Lyken 21 are something of an oxymoron, by which I mean they serve up what can only be described as new classic Metal, and by that I do mean Metal. Think classic bands such as Megadeth, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and Dio. Rather like modern luminaries such as Avenged Sevenfold or Killswitch Engage Lyken 21 have taken their influences form old metal and recorded an album that will appeal to fans of both the old school and the more modern metal styles.

Vocalist Marton Miklos has an unusual voice, but one that suits the material perfectly. At times he sounds like a blend of Dave Mustaine and Ronnie James Dio, an odd combination to be sure but it works in this context. Likewise guitarist Oleg Lipovchenko has a good grasp of catchy riffs and is an excellent soloist. In saying that however the band would perhaps benefit from the addition of a second guitarist to fill their sound out a little during solo sections as well as to add some harmony or counterpoint guitar to the solos and to double up on the rhythm as,  on CD anyway the band’s sound is not quite as full as it could be. This may well be down to budget limitations and I have every confidence based on live reviews that the band sound much heavier live. Highlights of the album include the title track Mindstream with its very melodic overtones, the aggressive yet funky Colourblind and the riff heavy Poison Envy, not forgetting the almost progressive closer Whispered Memories.

Lyken 21 are a band that take their influences from the last twenty years of metal and present them in a style that boldly states this is the 21^st century yet retains the metal heart. One thing however that the band do have sorted is the presentation, they are definitely the complete package in terms of promotion and  merchandising. The CD arrived in a plastic presentation folder complete with a full lyrics sheet, bio photograph and press cutting, something that makes the reviewer's life much easier. They even went as far as to include a couple of T-shirts in the package but really impressed was the fact the band even have their own range of beer. I would have loved to have tasted it but Fed X were kind enough to wash the t-shirts and CD in the brew courtesy of their delivery system.

All in all Lyken 21 are most definitely a band that show a hell of a lot of promise and are just waiting for a record company to come along and run with the product and maybe re-master the album to help fill out the sound to showcase the excellent songs to their fullest potential.

Contact: www.lyken21.com

Track Listing

We The Puppets
Hail
Colorblind
Down To You
Mindstream
Coven
Serial Killer Voodoo
Poison Envy
Death Be No More
Whispered Memories

Line Up

Marton Miklos - Vocals
Oleg Lipovchenko - Guitars
David Reign - Drums
Andres DeGarcia - Bass