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Buy "CURSE OF THE ARTIZAN" on iTunes: 
Animus Eburnus - Webzine - Greece - April 2011 - no rating Yesterday the new Artizan album "Curse of the Artizan" arrived at my mailbox! I don't like to write "reviews" especially for music, because I think listening to music is a very "personal" hobby and no one should tell anybody what is "good" or "bad" to listen to. What you are going to read further on is my subjective view, hoping some people will discover music they like, that is one of the purposes of this blog anyway. I will start from the packaging, which is excellent, a great cover created by fantasy artist Marc Sasso, it features the Artizan character and other elements which are integral to the storyline of "Curse Of The Artizan". The booklet has the lyrics and all the usual staff and it's design is excellent with the integration of the cover spreading to the entire booklet. The only thing I don't like is the photo of the band, where the newest member Steffen is kinda "Photoshoped" to the rest of the band and not really standing together with them, nicely done I have do admit though. I understand why that happened but it still looks strange for me. The thing that matters though is music, the rest are nice but secondary to the album that starts with "Trade the World". Great guitar at the beginning building "atmosphere", like a "build in" intro for the song. A great song with a very good rhythm. "Rise" enter the stage afterwards, one of the three songs from their self-released EP. I loved all three songs at the EP, of course nothing has changed now. "The Man In Black" is next, sounding like the "hit" of the album, with a "catchy" chorus. This was the song Artizan had released for the fans to listen before the release of the album, and they had good reasons to do that. Another song from the EP "Fire", another favourite of mine. "Fading Story", a new song, a heavy one too. The guitars from the beginning are relentlessly heavy and they keep going. The rhythm section for "Game Within A Game" following, entering with "bombastic" drums. Another song from their EP. "Torment" is a one minute intro, that prepares the listener to enter the mood for my favourite song "Curse of the Artizan",ten minutes long "magnum opus", probably the "progie" song of the album. From the first second it starts building "tension", which naturally leads to the "explosion" at the chorus : "Within the illustrations, Their certain tragedy, The beast delivers vengeance, You cannot contain the ~ Curse of the Artizan". I tried to resist but it was impossible not to sing along at this point, my poor neighbours! And then it calms again, but you have to listen for yourself the rest of the song. Read carefully the lyrics and you will make many connection to the album cover too. What a great way to close the album. I cannot stop listening to this song. Ty drumming is unique and filled with "imagination". Shamus', Hermanus' and Tony's guitars are heavy with great riffs. Thomas vocals are melodic, clear and will make you "feel" the music. Jonathan, the bass player, has great rhythmic technique. On of the few albums, I have listened to lately, with no weak tracks or "fillers", even the "Torment" intro plays its role. All songs are great, if I have to choose one that would be "Curse Of The Artizan" of course. With all the "mood" chances it really is the "kind of music" I love. Favourite ones are the three songs from the EP plus "The Man in Black" and "Fading Story". I suppose that leaves only "Trade The World" my least favourite song of the album, well one of the songs had to get that title I suppose. Production, with producer Jim Morris, and mastering is very good with the "clarity" I like and not only being just loud for loudness sake. I am so glad I can play this CD really LOUD at my living room's stereo and still sound great and crispy, and not only at my MP3 player or with headphones as many of the lately metal releases. If you like melodic - power - heavy - prog metal or any kind of good metal, visit their site and listen to Artizan music. --- --- --- Ioannis "Knight of the Light" Kaskamanidis - Behind The Veil - Webzine - Greece - April 2011 - 8.5 out of 10 points This is the first full length album of this U.S. metal band. The band also released a self-titled EP in 2010. Some of its members have played in LEVIATHAN, a known progressive/power metal band. The style of the band is technical U.S. power metal. The production is really good, the vocals are really great and the songwriting of the band manages to maintain the listener's interest. The guitar work is also great while the drumming is really powerful!! My favourite anthems from thew album are "Rise", "Fire", "Game within a Game" and "The Curse of the Artizan"... practically half of the album. In conclusion the album is great and for me it is one of the best albums for 2011. Pure Steel Records has released some really good albums lately, but this one is the best!! I think that all the fans of this genre should buy it, but I also urge the fans of other metal genres to at least listen to it. --- --- --- Michael Bach - Bloodchamber - Webzine - Germany- August 2011 - 8.5 out of 10 points Die Menge der Talente, die mehr Musik im Blut haben als jeder Plastikact in den Charts und dennoch immer unbekannt bleiben werden, ist per definitionem nicht zu bestimmen. Aber das alternde Metallerherz freut es doch ein wenig, wenn nicht jede neue, taugliche Band aus Jungfüchsen besteht, sondern auch ein paar ältere Hasen einmal Meriten für mutmaßlich jahrelanges Trial-Error einheimsen können. Bei ARTIZAN sind außer Sänger Tom Braden und Schlagzeuger Ty Tammeus, beide ehemals bei den Colorado-LEVIATHAN, die ebenfalls 2011 mit ein paar neuen Leuten ein neues Album veröffentlicht haben, nämlich nur Musiker beteiligt, die bisher eher weniger aufgefallen sind, aber auf „Curse Of The Artizan“ einen sehr guten Albumeinstand abliefern. Der atmosphärische Metal im nicht genau definierbaren Schnittfeld von US, Power und Heavy punktet mit Eigenständigkeit und einem außerordentlich guten Gespür für Zurückhaltung und Bescheidenheit im Songwriting. Der feine Gesang von Tom Braden steht im Vordergrund, die Herangehensweise ist ob der etwas paradoxen Kombination von Unaufdringlichkeit und Eindringlichkeit aber deutlich anders als bei vielen anderen Bands der genannten Genres. Und eben weil der Gesang im ersten Moment ein bisschen unscheinbar wirkt, erwischt er einen auf einmal ganz plötzlich, und es ist umso faszinierender, wie sehr man sich daran erfreuen kann, dass jemand mal keine Show abzieht oder dem Hörer die Vokale und Konsonanten nur so ins Hirn dengelt, sondern einfach nur gut singt – „Fading Story“ ist ein gutes Beispiel, obwohl er da schon mehr macht als in vielen anderen Liedern. Natürlich ist allein ein Sänger ohne eine vernünftige Band, zumindest im Rock und Metal, nicht viel wert, deshalb ist es wunderbar, wie harmonisch das Gesamtgefüge ARTIZAN funktioniert. Die Melodien respektive das komplette Instrumentalgefüge sind zunächst ebenso unaufdringlich wie der Gesang, bevor irgendwann die Erkenntnis und manchmal auch die Gänsehaut kommt. Das liegt zum einen an den gar nicht mal so einfachen Liedaufbauten und zum anderen an der durchgehend eher mäßigen Geschwindigkeit. Im Zusammenspiel wird davon eine eher grundlegende als klangliche Ähnlichkeit zu SAVATAGE erzeugt, die auch nie gerast sind, sich selten sofort erschlossen haben, sich aber immer durch ein Gespür für die besonderen Momente ausgezeichnet haben und deshalb zurecht eine Legende sind. Genau dieses Gefühl zeichnet „Curse Of The Artizan“ aus - beim in diesem Umfeld ungewohnt kernigen „Rise“, dem Anfang von „The Man In Black“, dem Übergang in der Mitte von „Game Within A Game“ etc. So wie sich der fantastische, vom Gefühl her einen ganzen Roman in knapp zehn Minuten erzählende Titeltrack zum Schluss samt Violineinlage nicht beim ersten Mal erschließt, tut es auch der Rest des Albums nicht. Anders als in 99% der Fälle, in denen so ein Satz fällt, muss man sich ARTIZAN aber nicht mühsam erarbeiten, man muss nur ein wenig Geduld haben. Dann kommen Band und Album. Gewaltig. --- --- --- Craig Hartranft - DangerDog - Webzine - USA - April 2011 - 4.75 out of 5 points With a simple smile and a congratulatory pat on the back, my prophecy of Artizan's future has come true. In November 2009 I stated that "this band is onto something very good" and "any label worth its melodic heavy metal salt should hook up with Artizan at the first opportunity." To the former, Artizan returns with Curse of the Artizan, a full-length LP of more great melodic metal tunes and, to the latter, they've been signed to Germany's Pure Steel. To catch up: Artizan is the creation of drummer Ty Tammeus and vocalist Tom Braden, both ex-Leviathan. The band is filled out by Shamus McConney (rg), Steffen Robitzsch (rg,lg), and Jonathan Jennings Jr. (b). For those who missed the EP, all three songs, Rise, Fire, and Game Within a Game, are included here. Curse of the Artizan rounds out with four new songs and a short segue into the last, the title cut. Curse of the Artizan is very strong album, building upon the craft and creativity of those