Pharaoh - Be Gone (Cruz Del Sur Records) - Back
So what do you need to know about Pharaoh and their new album "Be Gone"? Well, it's really pretty simple. Pharaoh are a traditional heavy metal band from the US who are dedicated to playing heavy metal in its most unspoiled form. "Be Gone" is the band's third album and probably their best so far.

Pharaoh don't play around with keyboards, or try to recapture the 80's with some gimmicky image. Instead, they go about their business in workman-like-fashion, crafting catchy guitar driven songs that focus on the basic elements that are the building blocks of heavy metal. While Pharaoh's bread and butter is their melodic guitar work and soloing, heavy, bang-your-head riffing seethes just below the hypnotizing tangle of Maiden inspired melodies. Tim Aymar (ex-Control Denied) handles the vocal duties and turns in a fine performance. Although I liked Tim's vocals on the Control Denied album, I have to say that his style is far better suited to Pharaoh's more straight-forward brand of metal. He combines just the right amount of power, grit and range to do this material justice, without overpowering the rest of the band.

"Be Gone" marks Pharaoh's third consecutive rock-solid release. While they may not be the most original band in the world, they are very good at what they do. If you are sick and tired of waiting for a new Jag Panzer album to be released (I know I am), I suggest spending some quality time with "Be Gone". You might not forget about Harry "The Tyrant", but having an album like this will make the wait a hell of a lot easier.

Rating:
83

Reviewed By: Garett F.