Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Pharaoh
Title
After the Fire
Type
LP/EP
Company
Cruz Del Sur
YOR
2003
Style
Power
2/17/2004 - Review by: Josh Greer
Pharaoh - After the Fire 2003 Cruz Del Sur Music Reviewed by Agent of Steel

Track Listing
1. Unum
2. After the Fire
3. Flash of the Dark
4. Forever Free
5. Heart of the Enemy
6. Solar Flight
7. Now is the Time
8. Never, Not Again
9. Slaves
When I think of the term Heavy Metal, perseverance definitely comes to mind. Conquering the loss of original guitar player, searches for a proper vocalist up to the task, other commitments, little to no record company interest…Pharaoh persevere! Geting their early start preceding the colossal Power Metal boom, Pharaoh have finally graced the Metal world with a
full-length recording. Thank the Metal Gods.

Filling out the “all-star” line-up are Tim Aymar (Control Denied/Silent Scream), Matt Johnsen (who’s name you might recognize from Metal Maniacs magazine), Chris “The Hammer” Black (Dawnbringer, Superchrist), and Chris Kerns (three out of four ain’t bad). “After the Fire” is nine tracks of original, well produced, Power Metal; reminding us of the glory days yet avoiding the dreaded “retro” label. Conjuring pipes of a slightly more diverse Blaze Bailey, and I mean that with the utmost respect (X Factor still rules!); Aymar goes beyond the call of duty with the vocal arrangements and melodies. Matt Johnsen’s skilled riff’s, harmonies, and lead work reminiscent of Iron Maiden, Kai-era Helloween, Running Wild, a touch of Manowar, and the like interact exceptionally well with Chris Kern’s solid, secure bass lines and the occasional fills when necessary. The Hammer’s drumming is a far cry from the demanding Dawnbringer recordings, but fits like a glove; um…try fits like an armored tank plowing through the latest Korn concert as the blood of wiggers flow like wine! That’s Metal enough, right?

“After the Fire” does more than enough to satisfy your taste for a good, Power Metal release. With cookie cutter clones running rampant and “Hollywood Metal” poisoning all that is really true, it becomes near impossible to contain the thoughts of writing off the entire sub-genre as far as new releases go.

Fortunately, there are bands like Pharaoh around to keep me satisfied and level headed.


--Agent of Steel 02.17.04
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: PHARAOH
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
After the Fire
2003
Cruz Del Sur
Josh Greer2/17/2004
-
Be Gone
2008
Cruz Del Sur
Vinaya Saksena11/21/2009
3
The Longest Night
2006
Cruz Del Sur
Eric Compton5/16/2006
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: PHARAOH
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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