Ancient Creation
Evolution Bound

May 2008
Released: 2007, Melissa Records
Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewer: Waspman

Ancient Creation began putting the pieces of their band together in Kansas City in 2003 when former Sativa members Andy Critz (bass) and Peter Nisenkier (guitar) joined forces. Eventually recruiting the other members, including Darkside vocalist Steve Bentley, the completed band took to writing music. The band self-released their 2005 debut, THE UPRISING, which presumably gained the attention of Melissa Records.

Ancient Creation claim to play no frills heavy metal, and after listening to EVOLUTION BOUND I’d say that’s accurate, although there is a bit of progressive influence in their music as well. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot to get excited about in the band’s music. This is standard metal through and through, which can be a good thing except for the fact that Ancient Creation’s music is strangely hook-less. None of these songs reach out and grab you and given the massive glut of “traditional” metal bands vying for attention these days, that’s not a good thing. You have to do something to standout. Vocally, Steve Bentley is distinctive and powerful, managing to show his influences without overtly copying anyone. It’s unfortunate that he doesn’t have better songs to sing over.

For me, two songs stand above the rest: the late one-two punch of “Lost Angels” and “Sphere”. “Lost Angels” is a speedy straight-ahead metal song, but is actually catchy with some excellent guitar work. “Sphere” is another fast song but in a more prog-metal vein. Again, great guitar work in this song and some excellent vocals as well.

If the rest of the album was as good as these two songs we’d have a winner. As it is we’ve got an album that goes by mostly unnoticed which means that Ancient Creation aren’t quite contenders yet. They do have potential though, so keep an eye on them.