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AOR DREAMZONES
UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 2003 Canada's CERAFIM bounce back with the latest Revelation CD and it's really cool AOR with a slight west coast and southern edge. The band has already released a couple of albums and the sound on this CD isn't too bad, nor are the songs.
The singer sounds like a more southern flavoured Steve Perry.
First song 'Desert Of My Heart' is catchy and melodic AOR, 'Hurricane',
reminds me of Dakota and Street Talk and is quite pompy. Then we hear the
superb 'Revelation', layered with tons of keyboards and is a catchy AOR song
reminding me of Toto, Thrills and of course Journey, and early Journey come to
that. Good song, very catchy.
Next is 'Our Love', again this is poppy West Coast AOR and has
lots of keys. Lastly 'I Believe' is heavier and more melodic, I loved this
song with it's ripping guitar work from John D'Addona and cool keys from 'Rick
Kazmirchuk, this song reminds me a little of Nightranger, Honeymoon Suite and
also Thrills.
So once again Cerafim have delivered another worthy recording,
if only they could get a label behind them to pay for a proper recording then
AOR circles would start talking about these guys.
Nicky Baldrian
UNITED KINGDOM
Progressive Newsletter, Germanywww.progressive-newsletter.deCerafim – RevelationReviewed by: Kristian Selm, January 2002 The Canadian band Cerafim has existed since 1986, with nine years passing by until the first CD “Sides Of A Different Kind” was published and released in 1995. Since then, the band has coped with changes of personnel at the microphone and the drums. During the past three years the band has been busy with follow-up material. With the new 2002 mini CD “Revelation” it now submits five new songs as a demo which tonally leaves even some mature productions looking old by comparison. Although the origins of the band tend towards melodic progressive rock, nowadays more straight style elements from melodic rock and heavier AOR define the sound. The sound pattern’s effects are very professional and instrumentally balanced, and they possess a really good singer. You will notice that Cerafim has been in business for a number of years because of their ensemble play and the arrangements sound perfectly homogenous. However, do not expect any trailblazing surprises. “Revelation” rocks from beginning to end and still shows in some stages where its true roots are based. But as in many productions that are well crafted and manufactured, Cerafim unfortunately lacks something unmistakably its own that electrifies the audience.Thus “Revelation” remains a solid rock disc with justifiable expectations for the next release. Whoever likes straight rock however, will not go wrong with this band. ___________________________________________ PROG4YOU.COM www.prog4you.com United States Reviewer: Thomas Connolly, March 2002 CERAFIM - REVELATION - Released Feb/02 I had the pleasure of listening to and reviewing the first CD from Cerafim, “Sides Of A Different Kind”, in the February installment of this website. I was pleased with what I heard. Our Webmaster here at P4Y gave me this promo disc of 5 songs from the band, which I know is a preview of the forthcoming CD Revelation. If this music is an indication of what’s to come, bring it on guys. What we have is an ambitious new sound then previous work made by the band. With the myriad of heavier guitar sounds that they are forging; this creates a sharper edge to the music. I like the direction the band is going in, but I also like them to take some chances with the music, mix it up, keep the listening audience guessing more about what’s to come. Take it from me music lovers; check out the Cerafim CD Revelation when it’s released. The promo gave me a taste of
what’s to come from the band; I can’t wait for the main meal. _____________________________________ PROG4YOU.COM www.prog4you.com United States Reviewer: Thomas Connolly, February 2002 CERAFIM - SIDES OF A DIFFERENT KIND -1995 Cerafim is a Canadian band and their debut CD "Sides of a Different Kind" was released back in 1995. I cannot believe that I have been missing out on this talented band all this time. But now I am making up for lost time by playing the CD every chance I get. The music is just great melodic rock in the same vein as Saga or maybe Toto; but they really do forge a unique sound and style. All the tracks are well produced and well written, what a pleasure for the ear to enjoy. The band is made up of five first class musicians with Marcello Ciurleo on drums and back vocals, John D'Addona on guitar and back vocals, Rick Kazmirchuk on keyboards, percussion, back vocals, Jeff Morrison, lead vocals and