first recordings. If you can imagine hybrid of Iron Maiden and Savatage spiced with a little Queensryche and more ambitious Judas Priest, you have some sense of Artizan's musical direction. More simply, this is melodic heavy metal mixed with enough twists of the progressive to be both clever and entertaining, without being overbearing. Speaking to the new songs, this certainly applies to the melodic hooks of Trade the World, the heavier The Man in Black, and epic and inventive title track. Possibly the most telling feature of Curse of the Artizan is how brilliantly all the players contribute and gel on this work. Braden has an amazing melodic vocal style that soars with strength. Tammeus' drumming is hardly predictable or redundant for a metal drummer, with bassist Jon Jennings, they power this band along. As to the guitarists, much of the same could be said: this is excellent work from both. Robitzsch, like Tammeus, offers more than the expected neo-classical twiddling on the fret board. His movements can be as inventive as they are thrilling. Take note of his signatures on The Man in Black or Fading Story. If the whole is only as good as the sum of its parts, then Artizan is a monster of band. With all this praise, you're probably wondering why Curse of the Artizan didn't get a perfect score. One basic reason: without dismissing the inclusion of the three original songs from their EP, one or two more newer songs could have been added for a stronger debut. Nevertheless, let's not quibble to much over this: Curse of the Artizan is a damn fine album, a crisp and entertaining example of classic melodic metal merged with the progressive. Album of the year? It will be on my short list. Strongly recommended. --- --- --- Matt Coe - EternalTerror - Webzine - International - April 2011 - 5.5 out of 6 points When you follow the scene for decades as I have, you find certain members who may have fallen off the face of the earth… only to return smarter, wiser and with more seasoning to take another crack at glory. Such would be the case for vocalist Tom Braden, who if you remember the progressive/ power metal movement from the late 80’s and early 90’s was the singer for Colorado act Leviathan. Now residing in Florida, he returns to the scene with the quintet Artizan, a melodic metal act that have quickly taken the internet world by storm and with good reason after an initial 3 song EP setting up their debut album “Curse Of The Artizan”. It takes quite an album for me to place on repeat mode for days on end - but since receiving this I‘ve been hard pressed to listen to anything else. Songs like “Trade The World” and “Fire” have that power and progressive galloping atmosphere that keeps my ears pinned for something spectacular with every unique listen - be it the professional guitar team play from Shamus McConney and Steffen Robitzsch or the forceful, propelled drumming of fellow ex-Leviathan member Ty Tammeus. Other songs contain melodies and chorus work that I swear weaves in and out of my awakening states, such is the magnificence of the soaring, multi-octave comfort from Tom in “Fading Story” and the closing, close to ten minute title track. The best song probably is the most commercially viable (in terms of it’s 4:27 timeframe) “Rise” - mystical melodies through the verses merge into an addictive hook repetitive chorus while the guitar work works off of a straightforward power riff and soloing that neo-classical maniacs will deliver horns in air salutes to. There are touches of Queensryche and Iron Maiden in Artizan’s sound - but I also believe they have that progressive insight and technique behind much of their material that truly separates them from their contemporaries. Topped off by Marc Sasso‘s fantasy cover art and the stunning production from veteran knob twister Jim Morris at Morrisound Recording “Curse Of The Artizan” could be the start of a prosperous career for this group - its exciting and contains numerous elements that should reach a wide cross section of metal followers. --- --- --- Countraven - TheForgottenScroll - Webzine - Greece - March 2011 Already in 2009 the Florida-originated Artizan unleashed - just a year after their formation - a self-released and -titled debut-EP, which reached great success in the Underground-scene. Now the first full album "Curse Of The Artizan" is the second chapter to the band's saga. "Fuck... What an album..." I could simply write and finish this review in here but I guess there are a few more words that have to be written about the band's excellent melodic, Power / Prog Steel. Remember the three songs from the EP ("Fire", "Game Within A Game" and "Rise")? Well they also appear on this full length in new versions. In addition to that, the 10-minute song "Curse Of The Artizan" reveals in its lyrics what "Artizan" is all about. Of course the voice of the one and only Tom Braden -former Leviathan singer- is still one of the bands big trademarks. Yet another Leviathan ex member is featured in here: drummer Ty Tammeus. The music included in here is so fine that it would be a real waste of time to try and point some influences. This is fantastic Power / Prog Steel based in an absolutely inspired song writing talent of the five musicians. Artizan’s musical vision is mainly focused to the emotional and passionate part of Power / Prog Metal, so they are offering to their songs a magic, epic and mysterious touch and the result is real brilliant. But ok if you still want some names write down the names of early Queensryche, Judas Priest, Savatage and Crimson Glory. Last but not least I would like to make a small point to the fantastic cover of the CD, well it was done by fantasy-artist Marc Sasso, who also was responsible for covers from Dio and Halford. As you can imagine = this is a one-of-a-kind cover artwork, a painting depicting the "Artizan" in all of his might. Well to sum things up this album us the perfect mixture of heaviness and melody, the result of pure talent, a piece of Steel's magic art. Do not miss it. --- --- --- Joe Mis - HardRockHaven - Webzine - USA - May 2011 - 8.5 out of 10 points The American “traditional metal” scene is not dead, as is nicely proven by Florida-based metal act Artizan. While so many metal bands are leaning towards metalcore or screamo, Artizan is doing it old-school and heavy on their full length debut release, Curse of the Artizan. Melding influences from many of the greats of the ’80s metal scene with a touch of modern metal, Artizan manages to make old sound new. The Jacksonville, Fla. based quintet was founded in 2008 by drummer Ty Tammeus. He is the creative force behind the band — one of those rare drummers who takes an active role in songwriting. He is a fine drummer, laying down slick and catchy rhythms that match the tone of the music perfectly. His deft touch and enthusiasm for the music is obvious, but he never dominates the music no matter how complex the rhythms become. Jon Jennings is Ty’s rhythm partner, and his rich, bubbling bass work is a perfect complement to the drums. The team of Shamus McConney and Steffen Robitzsch handle the guitars and seem equally at home whether laying down intense rhythm riffs or spiraling solos. Vocalist Tom Braden has a smooth and powerful voice well suited to the music. He is always clear and one hundred percent in control –- one of the better voices on the metal scene today. Curse of the Artizan is filled with well-crafted songs with traditional metal structures. Influences of Iron Maiden, Metallica and Anthrax are occasionally obvious, but Artizan is not trying to be a copy band. They manage to take the tunes in new and sometimes unexpected directions. Big sweeping hooks and catchy but not overly complex rhythms are the band’s trademark, and strong storytelling lyrics fill the album. Their musicianship is excellent and their performances tight. On the whole the album is well engineered with an overall warm tone and it simply sounds great. Musical highlights include the progressive rhythms rolled into “Rise,” the very Metallica/Megadeth guitar riffs on “The Man In Black,” Braden’s fine layered vocal harmonies on “Fire” and “Game Within A Game”, the bouncy, almost Iron Maiden style into to “Fading Story” and the massive everything-but-the-kitchen-sink 10 minute epic “Curse Of The Artizan” which wraps the album and presents the story of the tortured artist in grand style. Artizan’s music will appeal to any old-school metal fan dues to its fine musicality and amazing performance, but it will also appeal to fans of more modern metal genres thanks to some of the more progressive elements woven into the songs. There is only a single negative factor on this album –- over-control. The listener may get the sense that there is a raging beast buried in Artizan but never fully released. They need one track where they turn it up to 11 and totally cut loose instead of reining themselves in and keeping it at 10. Otherwise, it is a competitive debut in a year filled with solid first releases. Highly recommended. --- --- --- Claudio Acampora - HardSounds - Webzine - Italy - April 2011 - 82 out of 100 points Debut cd per gli statunitensi Artizan, gruppo dedito ad un power-prog in pieno stile americano