Sunburst – Manifesto

It’s time to get out the trusty air guitar once more. I do love playing my air guitar, it is unique, one that only I can play. Why am I dusting it off? It’s because Greek progressive metal band Sunburst have a second album out and the guitar work is out of this world. Entitled “Manifesto,” it is dripping with Gus Drax’s solos and that is something that appeals to me very much.  

The band was formed in 2010 and their debut album ‘Fragments of Creation’ was released in 2016. I’m not familiar with that album but the band aren’t complete strangers to me. I was fortunate enough to see them at the Prog Power and Metal (PPM) festival in Mons, Belgium in 2014. I had to dig out some photos I took of them to be sure though. From what I can remember they stood out amongst an illustrious festival line-up. 

One thing that struck me part way through the opening track ‘The Flood’ was something about Vasilis Georgiou’s vocals. The resemblance to Roy Khan (ex-Kamelot) is uncanny but very welcome. The track is just shy of 8 minutes long which gives all the members of the band plenty of room to flex their muscles. As it built into a majestic powerful symphonic composition, I knew I was in for a treat. When the guitar solo starts, the enjoyment level soars, and the talent is plain to see. Incidentally, Vasilis also created the artwork for the album cover. 

The symphonic elements on some tracks come courtesy of John K who provides orchestration and Bob Katsionis who handles the keyboards. One such song is ‘Hollow Lies’ which has a fast-pounding beat and a catchy chorus. It was also the first track to be released as a single from the album. 

There is a myriad of great progressive metal bands around, and throughout the album many comparisons can be made. As with all of them, Sunburst have their own unique sound and style, and those similarities bring familiarity and comfortable listening. Most of the tracks never stray far from their core style. The multi-paced ‘Samaritan’ has driving complex riffs with varying sections for Vasilis to vent his pipes and a blistering solo from Gus. 

 There are shades of Queensryche and Crimson Glory in ‘Perpetual Descent’ nestling amongst the ever-changing mood. The track ‘Inimicus Intus’ (Latin for enemy within) has more urgency about it. Strident riffs and melodic hook lines make it sound like a heavy version of something by Journey. Predictably the guitar solo pushes it to further extremes and is followed by an equally fluent keyboard solo.  

Another chance to hear something and a good choice for their second single is the video for ‘From the Cradle to the Grave.’ Everything about the track is catchy, memorable and feelgood. 

The penultimate song is also the title track. Reliably ‘Manifesto’ once again has complex riffs, soaring vocals and a fantastic lead solo from Gus. To finish it’s my favourite track on the album. ‘Nocturne’ is symphonic, dramatic, and showcases the band at its peak. The guitar solos (yes, they are plural) are sublime, and they have absolutely saved the best to the last. What an excellent finale to a brilliant album. If I could burn my air guitar I would, but I will probably need it before long anyway.

Of all the subgenres of rock/metal that I enjoy, the one that these guys fall under is one of my favourites. It’s hard to beat great vocals and stunningly dexterous guitar playing backed up by a solid rhythm section. There are no doubt reasons why they have only produced two albums in 14 years. I hope the next one will be released before too long. If it’s as good as “Manifesto,” it will be well worth waiting for. 

Track-List: 

1. The Flood
2. Hollow Lies
3. Samaritan
4. Perpetual Descent
5. Inimicus Intus
6. From the Cradle to the Grave
7. Manifesto 
8. Nocturne