Harmonize Oracle – Before The Oracle

Harmonize Oracle is an epic, dark and power metal band from Nicosia, Cyprus. Moniker for the band, Harmonize Oracle reflects the deeper meaning and philosophy behind their music. The band currently consists of; Panayiotis Takkides (bass), Harrys Peratikas (drums), Lambros Apousianas (guitars), Giorgos Constantinou (guitars) and Sozos Michael (vocals). Harmonize Oracle began its journey back in 2012, but due to some line-up changes they’ve only recorded a few singles, one full-length album Warrior in the Night (2020), and this latest 2024 EP release entitled Before The Oracle.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the band is now reborn, with a new name, a new line-up, and this aforementioned brand-new EP. Before the Oracle is actually a tribute to band’s earlier years and a sort of a tribute to their former self! The EP features one brand-new track; “Chained Spirit”, three powerful covers of; “Phoenix (Satyricon Cover)”, “Shield Wall (Amon Amarth Cover)” and “Another Holy War (Blind Guardian Cover – Imagination Song Contest)”. Finally, we can hear a remastered version of an old favorite, “Crawling Among Shadows”. Although relatively short, this EP Before the Oracle is perfectly capturing the band’s evolution while honoring their origins. Their sound is dark and atmospheric, while blending intense music with rich storytelling. I would say that band successfully combines elements of progressive & dark metal with influences from classical and symphonic music. The main source of inspiration has been a tale of kings and queens, blood and steel, but more philosophical themes have been explored on their later work.

All tracks from Before the Oracle are really nice and enjoyable, but the opening “Chained Spirit” is my favorite and one especially worth listening to, due to the freshness of the song and a proof for what this band is still capable of creating anno 2024. This particular song is also distinguished by intense guitar riffs, atmospheric touches of musical instruments and rich orchestrations, while constantly changing rhythm and tempos. The song explores band’s ‘story’s hero’s inner world and the unbearable conditions that keep us trapped’. Covers of “Phoenix (Satyricon)” and “Shield Wall (Amon Amarth)” also deserve a mention, as the band performs them well, honoring their influences, but at the same time developing their own distinctive character of the band.

The band has been exploring different sounds, gradually evolving into their unique genre of choice, with influences of melodic death, such as that of Swedish legends, Amon Amarth. Therefore, it is no surprise they chose to take their own approach of the pounding and dynamic, “Shield Wall”. Then comes EP’s longest track named, “Crawling Among Shadows”. It is a remastered version of an old classic, which sounds renewed and refreshing, while “Another Holy War” is last cover of Blind Guardian, which they performed at Imagination Song Contest. Definitely a decent way to end this comeback EP. Their superb delivery and stellar performance is accompanied by the evocative atmosphere of the music, which gives the lyrics even more weight. On the other hand, one of the best features about Before the Oracle is the multi-layered production that allows vocals (often with emotional undertones) and each instrument to shine.

Before the Oracle is a work that stands out for its complexity, lyricism and excellent technical handling of the instruments. It showcase Harmonize Oracle’s talent for creating good compositions, excellent song-writing and ditto performance. With the release of this brand-new EP the band proves that they are capable of creating musical works that stand beyond conventional forms, offering something unique and innovative. Thus, this EP is more than just music – it’s a milestone in band’s musical journey and serve as a testament for the first 12 years in band’s existence. It’s nice to see that the band’s fire burns as fiercely as ever.

Fans of progressive metal and the symphonic metal will find here a remarkable work. Before the Oracle is now on all streaming platforms; so don’t hesitate to grab your copy from here https://harmonizeoracle.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-oracle – every purchase helps keep the fire burning.

For more information on this metal quintet from Cyprus visit https://harmonizeoracle.com