Dignity - Project Destiny (Napalm Records)
Review by Dave Baynham
This is the debut album by Dignity, a band formed by ex-Edenbridge drummer Roland Navratil and on keyboards Frank Pitters, who has recording credits on a number of Edenbridge albums. After being in a band where one man did all of the writing it looks like Navratil wanted to be in a more democratic set up. Consequently all of the tracks are jointly credited. The band are mainly from Austria, with the exception of singer Jake E from Sweden, and it is his voice that invokes comparisons to Europe for parts of this album. Although much of ‘Project Destiny’ can be categorised as melodic hard rock in the vein of Europe or a heavier Survivor it goes beyond the template. The complexity of the arrangements and driving keyboards mean that there is plenty to enjoy for fans of symphonic or neo-classical metal. The faster, heavier material is worthy of comparison to classic Royal Hunt or a less widdley Artension. The mix of these styles makes the overall feel of the album reminiscent of Brazen Abbot. It riffs well, has choruses that would have dominated FM radio back in the day and is consistent quality material. Even the rocked up cover of ‘Don’t pay the Ferryman’ is fun in a cheesy way.
Review by Dave Baynham
This is the debut album by Dignity, a band formed by ex-Edenbridge drummer Roland Navratil and on keyboards Frank Pitters, who has recording credits on a number of Edenbridge albums. After being in a band where one man did all of the writing it looks like Navratil wanted to be in a more democratic set up. Consequently all of the tracks are jointly credited. The band are mainly from Austria, with the exception of singer Jake E from Sweden, and it is his voice that invokes comparisons to Europe for parts of this album. Although much of ‘Project Destiny’ can be categorised as melodic hard rock in the vein of Europe or a heavier Survivor it goes beyond the template. The complexity of the arrangements and driving keyboards mean that there is plenty to enjoy for fans of symphonic or neo-classical metal. The faster, heavier material is worthy of comparison to classic Royal Hunt or a less widdley Artension. The mix of these styles makes the overall feel of the album reminiscent of Brazen Abbot. It riffs well, has choruses that would have dominated FM radio back in the day and is consistent quality material. Even the rocked up cover of ‘Don’t pay the Ferryman’ is fun in a cheesy way.