e senza troppi fronzoli. Le influenze del quintetto sono varie, alcune ritmiche ricordano i Jag Panzer, mentre qualche struttura dei brani rimanda ai Queensryche. L'opener "Trade The World", con le sue melodie ben arrangiate ed una ritmica cadenzata ben definita, ci stupisce nonostante la semplicità delle idee presentate. Un plauso va alla voce del bravo cantante Tom Braden che dimostra di avere un bagaglio tecnico-espressivo ben fornito. La terzinata "Fading Story" è anch'essa caratterizzata da belle melodie armonizzate di chitarre che danno profondità al brano senza fargli perdere di incisività. La qualità audio del cd riesce ad esaltare la sezione ritmica che, spesso e volentieri, traina i brani anche nei momenti di scarsa ispirazione (fortunatamente pochi). Un esempio lampate è "Game Within A Game" dove le idee non sono né fresche, né ben arrangiate, ma la sezione ritmica riesce a tenere a galla la situazione. La lunga suite "Curse Of The Artizan" è il momento più alto del cd dove la qualità del gruppo emerge in maniera prepotente: la bellissima introduzione con la chitarra acustica, e una voce melodica ci introduce in questo lungo viaggio fatto di interessanti riff di chitarra, con una splendida prova vocale sempre intensa e mai fuori luogo, il tutto supportato dal magnifico duo ritmico che non sbaglia un colpo. Il brano prosegue senza mai annoiare, con interessanti intermezzi strumentali progressive mai scontatii. Un ottimo debutto che colloca gli Artizan tra le nuove stelle nascenti del 2011. --- --- --- Walter Scheurer - Metal.de - Webzine - Germany - April 2011 - 8 out of 10 points Eine in den letzten Jahren etwas rar gewordene Tradition scheinen die Burschen von ARTIZAN fortzusetzen. Nicht nur, dass uns das Quintett herrlich "antiquierten" Power-Prog-Metal im Stile der späten 80er/frühen 90er Jahre kredenzt, auch ihre Heimat, das sonnige Florida, das für derlei Sounds einst durchaus ein Begriff war, könnte mit dieser Truppe eine Szene-mäßige Renaissance erleben. Auch wenn die Band selbst erst vor gut zwei Jahren gegründet worden ist, wurde "Curse Of The Artizan" im Underground regelrecht herbeigesehnt. Kein Wunder, schließlich hat es sich die Band auch nicht gerade einfach gemacht und sich die Qualitäts-Latte mit ihrer Debüt-EP im letzten Jahr ungemein hoch gelegt. Geradezu logisch erscheint von daher die Tatsache, dass alle drei Songs dieser EP nunmehr Bestandteil des ersten Langeisens der Band geworden sind. Diese wurden um vier brandneue Tracks und ein knapp einminütiges Interludium mit dem Titel "Torment", das zudem als Intro für den knapp zehnminütigen Titelsong am Ende des Albums dient, erweitert und lassen den Freund der genannten Klänge in eine herrlich intonierte, ungemein melodische Klangwelt eintauchen. ARTIZAN kredenzen durchweg anspruchsvolle Kost, haben dabei jedoch immer das nötige Gespür für Melodien und ebenso reichlich Hooks im Angebot. Basierend auf zumeist dezent gen MAIDEN getünchtes Gitarrenspiel bietet das Quintett, das durch seinen aktuellen Axeman Steffen Robitzsch erst nach der Fertigstellung dieses Albums komplettiert werden konnte, Klänge, die den Zuhörer durchaus an Heroen aus der Region und Blütephase wie CRIMSON GLORY denken lassen. Ebenso aber kommen dem geneigten Zuhörer auch andere US-Helden wie JAG PANZER oder frühe QUEENSRYCHE in Erinnerung, wenn er sich den "Artizanen" hingibt. Diese vermeiden es übrigens gekonnt, zu sehr in Richtung progressiver (sprich: frickeliger) Sounds zu tendieren, sondern lassen uns stattdessen immer wieder verhältnismäßig simple, geradewegs in Richtung Langzeitgedächtnis lostrabende Passagen vernehmen. Mit Tom Braden hat der Fünfer obendrein einen überaus talentierten Sänger im Line-Up, dessen klare, wie ausdrucksstarke Stimme für Akzente sorgt und die Tracks wahrlich zu veredeln weiß. Nicht zuletzt deshalb ist "Curse Of The Artizan" auch ein für alle-US Metal-Freunde überaus empfehlenswertes Album geworden. --- --- --- Nigel Stargazer - HeavySound - Webzine - France - May 2011 - 8.5 out of 10 points C'est chez Pure Steel Records que sort Curse Of The Artizan, le premier album des Américains d'ARTIZAN, et quoi qu'on en dise, les gars venus tout droit de Floride ne font pas dans l'industriel mais bien dans de l'artisanat ciselé (je sais, pas terrible ma blague). Derrière une bien belle pochette, fantastique à souhait, qui pourrait nous laisser croire à un Heavy Power venu des fins fonds de la galaxie se cache un excellent Heavy mélodique, puissant et un tantinet Prog. La durée des titres (6 mn en moyenne (outre "Torment" qui fait 56 s) ne pèse absolument pas car il y a de la richesse dans les compos. Après son intro musclée, "Trade The World" nous montre le potentiel du groupe et je dois avoué qu'il m'a accroché dés le départ et telle une sangsue ne m'a plus laché. "Rise" est subtil, "The Man In Black" est pêchu et trés fourni avec des changements finauds, "Fire" avec son intro accoustique défrise par sa surprenante énergie, "Fading Story" est superbe, "Game Within A Game" et "Curse Of The Artizan" enfoncent délicieusement le clou. Les musiciens tiennent leur place à merveille et vocalement c'est parfaitement dans le ton. A noter la présence dans le line up de deux ex membres de LEVIATHAN : Ty Tammeus (batterie) et Tom Braden au chant. Nul doute qu'il y a du talent dans cet opus de très grande qualité. J'ai vraiment adoré l'écoute de Curse Of The Artizan tant il renferme une multitude de finesse et de puissance. Une petite merveille j'vous dis ! --- --- --- Raskal - Metal-Integral - Webzine - France - May 2011 - 18 out of 20 points Do you like the Heavy Metal classieux? Do you like the Progressive one? Brief, do you like the Heavy Metal Prog ? ARTIZAN can interest you! This native American group of Jacksonville (Florida) has gone out a MCD three titles in 2009, and had had his small effect in the world of theUnderground. Less than two years after, here our five musicians on a label for a first album of a very good level, Curse Of The Artizan ! This album resumes the three titles of the MCD, Rise, Fire and Game Within A Game. The title summarizes to him only trains it and the mood of these eight long titres…du Heavy Metal to the sound very clean that perfectly integrates technical and progressive passages the all with a something mysterious and of mystical one that floats throughout the album. One is not far to find some similarity points with CRIMSON GLORY (the song of Tom BRADEN compares themselves, but in a lot less sharp and deep one, of the one of Midnight), SANCTUARY, TITAN FORCE and even of IRON FORTRESS in the structure of the pieces. ARTIZAN is a sort of quiet force, with a rather stripped and clear sound. The musical parties are really very good and the song melodies are pleasing. Rise, The Man In Black, Fire and Fading Story will be for me the titles the do more succeed, I there will add the long one and epic Curse Of The Artizan and his superb left second! The group perfectly knew to preserve the sound and the style of the Heavy Progressif US of the end of the 80’s, all while there adding to know it to do and the current production. The rhythmic ones are splitting and envoutantes! ARTIZAN will please therefore as much to the amateurs of Heavy Metal Prog 90’s that to those that appreciate the Heavy Metal Prog current, for all perfectly is mastered from beginning to end! If you like JAG PANZER for his career "2000" you can stretch the ear on this album! Curse Of The Artizan discovers themselves and appreciates itself with the passing of the listen, for yes, it will be necessary you several to arrive to dominate this album, and believe me you will not have to force you to do it! If the group arrives in the future to loosen itself and to put a few small madness in its punched, then this will be again better for me. A craftsman has himself to be precise and talentueux, just as it must like his trade and the craving to transmit it….c'est which has just done ARTIZAN ! --- --- --- Michael Wuensch - MetalReview - Webzine - International - April 2011 - 8 out of 10 points It's really no secret that the current faction of Metal Review mostly ignores what stems from the "power" realm of heavy metal today. I suppose these sorts of things can be expected as genres fall in and out of the general metal publics' graces. