Album Review: Fraser Edwards – The Architect (Self Released)

Fraser Edwards is known as the guitarist and creator of Sharky Sharky, the Shark-themed rock band for kids, as well as playing guitar for the British Power Metal band Ascension. He has also played guitar live and in the studio for many other bands and artists such as Metalite, Captain Black Beard and Janet Devlin. Fraser is also an accomplished and prolific music producer and mixing/mastering engineer, having worked with many bands including Axenstar, Patty Gurdy and recently creating the soundtrack for the video game BORIS: Escape from Brexit Island, which he also created.

In 2016 he released his debut album I Am God, to much acclaim, particularly in Japan. The second full-length Fraser Edwards album, The Architect, is released June 5th 2020 worldwide.

Fraser Edwards comments:

This album has better, catchier melodies than anything I’ve done before, the guitar solos are more insane and the production has more thickness and mass – it’s like the Brock Lesnar of power metal albums. It has a few instrumental shred songs as well, and an abundance of my usual annoyingly addictive power metal anthems.

With a bit of a tongue in cheek approach aimed at those who draw parallels to Dragonforce (easy to do, to be fair), Fraser Edwards new album is hyper-active guitar work built around positive and upbeat power metal anthems.

Shredding like his life depends on it, the effort exuded by Fraser Edwards with his playing is startling stuff. No matter how fast you think you can go, he seemingly can always go faster. As showcased by the grin-inducing Stop Saying We Sound Like Dragonforce. A title you will have to take with a pinch of salt when you hear what the track sounds like.

It’s bloody great fun though and happily we’re able to move away from the ‘Force references for a couple of standout efforts. Warzone, The Death Zone and the mellow rock ballad that is Among the Stars.

The end is certainly where things get really good though as the optimistic guitar melodies of Sorrow of the Loneliest Dragon leads into Russian-themed Dragonforce-esque (sorry, it can’t be helped!) finale of Crouching Comrades, Hidden Dragonforce.

Very enjoyable.

Fraser Edwards – The Architect Full Track Listing:

1. The Architect
2. Stop Saying We Sound Like Dragonforce
3. Warzone
4. The Death Zone
5. Ruination
6. Dio Volendo Lo Faro
7. Among The Stars
8. This World Can Be Ours
9. Sorrow Of The Loneliest Dragon
10. Crouching Comrades, Hidden Dragonforce
11. On My Own (Bonus Track)
12. Your Song (Bonus Track)

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