Awakening the World

Dull metal? How can that be? Well, if you're Lost Horizon, you combine overly abused metal guitar riffs, cheesy group shouts of the chorus, and excessive breaks, such as those featured on the six-minute-long "Heart of Storm." Or take "Sworn in the Metal Wind," which continues on the band's endless use of aimless guitar leads, the same chords, and trite drum fills. Most of Lost Horizon's album Awakening the World is not radio-friendly, partly because many of the songs exceed five minutes and, quite frankly, stray. However, the disc does provide one redeeming moment on the track "Denial of Fate." It's a somewhat well-oiled number (and under five minutes) with decent song structure (the solos are within limits and well-played). This cut has the potential to be played on rock specialty shows. To his credit, lead singer Daniel Heiman's powerful voice shoots and soars up to the sky. Better lyrics, song structures, and more creative musicians would do this guy a world of good. Examples of good metal acts include Judas Priest, AC/DC and Iron Maiden, among others. The music made by these legendary bands was electrifying and directly hit listeners in the gut, leaving them dizzy and hungry for more. That said, Lost Horizon lacks direction and vision. If they ventured beyond the same rhythms and chords they abuse on Awakening the World they'd have something to talk about. Until then, the world is still sleeping.