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that it bums me out that we don't keep a closer ear to the ground when it comes to good, heartfelt power metal in these parts. It's not entirely our fault, though. For every solid Cage, Jag Panzer or Hibria that eventually bubbles to the surface, there remains three times as many bullshit acts still overly concerned with the silkiness of their hair to contend with. In short, no other sub-genre has to fight harder to overcome the corniness that's settled into its roots than good ol' fashioned power metal. Take Jacksonville, Florida's Artizan, for example. An album like Curse of the Artizan hits the doorstep at MR and my first (admittedly rude) reaction is that their brand of progressive power metal might as well be Dan Fogelberg to the lionshare of our readers more concerned with having their metal boundaries pushed through grinding aggression or straight-jacketed insanity. Hell, even those with a penchant for the heavier end of the prog/power spectrum might find this material to be light, despite that sweetly aggressive cover artwork fitting for the Nevermores or Zero Hours in the house. But Curse of the Artizan is a damned enjoyable record, plain and simple. It might be a fair stretch from the heaviest thing you'll gobble down this year, but it's a prime example of a hard-working underground US progressive metal act less concerned about current trends and more focused on delivering smartly crafted tunes tailor-made for those who like it m-e-l-o-d-i-c. For comparison's sake, I'd point to bands like Tarot, Crimson Glory and the aforementioned Jag Panzer as primary influences. And just like those bands, Artizan's overall slant pushes a mid-paced gait that emphasizes catchiness achieved through dexterous songcrafting and shitloads of melodic guitar work, so those raised on a steady diet of shimmery leads will find plenty to grab hold of here. All three songs from the band's 2009 EP are presented again, but they're integral to the album's "struggling artisan" concept, so that's hardly something I'd call outright unfavorable, especially considering the additional four cuts add a full 30-minutes to the cause. And while I'd say the entire undertaking is rewarding, highlights strike truest when tunes are at their catchiest and most melodic -- the opening "Trade the World", for example, and the album's most epic offering, "Fire" -- but no track skimps on those elements, giving the entire album a true sense of flow from start to finish. Vocalist Tom Braden's style brings to mind a cross-pollination of John Arch, Rain Irving (While Heaven Wept) and one-time Crimson Glory vocalist Midnight, so I'd imagine those more sensitive to a "lighter approach" will find this to be Curse of the Artizan's biggest point of contention. It's a graceful, airy delivery, I'd certainly confirm, but it's also quite good, as evidenced by his ability to lift the album's more mellow measures, like the smooth opening of the aforementioned "Fire". Honestly, my only fuss with this record is that I do wonder what these dudes would sound like if they turned the corner and really bolstered the riffing element of the formula. As of now, apart from a few notably chunky break-outs, the bulk of Artizan's heft is delivered via founding member Ty Tammeus' vigorous drumming, so I'd be psyched if future releases piggybacked his heavy hand with an even harder push into the more aggressive side of the spectrum. Still, even without the added hostility, I'd say Artizan's emphasis on infectious, exceedingly melodic songcrafting makes Curse of the Artizan one of the more satisfying progressive power metal records I've encountered this year. --- --- --- Erich - MetalRules - Webzine - International - June 2011 - 4 out of 5 points Back in December of 2009, I reviewed Artizan’s three song EP predicting that they would secure a record label for a full length album, and I was not the only critic to state that. That has now come to pass, as Jacksonville Florida’s Artizan, composed of former members of the mid 90’s band Leviathan, offer their debut LP CURSE OF THE ARTIZAN. Founders Ty Tammeus (drums) and singer Tom Braden have replaced lead guitarist Hermanus J. Rombouts with Steffen Robitzsch, otherwise the lineup from the EP remains intact. Artizan have delivered on the promise of the EP, as CURSE OF THE ARTIZAN contains 8 songs of power metal with progressive inflections, remarkably restrained but far from simplistic. The album cover is a masterwork created by Marc Sasso, whose work also graces albums from Dio and Halford. Contemptuous of current trends, Artizan’s formula is mid-paced melodic metal with a nod to 80s American power metal. “Trade The World” opens the album, representative of the album’s clean production and a good introduction to Tom Braden’s vocals, which are quite similar to Enchant’s Tom Leonard. It would be no stretch to say that Braden steals the show, with comforting, innovative vocals that are confident and reassuring, unlikely to alienate any listeners. Guitars flow smoothly and brightly, the distortion a polished sheen, with Tammeus being the primary driver of aggression on most of the tracks. “Torment” sounds like something Jigsaw from the Saw franchise would do to you, but it is actually a Sartre-like take on hell being other people, in this case a child having to deal with bullies and an apathetic driver on a school bus. “Fading Story” is a personal favorite, largely because of the accurate resemblance to the best dual guitar harmonies that were present on Crimson Glory’s TRANSCENDENCE. The album concludes with the epic title track, with plenty of riffs and musical sections to firmly place this song in progressive territory. Artizan are playing a style of metal that no one I have heard recently is able to pull off as successfully as they have. Points of comparisons would be Fates Warning, Enchant, Crimson Glory and old Queensrÿche, from THE WARNING era. Rhythmically, the songs are complex without being note dense and the lyrics are mature and rewarding. Musically, the band is tight and precise with melody being the order of the day. The production is absolutely shining, everything perfectly balanced and discernible with the bass perhaps, not as prominent as I would like. Artizan are on to something worthy here. You may find yourself at times wishing the band would pummel you for a measure or two, but mostly if you enjoy progressive, melodic, and mid-paced metal then make sure you slate CURSE OF THE ARTIZAN for an immediate purchase. --- --- --- MetalMiguel - MundoRock - Webzine - Spain - April 2011 - 9 out of 10 points Esto desde la partida contiene toda la mística del US Progg Power Metal americano de los ochentas y primera mitad de los noventa, ya sea en cuanto a clima como también en sus líneas melódicas, con un vocalista como Thomas Andrew Braden (también en los no menos underground progresivos de Leviathan), más acompasado y entonadito, aunque no muy dado a las usuales notas agudas de su género, y con un trabajo de guitarras bastante bien ejecutado, en donde comparten créditos Shamus McConney, más los invitados Tony Smotherman y Hermanus Rombouts, estos dos últimos despachándose sendos solos en cada una de sus atinadas intervenciones, de gran gusto y mucha pasión. Es notable por cierto constatar como Artizan es capaz de tocar buen heavy metal sin sumarse a modas de ningún tipo, ni incomodarse tampoco por el solo hecho de no tener entre sus tracks algo similar a Iron Maiden, Helloween o Judas Priest, muchas los típicos referentes de las jóvenes agrupaciones emergentes de hoy en día. Decir esto es decir que estamos en presencia de músicos con oficio, y por sobre todo que han dotado a su propuesta con una personalidad definida a través de un álbum concebido de manera sòlida en todas sus líneas. En lo particular, su vocalista Thomas Braden, si bien con su rango de tono medio, no es ningún superdotado del género, al menos se afiata perfectamente con lo que sus compañeros pretenden transmitir, sonando a ratos a gente no muy citada a la hora de marcar tendencias en cuanto a estilos vocales, como John Arch o el fallecido vocalista Crimson Glory, Midnight. Musicalmente tampoco recurren a cliches del género, y en ese contexto su notoria ausencia de temas veloces no es algo que debilite el conjunto ni les haga perder fuerza o atractivo; tampoco es que se muevan a ritmos doomicos o mastodónticos, pero queda en evidencia que es en los uptempos o en los cortes más a media máquina donde estos Artizan se sientes más a sus anchas. Muchos de sus tracks tienen incluso mucha de esa magia épica propia de gente como Zandelle, Jag Panzer o los griegos de Battleroar, encontrándose acertados temas como “Trade the World” o “Rise” en los que justamente dejan entrever todo su potencial gracias a un metal poderoso a pesar de su línea completamente apartada de las tendencias más actuales. A destacar podría ser cualquiera de estas ocho perlas, pues toads ellas tienen su detalle distintivo que te emocionará, reconociéndose de inmediato la calidad apenas empieza a sonar. Pero como de entregar una opinión se trata, entre nuestros favoritos ya se cuentan temazos como el bélico “Fading Story”, o el citado “Trade the World” con una sección de solos centrales con un nivel envidiable. También el progresivo midtempo más a lo Crimson Glory de “Game within a Game” o la incomparable escalada de “Curse of the Artizan”, un auténtico ejercicio de epicismo que culmina espectacularmente el debut de esta gran banda. Más detalles e informaciones sobre Artizan directamente en http://artizanmetal.com/ o también en Myspace http://www.myspace.com/artizanmetal o en su Facebook http://www.facebook.com/artizanmetal. --- --- --- Denys - MyGlobalMind - Webzine - International - April 2011 - 8 out of 10 points Are you tired of listening to half assed inspired bands who all they do is follow trends and forget about the principal rules of playing metal something that many bands seem to forget now a days? For this I propose the following…. How about playing some traditional melodic power metal? Sounds good right? Well how about then playing some old