Rise of the Wise Wisdom 2016 NoiseArt Records Wisdom are a Power Metal band from Hungary. Wisdom play a type of Power Metal that is deeply rooted around the classic Power Metal sound revolving around an almost story telling type vibe with fantasy lyrics and can draw parallels to the likes of early-HammerFall and Powerwolf. Rise of the Wise is the 4th full studio album by Wisdom and the follow up the 2013’s Marching for Liberty. Rise of the Wise is also the first studio album to feature new drummer Tamas Toth who replaced long term drummer Balazs Agota in 2015. The rest of Wisdom is made up from Gabor Nagy on vocals, Gabor Kovacs and Mate Bodor on the guitars with Mate Molnar playing the bass. The title track features the one and only Joakim Brodén from Sabaton, who adds his unique vocals giving Rise of the Wise a double edged attack. The production of Rise of the Wise has been handled by guitarist Gabor Kovacs showing that there are no end to the talents that can be found within Wisdom. Kovacs has created a solid sounding Power Metal album that is pure enjoyment to listen to. The mixing of Hero is fantastic, the choir works very well, mixed to the point where it isn’t overpowering, but just behind the vocals giving an almost medieval church feel to it. However, at times, you can get the feeling that the guitars are little high in the mix, but, the more you listen to Rise of the Wise, you don’t care, every instrument does fantastic work and can be heard clearly, even with the cod-reggae beat section in Through the Fire. The track Raven’s Night was chosen to be single from Rise of the Wise. After the build-up of the introductory track of Over the Wall, Raven’s Night kicks in at full throttle with a melody reminiscent of classical movements. If you haven’t heard Wisdom, then Raven’s Night is a perfect example of what Wisdom are all about, big choral choruses and a classic Power Metal sound that would make any fan of the genre stand up and buy every album by Wisdom. Vocally, Nagy does a fantastic job, his vocals are melodic and the big choruses only serve to help you fall in love with his voice. But, Rise of the Wise does not belong to Nagy entirely, the rest of the musicians play their hearts out. Guitarists Kovacs and Bodor work exceptionally well, their twin harmonies on Secret Life are reminiscent of early Helloween. The long standing bass of Molnar is fluid and strong throughout providing a great backbone for the band to work from with Toth showing that he isn’t just a timekeeper with some interesting double bass beats on Welcome to my Story. The title track of Rise to the Wise is easily one of the best tracks on the album. The ravens cawing at the beginning signal the start of a slow brooding battle song that builds up and up, the interplay between Nagy and Brodén could be one of the best duets that you’ll hear this year and the chorus with its choir will have you hooked immediately. Other highlights of Rise to the Wise are Hunting the Night, Hero, Through the Fire and Raven’s Night. Rise of the Wise is a great album, it is well written and exceptionally melodic and catchy. Each song contains a hook that will draw you in, leaving Rise of the Wise as one of the best Power Metal albums that you will hear this year. 8/10 Adam Raven's Night (Kovacs/Molnar)
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