Dungeon
Resurrection

February 2001
Released: 1999, Warhead Records
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: EvilG

From the Australian outback town of Broken Hill then relocating to Sydney, Dungeon are the second band form Australia that I am covering this month. Unlike the other Australian band reviewed this month, Dungeon play melodic power metal. Dungeon released two CD’s prior to “Resurrection” entitled “Changing Moods” (1995) and “Demolition” (1996). However, Dungeon considers ”Resurrection” to be their first album because it does not contain any demo recordings. “Resurrection” was initially released in Australia in October 1999 and soon thereafter became available worldwide via the Internet.



According to Dungeon’s bio their influences include such bands as Iron Maiden, Helloween, Blind Guardian and Gamma Ray. It’s not hard to tell they fit in with this style of music. At times they sound more “hard rock” like on the upbeat song “Let It Go.” I get the greatest charge from the more power metal orientated songs like the title track “Resurrection” when the band drifts into Gamma Ray / Helloween territory with Michael Kiske styled vocals. Why a bigger label hasn’t signed these guys is a mystery! The next track “Paradise” has a slower tempo but has a melody near the end that is very reminiscent of the intro melody line to Helloween’s classic, “I Want Out.” Besides that part of this song, the Helloween comparisons are not as pronounced. “Time To Die” and “Fight” are two of the stronger tracks thanks to some cool drumming with fast double footwork and some cool vocal melody lines on “Fight.” The Megadeth inspired “No Way Out” is a bit different when compared to the rest of the album but it works, even if it is not in the power metal vein. When I listen to this song with it’s more aggressive vocals I kept thinking…this sounds familiar. I can’t put my finger on it now but he sounds like someone here…maybe it will come to me in a few months. After the aggressive vocals on this one the CD switched back to the soaring clear vocals on “No Way Out” again sounding influenced by Michael Kiske although not as strong of a voice. My other favorite track on the CD is “The Legend of Huma” which has a killer intro/main theme riff. Kind of Helloween styled again.



If the right ears hear this band I’m sure someone will snatch the band up. They have all the required elements, including well-crafted songs. For more information on the band drop over to their official webpage at http://dungeon.ar.com.au