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AVALON
Avalon (1987)

Formed in 1986 by American guitarist Ken C. Jack (ex-Dark Mission), Avalon are a Danish based four-piece who also feature vocalist John Mathias (ex-Healer / Narcissus), bassist Thomas Rytter (ex-Graf Spee / Narcissus) and drummer Flemming Kenneth (ex-Dark Mission / Maltese Falcon). Incidentally, Flemming Kenneth is also drum roadie for Metallica’s Lars Ulrich.

The band’s ten-song tape was recorded at the Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen with producer Flemming Rasmussen, so as you can imagine we’re talking about high quality product which the band are eager to put onto vinyl; and with finished product available there’s sure to be quite a few labels interested in Avalon’s brand of melodic metal.

Generally, the material here is strong. ‘When Metal Comes Alive’ and ‘Unleashed Power’ are my particular faves; both being fast powerful riffy affairs, each with catchy choruses and commercial appeal, much in the vein of Helloween. It’s also evident that John Mathias is one helluva singer. His David Coverdale-like vocals dominate throughout, especially on the boppy ‘The Devour’.

‘The Vision’ and ‘Let It Out’ are also worth a mention, the latter reminding me a little of fellow Danes Pretty Maids, and even though there are a couple of below average tracks – ‘Final Act’ and ‘Punitytime’ – Avalon are certainly a band with a lot of potential.

Bernard Doe

Review taken from Metal Forces, Issue 26 (1987)

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