AURON is a Russian progressive power metal band, founded in 2007
Roman Lepaev and former bassist
Sergey Kirpilenko - having been gigging ever since they have changed their line-up several times finally settling with the current line-up in early 2014. Signing up with Ukrainian label
Metal Scrap Records sparked the release of their self-titled debut album.
The album opens with the track
“Obsessions” - the track opens in a personal pet peeve of mine - shiny keyboards colliding badly with the coolness of heavy power chords - but that changes fast into fast riffing catchy riffing coupled with vocals that very clearly are influenced from NWOBHM and some tasty solos.
“Spring” starts with a melodic part coupled with the bass playing along that blasts into a much larger vibe that reminds me of
DREAM THEATER, catchy riffs and melodies showcase throughout the song. The song also has a clip on YouTube for its Russian version that is pretty unsafe for work to say the least… Influences of
Yngwie Malmsteen are definitely heard in many of the albums solos - prime example is opening solo of track
“Stranger”. Closing track
“Auron” ends the album in a rather high note - Fast and heavy riffs and chugs go hand in hand with the the melodic guitar solo that occupies most of the song. The song switches to a mode that reminds me of
IRON MAIDEN - the melodies keep going higher and higher - faster and faster to eventually come to a satisfying, show finisher ending.
This album is a very fun one to listen to - containing modern progressive metal influences such as
DREAM THEATER along with classic metal influences such as
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN,
SAXON,
SCORPIONS and many more - especially in the hair metal and British heavy metal scene. In the end, if you are looking for quality Russian cock rock - you've found your match.