ANKOR / MY OWN ANGEL (2011)

Ankor is a melodic metal/hard rock band, with a modern touch from Spain. They were formed in 2003, they released some demos back then, and, in 2008, they released their first full-length album which was titled "Al Fin Descansar" in their mother language. Nowadays, the band is back with the brand new "My Own Angel", an album that will make this band known to a bigger audience with it's power, melodies, strong arrangements and passionate performances!
 
My first impressions of "My Own Angel" are that is about a wheel-crafted album full of heavy riffing and brilliant solos, great performances from Rosa De La Cruz and a strong musicianship. The tracks are all well- played with an inspired rhythm rotation and a very good production. The album starts with the stunning tune of "Remaining", which is the first video from this new record. The great rhythm rotation in this track flows perfectly from heavy to melodic hard rock and the guitar parts here are simply awesome!! "Completely Frozen" features some heavy riffing and it has a melody that sticks in your mind. Very good tune! "It Would Be Easier" starts with a very nice harmony and the vocal performances here are top notch. In "Awaiting Your Awakening", we have a heavy track without loosing any of its melody. Number five track is "No Matter What", my personal favourite. It's up-tempo, it has a huge melody and a great hook and chorus line. "My Own Angel" is a mid-tempo with very good vocal performances by Rosa. "Pride" is a 'modern' metal tune with a darker vibe in it. "Reborn" is an up-beat old-fashioned heavy song with backround shouts and a n excellent guitar work. The last couple of tracks, "Against The Ground" & "Starting Over", are very good too. The EVANESCENCE influences all over the album are more than obvious but that's not a problem 'cause the band achieves to keep its personal indentity.

Bottom line is that "My Own Angel" is an extremely interesting release. It moves along the 'modern' Melodic Metal sound with some 80's heavy elements without being boring! It has all the melody, aggressivity and power to hook you from the first listening and leaves you with a smile upon your face! The guitar work here is, also, solid and the vocal performances from Rosa are awesome. Well done!

HeavyParadise's Rating : 8 / 10

TRACK LIST : 1. Remaining, 2. Completely Frozen, 3. It Would Be Easier, 4. Awaiting Your Awakening, 5. No Matter What, 6. My Own Angel, 7. Pride, 8. Reborn, 9. Against the Ground, 10. Starting Over