school power metal straight from the good old US of A? Yes you heard me right so keep reading. With all the trends that bands now a days follow in the Metal genres often times they lack the thrill of the music that just simply gives a nod back to the school. Hence here we have a band that does that but with plenty of originality, Artizan a band hailing from Jacksonville, Florida hot on the heels of their self-released and titled debut-EP in 2009 which reached great success in the Underground-scene, now returns with their first full studio debut album titled “Curse Of The Artizan”. And what a surprise it is ladies and metal heads. The talking heads will probably want to compare the lyrical context of the bands style to Iron Maiden or Priest, but really they stand on their own with a very traditional metal sound even if shades of Manowar and Iced Earth appear in instances. The mid temp cruncher of “Rise” brings impressions of early Savatage with it’s grinding shifting nuances, not to mention a punishing guitar solo by Hermanus Rombouts. The fact that these guys mix it up in terms of tempo and mid level break in the song structures gives each song some precise sense of appeal, and a good example of this can be found on another killer track “The Man In Black”, with the solo in between reminding me a bit more once again of older Iced Earth stuff. The guitars reach an interesting climax that holds the songs together on the pile driving tune “Fading Story’ and the last song the Epic title track prowls its way forward with a sense of conviction and by doing so incorporating all the metal elements that make great bands stand up and get noticed, not to mention a very cool lyrical story. Whatever the comparisons and the fact the band was created by original members of the acclaimed Century Media recording artist Leviathan, these metal artisans carved of a great record that depicts all the true elements of the Metal genre. They have a commendable lead singer in Tom Braden, and a solid drummer in Ty Tammeus. I’m also giving a big thumps up for the cover artwork provided by fantasy-artist Marc Sasso who also was responsible for covers from Dio and Halford. Grandiose, melodic and roaring in every word, wrapped up with a seal of METAL approval!!!! Check it out!!! --- --- --- Holger Andrae - PowerMetal - Webzine - Germany - September 2011 - 9 out of 10 points Ehemalige Musiker der Colorade-Progger LEVIATHAN servieren uns einen Diamanten in Sachen melodischen US Metals. Höret hin und staunet. Mehr oder weniger still und heimlich hat das formidable Label Pure Steel Records den Erstling von ARTIZAN namens "Curse Of The Artizan" veröffentlicht. Auch an mir ist das schicke Scheibchen vorbei gerauscht bis ich irgendwo einen Song aufgeschnappt habe. Aber dann war es auch um mich geschehen. Die Band, in der mit Sänger Tom Braden und Drummer Ty Tammeus zwei ehemalige Mitglieder der Colorado-Progger LEVIATHAN zu hören sind, bietet leicht verschachtelten, manchmal gar epischen US Metal, der aufgrund von Bradens extrem weicher Stimme eine besondere Note bekommt. Das mag für den Freund von beinharten Nackenbrechern etwas zu weich und samtig klingen, in meinen Ohren hingegen ergibt das allerdings die optimale Mischung aus Verspieltheit, Härte und Melodiegefühl. Stellt euch also vor Steve Perry von JOURNEY würde bei SAVATAGE singen und ihr habt eine ungefähre Vorstellung vom Klangbild ARTIZANs. Okay, ich übertreibe ein bisschen, aber nur ein bisschen, denn sowohl die stimmlichen Qualitäten, wie auch die kompositorische Klasse der Band, sind superb. Bis auf das knackige 'Rise' bewegt sich bei allen anderen Songs die Spielzeit oberhalb der Sechs-Minuten-Grenze, was den oberflächlichen Eindruck einer progressiv veranlagten Band vermittelt. Wer dabei jetzt allerdings an extrem verschachtelte Musik denkt, ist bei ARTIZAN auf dem Holzweg. Hier regieren Riffs und treibende Rhythmik, die jede Faust zum Ballen bringen. Warm, aber druckvoll produziert, ist hiermit schon einmal die exzellente Grundlage für ausgiebiges Abfeiern gelegt. Und wenn dann solche Melodien wie im Straßenfeger 'Fire' hinzugefügt werden, ist die Sensation perfekt. Und diese Melodiebögen, die sich wie kleine Widerhaken in den Hörmuscheln festklemmen, finde ich auf dem Album in jedem Song. Immer wenn ich "Curse Of The Artizan" auflege, bin ich aufs Neue völlig begeistert, singe alles mit und habe tagelang verschiedene Passagen im Kopf. Wer jetzt daraus Rückschlüsse auf zu hohe Eingängigkeit und daraus resultierende schnelle Abnutzung zieht, ist aber schief gewickelt. Um eben diesem Effekt entgegen zu wirken, haben alle Nummern ausreichend viel Abwechslungsreichtum zu bieten, der dazu führt, dass man jedes Mal auch wieder neue Aspekte und Details heraus hören kann. Ganz fantastisch. Ihr glaubt, ich habe schon genug geschwärmt? Weit gefehlt, denn die Sahnehaube auf dieser Brombeerscheibe kommt in diesem Fall tatsächlich ganz am Ende. Der vom kurzen Instrumental 'Torment' eingeleitete, knapp zehn Minuten lange Titelsong, beinhaltet alles, was ich an unserer Musik so faszinierend finde: Einen spannenden Aufbau mit einer akustischen Einleitung und einer erstklassigen Gesangsleistung, einen getragenen Vers, der sich in einem großartigen Chorus entlädt, sowie einige aufregende Instrumentalpassagen. Summa summarum haben wir es hier mit einem Song zu tun, der am Jahresende auf meinem Treppchen stehen wird. Gigantisch. --- --- --- Kenn Jensen - PowerOfMetal - Webzine - Denmark - April 2011 - 88 out of 100 points Only a few power metal bands have been able to blow some fresh winds into a rather stale genre the last couple of years! Artizan is one of them, which they proved with their debut EP back in 2009 and like I wrote in my review; "This three songs EP shows a band with heaps of talent and potential, and if these songs are any indication on things to come then I promise you we are in for a real treat... The complex, innovative and powerful songs have references to Leviathan and could pass as a progressive version of old Iced Earth, nicely mixed up with some strong Iron Maiden influences." And the complete album fully lives up to my expectations, the four new songs and an intro blends perfectly in with the three songs from the EP ("Rise", "Game within a Game" and "Fire") and even though they do wear their influences on the outside, they are still able to sound fresh and innovative. Galloping rhythms, brilliant twin-leads, an excellent production and Tom Barden's high-pitched and unique voice make this an outstanding debut album that I am sure has received much recognition when we look back at 2011. "Curse of the Artizan" is sweet honey for metal fans that grew up listening to bands like Fates Warning, Crimson Glory, Queensryche, Savatage, Judas Priest and off course Iron Maiden, Iced Earth and Leviathan. Tom Barden is a unique vocalist and his style is the signature of the band which makes them something else, and not your normal run of the mil. The craftsmen have arisen... --- --- --- Kim "Time Signature" - ProgFreak - Webzine - International - April 2011 - 8.5 out of 10 points At first listen "Curse of the Artizan" might sound like good old traditional heavy metal with galloping guitars, guitar harmonies, bobbing drums and base, and Geddy Lee-inspired vocals. And in a way, it is. And it is pretty good, too. Most, of the tracks are straight ahead, but with inbuilt mildly progressive elements, such as rhythmically slightly off bridges, a couple of odd time signatures, long acoustic intros in a couple of tracks and so on. In a way, Artizan, at their most progressive, remind me a bit of acts like Maiden, Priest, early Fates Warning and early Queensrÿche jumbled together - and that ain't a bad thing. Artizan are obviously good musicians, and the album is characterized by professionalism all the way through. Performing lead guitarists Tony Smotherman and Hermanus Rombouts deserve to be mentioned because of their impressive and catchy classic metal style solos, which add a dimension of epicness to the album. Also, vocalist Tom Braden makes an important contribution with his voice (which sounds like a less acrobatic combination of Geddy Lee and Claudio Sanchez) and the way he delivers the catchy chorus lines (check out "Rise", "Man in Black" and "Fading Story"). It may take a couple of listens to get used to his voice, but, when it clicks, you can't really imagine this album with any other frontman. "Curse of the Artizan" is a catchy traditional metal album with emphasis on melody, and should appeal to fans of Maiden, Priest, early Fates Warning and the like. --- --- --- Julian - RockingBoy - Webzine - Germany - May 2011 - 8 out of 10 points US Power Metal scheint wieder schwer im Kommen zu sein. Bereits 2009, einem Jahr nach ihrer Gründung, eroberten die US Amerikaner ARTIZAN mit ihrer ebenso betitelten Debüt EP den Musik Underground. Nun im Jahre 2011 erscheint endlich das von vielen erwartete Debütalbum „Curse of Artizan“, wo unter anderem auch aufgeklärt werden soll um wem oder was es sich eigentlich bei Artizan genau dreht. Der Sound der Band könnte man als progressiv angehauchten US Power Metal bezeichnen. In der Schnittmenge solcher Bands wie SAVATAGE, JUDAS PRIEST oder auch IRON