Williamsport-bred Candlelight Red gained notoriety in 2010 when it was chosen as the winner of a national contest and scored the opening spot for Kiss at one of its shows in Pittsburgh. Keeping that momentum going, Candlelight Red recently released its debut album, “The Wreckage,” and is carving a solid position for itself at the cusp of the rock and metal genres.
“The Wreckage” opens with a brief instrumental intro, a tactic some musicians use with little success. But for Candlelight Red, it serves as a simple preamble to “The Dirt,” a punchy number with heavy guitar licks and a pushy chorus.
Both the opening and chorus on “Gone Forever” give it a contemporary edge, and its mainstream appeal paves the way for the rest of the record. Emerging midway through the album, the title track gives the listener the first taste of serious metal, with screaming vocals and cogent drumming.
“Bend and Break” is brimming with vocally forceful overtures that are complemented by the tidy and tight guitar shreds, and its guitar solo, though short, is one of the best on the album.
Though the vocal strength of lead singer Ryan Hoke is often buried within the layers of complex instrumentals, it makes a brief but pleasant advent on “Scream,” rounding out Candlelight Red’s appeal.
That appeal is also evident on “She’s Got the Look,” a cover of the 1989 Roxette song “The Look” that closes the album. Rock renditions of past pop hits can either fly or flop, and with this version, the band does the former, offering a well-done remake that toes the line rather than crossing it.
“The Wreckage” is a showcase of Candlelight Red’s greatest assets and serves as the perfect platform for introducing its unique blend of rock and progressive metal. The band offers a complete and capable collection of songs that are so tight, even a self-professed Britney Spears fan couldn’t deny the band’s delightfully dark talent.
Rating: W W W W W
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