A new project for ex-Adamantis bassist Cody Pelchat, Curse Guard originally started in 2020, issuing three singles over the next few years (including special covers from King Crimson and Kamelot). Origins is the group’s latest offering, a four-song EP that includes numerous special guests on the vocal/guitar front to flesh out the main performances by the quartet. Listeners can expect a melodic power metal foundation intertwining aspects of stateside as well as international influences in terms of approach, finesse, and dynamic versatility.
“The Dream Writer” gets the release off to an exciting start, Jeff Stark of Adamantis showcasing his hefty range while the solid guitar / keyboard lead tradeoffs between Cody and Rob Healey during the longer instrumental passage pulling off some pomp and progressive nuances. “The Blight Blade” follows, a more Teutonic-sounding affair as the Trent Adams-fronted melodies possesses the right upper cadence beyond his tough as steel mid-range, Owlbear guitarist Jeff Taft and Mega Colossus axe man Stephen Cline crafting thoughtful solo segments that should align with many heroes from the 70’s / 80’s brigade. Choosing to push the most eclectic song next, “The Entity (Beyond the Mist)” starts off in more of a calmer, mystical atmosphere that builds out into this almost Dio meets Tony Martin/Black Sabbath-era track. Rob is reflective yet expressive in his vocal delivery of the verse to chorus melodies, while the swirling keyboard / guitar motions next to a mid-tempo march for the rhythm section work befits the grandiose nature to the arrangement that includes Middle Eastern inflections. The final cut “The Curse Guard” features Lords of the Trident singer Fang (aka Ty Christian), an energetic double bass-driven song sure to go down a storm with every power metal soul. Cody also tackled the production, editing, mixing, and mastering roles adequately – given the many parts that had to be assembled remotely, the only minor criticism being in a slightly robotic drum kit presence (especially when you want a stronger snare snap for this style).
Origins gets Curse Guard out of the gates from the underground into the international landscape in a fair, just manner. The wide array of musicians far and wide round out the main chemistry present for the four-piece, so it’s only going to get stronger as more seasoning takes place. Traditional power metal followers who want classic songwriting principles and a little progressive rock flair will appreciate this most.