CoC : Prodigal Earth - Zenith II Zero : Review

Prodigal Earth - _Zenith II Zero_
(Pitch Black Records, 2009)
by: Quentin Kalis (6.5 out of 10)

With two members from Diphtheria, the gold standard of Cypriot heavy metal, it is inevitable that these neophytes will be subjected to comparisons. Similarities are easily found, especially as they share both a (now much improved) vocalist, and a passion for heavy metal's glory days. Yet there are significant differences, sufficient to justify a separate existence; newbies Prodigal Earth are faster, leaning strongly towards melodic power metal, whilst vets Diphtheria prefer slower, more traditional expressions. Or to be precise, they are faster when they are not indulging in insipid rock ballads, which constitute a third of the album. Some metal bands have a knack for this; they do not. The remaining songs are well-written compositions which seem to possess the requisite elements, such as anthemic choruses, dramatic keys, powerful riffs and melodic solos, yet the whole is less than the sum of its parts and lacks the dynamism and potency to compete with the cream of the continental neophytes. The potential is clearly there and with the right backing, they could compete with bands outside the Aegean, but not just yet.

Contact: http://www.prodigalearth.com

(article published 3/9/2009)