Gabe Petho bass guitar and back vocals. As I stated earlier, this is great melodic prog-rock that you will want to play over and over again. The complex music and great melodies will bring you back for more. If you like Asia, Saga, and Genesis when Phil Collins was in control, you'll like Cerafim for sure. Please check them out and the rest of the great artists on Fossil Records at www.fossilrecords.net Rating 7 keyboards _________________________________________ Flash Magazine, December 2001: ITALY Reviewed by Andrea Bertimino CERAFIM "Revelation" Score:80 /100 I received from the Canadian band Cerafim their last five song mini-cd that shows their new artistic dimensions, coming after the excellent debut of 1995 "Sides Of A Different Kind"(an exquisite platter of Prog/AOR) and another 4-track-cd from 1999. The musical style has been modified, opting for an oblique rock that is hard to describe, because the older sound is now influenced by The Police and Peter Gabriel and several other dimensions. From this point of view, the hypnotic rhythms of "Desert of My Heart" and the pop/rock of "Hurricane" represent a break with the past (that lives in the very professional arrangements) and "Hurricane" will please the fans of Peter Gabriel, although the contest here is harder then the ex voice of Genesis is used to offering. On the other side "Revelation" and "Our Love" are on the more traditional path (only a little rougher) with a great job by John D'Addona (guitar), Rick Kazmirchuk (keyboards), Gabe Petho (bass) and Oleg Sarkissov (drums) that help to make the listening very interesting. Even if the names of the writers are not signed, I'm sure that "I Believe" has been written by the 'old guard', with that perfect balance of AOR, prog and pomp rock, but the more aggressive style of the singer gives it a more bloody result. I keep listening to "Sides Of A Different Kind" (1995), but "Revelation" witnesses the choice to face new adventures, with risks different from the well known ones, but we must respect it. A greater cure to the sound and a few touches here and there to the songwriting (but don't forget that in the past you released a great album) are the things I have to tell them, there are great expectations on you!! ________________________________________ Strutter'Zine: The Netherlands November 2001 Gabor Kleinbloesem, Editor, Strutter'zine REVELATION-CERAFIM (DEMO CDR) I reviewed the debut CD of the Canadian band CERAFIM sometime ago, and now they sent me a great new CDR with 5 songs. The band has a new singer and while musically they sound better now, they seem to have moved into a Melodic Rock direction without losing the progressive rock influences. Opener "Desert of My Heart" for example is a great high-quality semi melodic rocker like a mix between TYKETTO, VALENTINE and TESLA, but with a very melodic almost AOR type chorus. The following two songs are quite different, as "Hurricane" and "Revelation" are both great progressive rockers (like RUSH and SAGA). It's all quality on this CDR, because the 2 last tracks are also pretty good. "Our Love" is a nice 70's type progressive melodic rocker, while the closing track "I Believe" is a good progressive melodic hard rock song. The band has mixed up a lot of influences this time (happily good styles) the band's new singer has a very powerful voice (Melodic Hard rock voice), so this all combined makes the new sound of CERAFIM attractive to lots of music lovers. Check it out for yourself. (Points: 8.0 out of 10) ________________________________________ AOR UNDERGROUND. POWERPLAY MAGAZINE ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2002 United Kingdom Reviewer: Robbie Evans Cerafim sent me their debut CD "Sides Of A Different Kind" last year. The band's sound is like a glorious amalgamation of Saga, Shotgun Symphony and Asia, sounds good doesn't it ? Well let me tell you it certainly is. The whole sound has been captured by seasoned producer Nick Blagona who has worked with the likes of Deep Purple amongst others. There are a lot of progressive influences on display as well as a few pomp elements which certainly makes this a very interesting and diverse CD. They also recorded a new four track demo that they also sent me last year with a lot of the progressive elements having now been dropped leaving us with a band that now has that perfect combination that all the classic AOR bands have, dynamic choruses coupled with pomp drenched keys and explosive guitars that are never intrusive but appear in all the right places. As I said that was last year and this year the band has recorded their new five track demo called "Revelation". After repeated plays of this demo it appears that the band have gone back to the sound