MAIDEN. Für die druckvolle aber klare Gesangsarbeit bei ARTIZAN zeichnet sich der Ex LEVIATHAN Sänger Tom Braden verantwortlich. Hinter den Kesseln sitzt Gründer Ty Tammeus, für den Basspart zeichnet sich Jonathan Jennings Jr. verantwortlich und die Gitarrenarbeit teilen sich Shamus McConney und Steffen Robitzsch. Viel mehr Infos lassen sich aus dem, mir vorliegenden, Promoschreiben leider nicht herrausziehen. Sei es drum. Mal schauen wie es uns der Spagat von ARTIZAN zwischen Härte und Melodien schmeckt. Als Opener fungiert „Trade the World“. Das Ganze bewegt sich im Midtempo Bereich und steigt langsam mit einem Schlagzeug Teil ein. Kurz darauf setzen dann aber die Gitarren Riffs und der klare Gesang von Fronter Tom ein. Die Melodien zeichnen sich hier durch das punktgenaue Spiel von Schlagzeuger Ty sowie die klasse Gitarrenarbeit von Shamus und Steffen aus. Der Chorus wiederum ist sehr melodisch und eingängig gehalten und hier kann Sänger Tom zeigen was er kann. Eine sehr gute Eröffnung, welcher zwar ein bisschen Überlänge hat, aber zu keiner Zeit sperrig wirkt. Mit „Rise“ geht es weiter in der Welt von ARTIZAN. Die Nummer wartet mit einem tierischen Groove auf, der einen sofort zum mitwippen einlädt und die Nummer ebenfalls sehr eingängig macht. Der klasse Chorus sorgt ebenfalls dazu, das ihr den Track nicht mehr so schnell aus dem Kopf bekommt. Wieder eine sehr gute Leistung der Amerikaner. Mit dem folgenden „The Man in Black“ werde ich nicht so ganz warm. Auf der einen Seite machen die Jungs hier nicht viel falsch, aber auf der anderen Seite fehlt irgendetwas, was die Nummer gleichwertig zu den vorherigen macht. Vielleicht ist das Ganze einfach etwas zu platt und zu eintönig. Hier können mich die Jungs nicht vom Stuhl reißen. Besser läuft mir wieder „Fire“ rein. Ein langsamer Gitarren/Gesang betonter Einstieg weicht bald dem starken Schlagzeug und Bassspiel der Rythmusfraktion. Garniert mit den krachenden Gitarrenriffs haben wir es hier mit einem eigentlich recht simpel gestrickten Rocker zu tun, die andauernden Tempowechsel heben das Stück aber doch gut aus der Masse hervor. Das folgende „Fading Story“ ist ebenfalls wieder im Midtempo Bereich angesiedelt. Das Besondere an der Nummer ist ganz eindeutig der klasse Chorus, der einem die Nummer im Gedächtnis behalten lässt. Der absolut geniale instrumentale Mittelteil ist ebenfalls eine Stärke des Songs und macht das Ganze zu einem sehr starken Track. Das Schlussepos „Curse of Artizan“ muss ich natürlich auch noch erwähnen. Hier werfen ARTIZAN nochmal alles ins Rennen was sie so ausmacht. Einen großen Schuss Progressiv Metal, Abwechslung in der Melodieführung und ein klasse Chorus. Sänger Tom weiß erneut zu überzeugen und auch der Rest der Mannschaft steht ihm in nichts nach. So eine klasse Nummer zum Schluss, da kann man den Jungs nur gratulieren. Beide Daumen hoch! Dieses Mal kann ich euch hier den Opener “Trade the World”, das geniale “Fading Story” und das Schluss Epos “Curse of Artizan” ans Herz legen. Den Schlenker in das US Power Metal Genre habe ich nicht bereut. Soviel steht schon mal fest. ARTIZAN bieten auf ihrem Debütalbum einen erfrischenden Mix aus den US Power Metal Charakteristika gepaart mit etwas Progressivität und vielen Melodien. Die Mannschaft ist gut aufgestellt und besitzt mit Sänger Tom jemanden der diese Art von Musik sehr gut vertont. Dazu kommt das sehr beeindruckend genaue Spiel von Gründer Ty und die notwendige Härte bei den Gitarrenparts. Das Album bietet auch eine sehr gute Mischung zwischen “normalen” und überlangen Nummern, so das man es sehr gut hören kann. Mit ihrem Debütalbum “Curse of Artizan” legen die Amerikaner von ARTIZAN auf jeden Fall einen sehr guten Grundstein für ihren weiteren Weg. Und dieser ist mir auch ohne Probleme gute 8 Punkte wert. --- --- --- Vernon Meigs - Sandspur, The - Webzine - USA - November 2011 - no rating Artizan is a five-piece melodic heavy metal band from Jacksonville that got a fresh start in 2009 and has remained stable for a band of its genre amidst the Florida music scene. The band's early 2011 release, debut album Curse of the Artizan, boasts seven songs that demonstrate its best aspects: musical solidarity, technical capacity, lyrics seeped in emotion, and a musical premise that keeps me interested in what the band is about. Artizan's influences are obvious to the avid metal listener and the best comparisons with existing metal acts include Fates Warning, Iron Maiden and Queensryche, all considered classics during the 1980s. Vocalist Tom Braden's singing shows that he has a clear, resolute voice in both the studio and on stage. Braden does not overexert himself and strikes the listener as a patient vocalist who has no pressing need to show off. Musically, the guitars, bass and drumming also evoke the galloping techniques reminiscent of the older Iron Maiden classics and progressive passages including start-stop riffing, clean and acoustic passages and the occasional technical rhythm harkening back to ‘80s-era Fates Warning. Ty Tammeus is a powerhouse of a drummer and the creative force behind Artizan in addition to being a very outgoing and friendly individual, as demonstrated during the band's performance at the Haven Lounge in Winter Park on Aug. 20. The subject matter of Artizan's music is embodied in the image of a dark stylized sculptor conjuring a beast out of stone to seek vengeance against those who have tormented him. This is depicted on Curse of the Artizan's cover art, which was created by fantasy artist Marc Sasso, who also did artwork for internationally acclaimed bands such as Dio and Halford. In addition to the seven songs, the album also contains the track "Torment," an interlude to the final song, "Curse of the Artizan," which serves to show what the band is about. The artwork describes the song with impressive clarity, and an update on the band's official website (artizanmetal.com) characterizes the Artizan as a tormented child who realizes, over time, that "he was born with a gift to sculpt and paint characters which come to like and seek retribution on those that were cruel to him." This premise keeps the listener invested in what will become of the Artizan and makes him or her anticipate future music from the band. The album is for fans of classic ‘80s metal and the art adds to the music; those who also have been tormented in childhood for being unique can perhaps relate to the subject matter. The best songs on the album are "Trade the World;" "Rise,"which features one of the album's catchier choruses; "Game Within a Game," consisting of various progressive riffs; and the epic progressive metal piece, "Curse of the Artizan." It is a recommended highlight of Florida's often-imperfect metal scene. For listeners unacquainted with metal, Curse of the Artizan would appeal to listeners of ‘80s music due to its similar melodic flavor. --- --- --- Kim Jensen - Sea Of Tranquility - Webzine - International - August 2011 - 4 out of 5 points According to a lot of people, Queensrÿche seem to have completely abandoned their progressive, yet quite accessible, brand of heavy metal which swept the feet away from under so many people in the later 80s and early 90s. If that is really the case, then it may be time for a new band to step onto the scene and take over from Queensrÿche. And the Floridan metal band Artizan are definitely one of the strongest contenders for this spot. Released in late April this year, their debut concept album Curse of the Artizan definitely draws on traditional heavy metal and melodic hard rock with its use of galloping guitars, haunting guitar harmonies, catchy choruses and crystal clear vocals. All tunes on the album are readily accessible to the listener, and there is potential for a lot of commercial success. But, there are plenty of inbuilt progressive elements (which are often cleverly disguised) such as rhythmically tricky bridges, odd time signatures every now and then, long acoustic intros, at times unconventional song structures, changes of tempo and drive, and use of keyboards as well as other details - the epic title track even has a sort of chamber music intermezzo. In terms of performance, Artizan show us that they are obviously very talented musicians and songwriters. The rhythm section is rock solid and, and things never get too technical for everybody to follow. The same applies to the rhythm guitar, while the lead guitars deliver catchy and technically impressive good old fashioned heavy metal solos. And vocalist Tom Braden's vocals are characterized by total clarity (you can hear every word he is singing), and he certainly is a main factor in the catchiness of many of the tunes on the album. The production is professional and pristine, without being polished; the bass is perhaps not as prominent as it could be, but it does provide a really fat bottom (no pun intended) that keeps everything together. If you like mildly progressive, massively melodic, heavy metal along the lines of Iron Maiden, early Fates Warning and early Queensrÿche, Curse of the Artizan should be right up your alley, and fans of Judas Priest and other traditional metal acts may also find the sound on this album appealing, as may fans of melodic hard rock and