Harmony is a Swedish Melodic Power Metal band from Borås, Sweden which formed back in 2000 by guitarist-Markus Sigfridsson and drummer-Tobias Enbert. It wasn't long before vocalist-Henrik Bath joined the party adding a distinctive yet strong frontman to the roster. The group then recruited bassist-Andreas Olsson(Narnia) along with keyboardist-Magnum Holmberg. With a newly formed band, the group got to work and in 2001 they recorded a demo which received rave reviews and landed the band a contract with German label 'Massacre Records' in 2002. That same year, the band darkened the door of Berghem Studio to begin work on their first full-length album.
In 2003 Harmony released their debut full-length album titled 'Dreaming Awake' on Massacre Records. The production, on this release, is well done with all instruments being allowed to shine and be heard clearly.
Harmony's debut finds the band drawing from the 80's and 90's all the while incorporating progressive, symphonic, and modern touches within their arrangements. One thing that stands out on this 2003 recording is how there are times when the band seems to just break off and go into jam sessions which makes this listener very happy.
The album kicks things off with track-1 "Into The Afterlife" which is an instrumental that opens to the peaceful sound of oceanic waves. This represents the calm before the storm because a smokin' guitar solo soon follows which is not easily forgotten. Track-2 "Eternity" lyrically sets things up for the rest of the album helping one to understand just who the band's faith is really in and who the rest of the album's lyrics is actually referring to.
Frontman-Hendrik Bath brings a solid vocal performance to this debut release where we find him delivering more in the mid-range and only occasionally reaching for a higher note.
The guitar section is headed up by world renown shredder-Markus Sigfridsson who offers up a strong performance throughout this album. Sigfridsson's guitar play is tight and can move from lightening fast to a slow crawl. Then there are times when the guitars are crunchy adding plenty of variation from track to track. Sigfridsson's fret work is also showcased in the many solos found throughout the album along with some acoustic guitar play thrown in for good measure.
Bassist-Andreas Olsson(Narnia, Divinefire) brings the rumble to the band's arrangement with his heavy bass lines.
Harmony's debut finds the band drawing from the 80's and 90's all the while incorporating progressive, symphonic, and modern touches within their arrangements. One thing that stands out on this 2003 recording is how there are times when the band seems to just break off and go into jam sessions which makes this listener very happy.
The album kicks things off with track-1 "Into The Afterlife" which is an instrumental that opens to the peaceful sound of oceanic waves. This represents the calm before the storm because a smokin' guitar solo soon follows which is not easily forgotten. Track-2 "Eternity" lyrically sets things up for the rest of the album helping one to understand just who the band's faith is really in and who the rest of the album's lyrics is actually referring to.
Frontman-Hendrik Bath brings a solid vocal performance to this debut release where we find him delivering more in the mid-range and only occasionally reaching for a higher note.
The guitar section is headed up by world renown shredder-Markus Sigfridsson who offers up a strong performance throughout this album. Sigfridsson's guitar play is tight and can move from lightening fast to a slow crawl. Then there are times when the guitars are crunchy adding plenty of variation from track to track. Sigfridsson's fret work is also showcased in the many solos found throughout the album along with some acoustic guitar play thrown in for good measure.
Bassist-Andreas Olsson(Narnia, Divinefire) brings the rumble to the band's arrangement with his heavy bass lines.
In 2008 Harmony's 2003 debut full-length album 'Dreaming Awake' was reissued and re-released by Ulterium Records.
"Eternity"
Someone told you there´s a paradise
An afterlife in peace, where no one cries
Can it be there is a place beyond the skies?
Is this the truth, or the greatest among lies?
Someone told you there´s a place called hell
An afterlife in darkness, there to dwell
When you´re buried six feet deep into the ground
By whom will your soul be found?
Eternity
Where do you wanna be?
You must face the truth to see
Eternity
Waits for all of thee
Just one man can set you free
Someone told you there´s a man called Christ
Come to earth in love to save our lives (He said)
There´s a way to paradise and it´s through me
Not your works, only I can set you free
Eternity
Where do you wanna be?
You must face the truth to see
Eternity
Waits for all of thee
Just one man can set you free
We are all heading for eternity
Someone told you there´s a paradise
An afterlife in peace, where no one cries
Can it be there is a place beyond the skies?
Is this the truth, or the greatest among lies?
Someone told you there´s a place called hell
An afterlife in darkness, there to dwell
When you´re buried six feet deep into the ground
By whom will your soul be found?
Eternity
Where do you wanna be?
You must face the truth to see
Eternity
Waits for all of thee
Just one man can set you free
Someone told you there´s a man called Christ
Come to earth in love to save our lives (He said)
There´s a way to paradise and it´s through me
Not your works, only I can set you free
Eternity
Where do you wanna be?
You must face the truth to see
Eternity
Waits for all of thee
Just one man can set you free
We are all heading for eternity
Harmony draws comparison to bands like 7 Days, Recon, and Mehida so if you are a fan of these bands then you are going to love their 2003 'Dreaming Awake' release. Do yourself a favor and pick up your copy of Harmony's debut today.
Musicians:
Henrik Bath - Lead Vocals
Markus Sigfridsson - Guitars
Magnus Holmberg - Keyboards
Andreas Olsson - Bass
Tobias Enbert - Drums
Musicians:
Henrik Bath - Lead Vocals
Markus Sigfridsson - Guitars
Magnus Holmberg - Keyboards
Andreas Olsson - Bass
Tobias Enbert - Drums