and style that they had on their debut CD only with a bit more punch in the guitar dept. They also seem to have dropped a lot of the keyboards that were prevalent on their past releases (dropping keyboards is never a good thing in my book). With the keyboards taking a back seat it's the turn of guitarist John D'Addona to shine as he does on the likes of "Revelation" and "I Believe" giving the songs plenty of balls. I also think that vocalist Dexter Edwards lacks the colour and versatility that his predecessors had and sounds like a man who is having difficulty coming to terms with the songs on the demo and he seems to suit the likes of "Hurricane" best. However saying that they are still one of Canada's best unsigned bands around at the moment as these songs will testify. Vocalist aside Cerafim have all the credentials to go a long way and should appeal to anybody who likes to call themselves a rock fan. All they need do is get that pompous sound of old back and they should be back in business. ________________________________________ Flash Magazine -Italy Reviewer: Andrea Bertamino January 2001 This band from Canada left me breathless with their music, a complex, melodic rock that couples a sought-after songwriting work with catchy melodies for a first quality blend of music. "Sides Of A Different Kind" is Cerafim's first album released in 1995, whose eleven songs are an endless surprise and pleasure, even if sometimes they sound dated. "Brave New World" will attract and will raise enthusiasm among the fans of AOR mixed with progressive, while the title track is a great melodic rock like Two Fire (or even better!). The lovers of the instrumental technique will above all be satisfied with the instrumental pyrotechnist "Stress" and "Man of Distinction", between Kansas, Yes and Rush, showing the skill of Marcello Ciurleo (drums), John D'Addona (guitar), Rick Kazmirchuk (keys) and Gabe Petho (bass). The slow "You're Gone Now" is a precious casket of velvety vocal harmonies and refined instrumental parts, with "Colours of Love" and "The Vision" proceeding between CITA and Prophet underlining the pompous side of Cerafim. "Man Made Money" takes again the reins of AOR, but you must listen with what fantasy the arrangements are realized! The band is still alive and sent me a preview of their forthcoming new album and the four songs included confirm that the time did not dim their talent. "Walking Through Fire" is a flaming AOR tune with a great refrain and a huge solo portion. "Angelina", more on the funky side, opens new horizons to Cerafim. "In My Life" is a fantastic ballad with those pompous openings and luxuriant keyboards and "You're The Reason" closes in beauty, a tasty hors d'oeuvre. I would not be astonished if their next movement was released via a clever label, the stuff is there and is plentiful. To have at any cost! |
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PROGROCK.COM - The First Name in Progressive Rock Reviewer: Jerry George, Owner - PROGROCK.COM
I have to listen and review so much progressive rock, it gets a bit dull and boring at times but Cerafim has definitely woken me up a bit. Nice melodies, intricate percussion and fabulous keyboards really drew me in. I would liken your music to Saga mixed with Queensryche and Marillion. An unusual combination to be sure but it works and very well at that I might add. I am trying to figure out the two best songs to add to my show. Any suggestions on which two you would like on there? They are all good in my opinion so I am having a hard time deciding. I am planning to give you guys a special feature on the site since I like the music so well. Keep up the good work and I am really looking forward to the new album. Sounds very good on the demo so far.
Radio Xymphonia, HOLLAND Reviewer: Chris Bekhuis,
What really stands out are the Michael Sadler-like vocals (Saga) and the warm guitar solos, which have that nice expansive sound. As is necessary with this type of melodic rock the production (Nick Blagona, producer) is top-notch !! The 1999 Demo proves that you are still on the right track. It is about time that Cerafim gets signed to one of those fine melodic-rock labels like MTM, Frontiers, Point or Escape. And the 1995 album really deserves a more wider availability. "We loved the CD "Sides Of A Different Kind". It's beautiful and my listeners have requested more of your music." Osmane P. Ribeiro, Program Director, Musical FM Radio 105.5, Brazil, S.A. "I really liked the "Sides Of A Different Kind" album, haven't had chance to listen to it at length but I know talent and you guys have it." Lance King, President. Nightmare Records, St.Paul, Minn. U.S.A.
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