power metal. Artizan may well be the future kings of melodic, mildly progressive heavy metal if they get the support they deserve. Craig Hartranft - DangerDog - Webzine - USA - November 2009 - 4.5 out of 5 points Artizan, a progressive metal band from Jacksonville, is the creation of two former members of Century Media recording artist Leviathan, Tom Braden (v) and Ty Tammeus (d). In the mid 1990's, they had two successful and well-received albums on the label. Braden and Tammeus are working their way back into the metal fold with the help of guitarists Shamus McConney and Hermanus Rombouts and bass player Jon Jennings. For some serious street cred, Artizan enlisted Jim Morris (Iced earth, Death, Cannibal Corpse, Crimson Glory, etc.) to handle the production for a crisp sound. Though brief, Artizan's debut EP is substantial evidence that this band is onto something very good. The work is blessed by well-crafted compositions which blend melodic hooks with developed, but not overbearingly complex, progressive arrangements. Each of the three songs quickly piques your interest and pulls you in. Braden's vocals may be the highlight here as he soars with a strength uncommon in most modern metal vocals. Equally impressive is the vigorous fret work which, at times, mimics old school classic metal yet with renewed energy and passion. This is solid stuff: an easy and entertaining listen for all melodic metal fans, yet with enough twists to keep prog fans happy. Any label worth its melodic heavy metal salt should hook up with Artizan at the first opportunity. Are you listening, Century Media? --- --- --- Marsha Lockom - Examiner - Newspaper - USA - February 2010 - 5 out of 5 points Artizan may have just launched their debut release in December, 2009, a self-titled EP, but the members aren't newcomers to the music scene. The band, based in Jacksonville, Florida, has plenty of experience, with Tom Braden (vocals) and Ty Tammeus (drums) having been original members of the classic, progressive metal band Leviathan. The EP is a powerful promise of the fine musicianship Artizan has to offer – classic progressive metal, upgraded enormously with modern energy and dark mystery. The strengths of prog remain, with melodic hooks, complex arrangements, and attention to tight musicianship. Delivered with a fresh intensity, their songs are a dynamic blend of metal genres. The three tracks of their EP reveal a definite style and also great variety. “Game Within a Game” opens with a foreboding drum rhythm, commanding attention and setting an atmosphere of danger and mystery, before Tom's vocals hold the listener captive with a hypnotic tone. A tenuous acoustic guitar bridge lets the listener anticipate the spellbinding threat of guitar solo soon to arrive. "Rise" offers clean melodic hooks and soaring vocals. Ty's drumming provides power, underscoring and grounding the fast flight of a stellar twin guitar attack from Shamus McConney and Hermanus J. Rombouts. The acoustic opening of "Fire" permits the strength of Tom's voice to expand into a vast spaciousness, before the musical onslaught from a magnificent wall of guitars and drumming. Underneath the melody, a fantastic heavy bass line emerges and Jonathan Jennings, Jr. adds the right amount of dark depth. The arrangement is expansive, allowing details of quick guitar fretwork to shine. Touches of Maiden, Dream Theater, and Queensryche are obvious, but Artizan clearly has their own style. Musical mastery is evident, even in this small taste from Artizan, and definitely makes you hunger for more. For the recording of their EP, Artizan worked with exceptional producer Jim Morris (Iced Earth, Death, Cannibal Corpse, Crimson Glory). He is well acquainted with the members from his early production of Leviathan. Wasting no time, Artizan has set terrific goals for 2010. At the start of the year they signed with Intromental Management. Currently, they are considering label options and writing music for their first full-length album, to be finished this spring/summer, again working with producer Jim Morris here in Tampa at Morrisound Studios. --- --- --- Dimitris Starakis - MagicStarlight - Webzine - Greece - August 2010 To be honest, this EP can sum up a whole theory on modern Metal music: Minimalistic approach can be intuitive yet refreshing. It’s so encouraging for the listeners to enjoy three wonderful musical creations of melodic and pompous Power Metal. Artizan showed the world their “manifest”. Drummer Ty Tammeus and vocalist Tom braden, known from their participation in the renowned US Prog metal band Leviathan (during their first EP and Deepest Secrets Beneath” days) really establishes the band’s reputation. Artizan may not follow a definite Progressive route on their musical approach, but focus on catchy songwriting with strong memorable vocal line and riffs. The result is wonderful and all three songs are a pleasure to listen to. Tom’s vocals are strong and contain that distinctive tone that usually follows the guitar line and makes the band’s sound much more solid and focused. I also have to give credit to Jim Morris and his splendid production; the band recorded the song at t Vision Sound, Orange Park, Florida and the mastering was done at Morrisound Studios, Tampa, Florida, USA, so they definitely picked the right option. The good news also is that the band signed a contract with Pure Steel Records and their debut album is expected to be release in early 2011. So, you can buy their debut EP via their website or via iTunes instead of waiting for the first full-length and really enjoy an extremely promising US metal band! --- --- --- Naamah - MetalCrypt - Webzine - USA - April 2010 - 3.5 out of 5 points This is pretty straightforward classic prog metal done very well. The production is crisp and clean, not surprising coming from Jim Morris. The band is formed of experienced members – vocalist Tom Braden and drummer Ty Tammeus were in Leviathan together -- and it shows. This is polished, professional work that has been put together by musicians who know their tools very well. The melodies are hooky without being too catchy. The lyrics are a little too simple for my liking, but I can see what the band was aiming for, and it works very well in context. The very simple, repeated, rhythmic rhyme scheme goes really well with the intense and articulate drums, and the drums are what really jumps out. A prog band simply cannot function without a good drummer, and Ty Tammeus is first-rate. There's a nice split here of emphasis on vocals/vocal melodies and focus on musicianship. I confess I have only middling patience for prog. Good prog explores, it doesn't just fuck around for the sake of fucking around. This album exhibits solid songwriting with depth and complexity, enough return to the themes that the songs have substance and structure, enough variation that it's not tiresome or repetitive or too immediately accessible to be interesting. The three songs transition smoothly from one to the other, and it's so skilfully done that it's easy to miss. Themes recur and are elaborated upon throughout the songs, making the album much more like one very long piece than three separate parts. It's an impressive feat. If you are a fan of prog, you should check this out. It's solid. --- --- --- Michael Wuensch - MetalReview - Webzine - USA - November 2009 - 7.7 out of 10 points In the world of high-end cuisine, a bite-size representation of a chef's approach to slappin' shit together in the kitchen is known as an amuse-bouche (not to be mistaken for its polar cousin: the annoy-bouchebag.) It's similar to the idea of the better known hors d'oeuvre, but differs in that it's generally brought to guests without their request. Anyway, I couldn't help but think of this concept when I first came across this little platter from Jacksonville, Florida's Artizan -- not exactly a well known outfit I've been scouring the metal menu to gobble down, and this a rather succinct offering clocking in at just under 20-minutes. The recipe: A relatively straightforward progressive metal dish that doesn't overwhelm the listener with overly complex ingredients. Not to say the results are bland, however. The components presented here are clean, adequately spiced and would lend themselves very well to those with a palate suited for bands such as Alder-era Fates Warning, Threshold or Pathosray. Hard rhythms are pushed by rolling, stately drumming and deep, bubbling bass; guitars are solidly heavy when need be, not overly aggressive and sweetly melodic when an extra hook is desired; keyboards are used very sparingly to intermittently enhance atmosphere; and the vocals add a perfect level of honey-sweetness that intermingles nicely with the accompanying flavors without ever wailing into an outright "syrup" realm. Where this offering truly excels, however, is how it eventually ends up sticking to the ol' ribs. As we're all well-aware, quality ingredients don't always equate to a savory morsel, but luckily Artizan show a capable ability to pepper this highly-trafficked recipe well enough to make this short affair pretty memorable. The EP's lack of stylistic innovation might delay immediate enthusiasm, but the catchiness and