomatic
• Read Between The Lines
• Lockdown
• Phobia
• Clocks
• Self-Isolation
• Goodbye To Farewells
• Candlelight
• Find A Reason
• New Day Rising