palatable flavors are definitely pleasing enough to make any progressive metaller anxious for the main course. --- --- --- Erich - Metal-Rules - Webzine - USA - December 2009 - 4 out of 5 points Jacksonville, Florida's Artizan are a progressive metal band that has just released their self-titled debut EP. Artizan's core is composed of two former members of the mid 1990’s progressive metal band Leviathan. Drummer Ty Tammeus and singer Tom Braden have re-entered the metal fray with this set of three songs and a new band. Despite a subdued and minimalist album cover, everything about this EP is professionally crafted. The band enlisted Jim Morris as producer, the man responsible for capturing Iced Earth's pulverizing sounds on several albums and mixed the songs at the famous Morrisound Studios in Tampa. From the tasteful acoustic intro of "Fire", to the melodic and driving opening riff to a "Game Within A Game", Artizan has put together catchy and well-arranged songs. While there are progressive elements within each song, they do not reach bombastic and self-indulgent levels. Clearly, the concept of song is the order of the day, and the outstanding vocal work of Braden is matched by the band, particularly in the riff work of guitarists Shamus McConney and Hermanus J. Rombouts. The production is top notch and the songs have enough complexity combined with an old school sense of groove to appeal to a wide range of metal fans. Artizan's EP is regrettably short, but it should attract the attention of a major label in the near future. It will be interesting to see if the band can sustain this level of high quality through a full length recording, but the first three songs are a definitely positive sign. Progressive metal fans will find much to like here, but there is enough bite and restraint for the no-nonsense metal fan to appreciate as well. --- --- --- Edge Of The World - MetalUnderground - Webzine - USA - May 2010 - 4 out of 5 points Sometimes there is such a thing as truth in advertising. Playing a melodic, Maiden-esque metal, Florida's Artizan more than lives up to its name on the band's all-too-short three-song EP. The band features two founding members of the progressive metal act Leviathan, singer Tom Braden and drummer Ty Tammeus. They're joined by Hermanus Rombouts and Shamus McConney on lead and rhythm guitars, respectively, as well as Jon Jennings on bass. The disc gets off to a great start, with a haunting acoustic guitar part on "Fire," quickly followed by Braden's excellent vocals. Braden's got a great voice, reminding me a little bit of a cross between Geoff Tate and Bruce Dickinson — not such a bad combination. "Fire" has an Iron Maiden feel, with a solo that's pure Adrian Smith and some great galloping guitar lines surrounding it. Jennings gets his chance to shine in the beginning of "Game Within A Game," which starts slow and speeds up a bit as it goes. I love the flamenco-ish acoustic guitar break in the middle, and Tammeus' drum fills are also quite excellent. "Rise" is the EP's most aggressive track, with an angry riff and deeper, darker vocals from Braden. It's also the shortest by more than two minutes, which essentially means the band gets down to the business of rocking quickly and doesn't deviate too far from the heaviness until an excellent guitar break that gives you a chance to catch your breath until Rombouts takes it away again with his most impressive solo yet. My biggest complaint about this disc is that it left me wanting more. Artizan is currently looking for a label to help them complete their first full-length album, and based on this sample of their work, I hope they find one. Highs: Three great songs, delivered masterfully. Lows: None to speak of — save that 18 minutes flew by, leaving me wanting more. Bottom line: An excellent sample of Maiden-esque melodic metal from an act that needs to put out a full-length album soon. --- --- --- Oliver Kerkdijk - SacredMetal - Webzine - USA - May 2010 What do you do when, after a decade of silence, two gifted ex-members of one of your favourite US-bands of old reappear with a new project? You’re bound to open a bottle of your poison of preference and go "Hell yeah!" The news? Drummer Ty Tammeus and singer Tom Braden, who left their mark on the eponymous Leviathan-EP (1991) and its full-length follow-up Deepest secrets beneath (1994), are back in the ring. The new constellation is called Artizan and, besides Tammeus and Braden, consists of Shamus McConney on guitar, Hermanus J. Rombouts on lead guitar and Jon Jennings on bass. Wisely skipping the counterproductive MySpace stage of pitiful in-progress recordings in ghastly sound quality, the five-piece based out of Jacksonville, FL introduce themselves by way of a well-produced and factory-pressed 3-track EP. The cover simply carries the band's name in a finely-designed logo, lyrics can be found inside. Of course, a few moons have passed since their Leviathan days, so the question is: what's Braden and Tammeus' music like these days? Has it gotten post-grungy, pseudo-alternative, stoner, ambient, hipster lo-fi? Let me reassure you with a loud and resounding NO. Artizan sound like they don’t give a rat's behind about any flavour of the week. Better even: the songs on offer (7:21, 6:31 and 4:25 minutes long respectively) continue where the classic Leviathan-EP and DSB album left off all those years ago. Tammeus and McConney have penned three strong tracks of moderately technical US-power metal, with the former responsible for lyrics of a mainly introspective nature. Opener "Fire" opens fire without delay, combining the trademarks of early-nineties classic US-power metal with technical subtlety and well-crafted vocal melodies/harmonies. The dark but highly melodic bridge part, concluded with two lines repeated at the end of the song, is especially engaging. Every section has been carefully arranged into a coherent structure, taking the listener on an exciting journey. Lyrics are tinged with regret and melancholy, while still retaining a youthful optimism and newly found sense of inner direction. "Pushing forward through all the years Manifesting hope in my fears Clutching to the dreams I've betrayed Utilizing what still remains" If that sounds familiar, you're over 40 and acquiescent. That is a good thing. "Fire", a killer song all the way and reminiscent of vintage Leviathan, Auditory Imagery and Divine Regale, is followed by the midtempo ‘Game within a game’. This one takes a bit of time to warm up to, as did a recalcitrant Leviathan-piece like "Confidence not arrogance". A minor quibble would be that, about three quarters through, the repeated chorus takes the suspense out of the number. Thus prolonging the song where there's really no need to. It becomes clear soon enough that this band is not about the three-time-changes-one-guitar-solo-and-drum-fill-per-minute type of 'progressive' metal that is anything but progressive and even less about metal. Thankfully, no plastic synth-and-keys additives deform the tasty riff-built excellence either. On display are qualities of a far more significant nature. Listen to Tammeus' playing. Intricate yet controlled, shining with that hard-to-achieve blend of sophistication and playfulness that already made Leviathan's early work instantly recognizable. As any wise man will tell you: less is more. Tammeus' style – for that is what it is: a genuine style - nowadays reminds me even more of Mark 'Thunderchild' Zonder’s restrained precision patterns on Fates Warning's Parallels. If that isn't the highest of compliments, I don't know what is. "And Braden?" you ask. Well, that versatile and ever melodic voice is tailormade for Artizan's compositions. None of that guttural nonsense, but none of the Tate-ish beyond-the-clouds soaring either. Just a passionate and precise delivery of notes that stay within the margins of reason, how refreshing. Yeah, these guys were born to forge this type of metal together. Closing this appetizer – Artizan have signed with German label Pure Steel Records and are working on an album – is the wonderful and aptly titled "Rise". Near the end of the song, Hermanus J. Rombouts – of Dutch descent, no doubt – is given room to shred across the board and relishing it, too. What makes this particular segment even more intense is the way the interwoven rhythm parts are played. It just makes you want to jump for joy. Because jumping is not metal, the only option here is to point those Ronnie James Dio horns up to Valhalla and be thankful. Sharp production and transparent mix come courtesy of none other than veteran Jim Morris. Jim, you will recall, was producer on the first two Leviathan releases and recording engineer on their Riddles, questions, poetry and outrage (1996) and much overlooked masterpiece Scoring the chapters (1997). You only have to take in the warmth of Jennings’ bass lines complementing the exactitude of Tammeus’ snare and cymbal work and you will be comvinced: Jim knows his audio dynamics and his thinking man’s metal. Summing things up: the Artizan-EP holds nothing short of top-notch material. Let’s count ourselves lucky there’s more where that came from. |
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