US power metal band from Wyoming, fronted by guitarist Toby Knapp. Onward came about when Toby's former band, a death metal act called Darken, was persuaded by their record company to start playing traditional metal instead. Demos were recorded, sans vocals, and soon landed in the Century Media office. Record label, and online metal distro, Sentinel Steel helped the band land their vocalist, Michael Grant (ex-Legend Maker, ex-New Eden). The band was signed for a multi-album deal. Sadly the collaboration between band and record company got so bad, Toby put the band to rest after releasing only 2 albums. A 3rd one was recorded, but didn't see the light of day 'til 2007. Then the band was long since broken up. Their vocalist was formerly in Legend Maker.
EVERMOVING (2001) CENTURY MEDIA
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Line-up: Toby Knapp - Guitars Michael Grant - Vocals Jon Pereau - Drums Randy LaFrance - Bass |
A friend of mine buys and sells metal CD's. And this CD comes from a bunch of CD's he bought. I just grabbed some unknown bands, and checked them out. And what a surprise I got! Onward is just the kind of power metal I love! Great guitar-work, lots of cool riffs and hooks, and yet with such melody and style. Between the guitarist and the great vocalist, these guys have a winning team. There are so many great bands in this genre, but still Onward manages to stick out as one of the best! Just shortly after getting this album, I discovered that a new one was released, called 'Reawaken'. Are you a fan of Brainstorm and/or Symphorce etc, be sure to check out Onward!
Killer tracks: The Kindness Of Strangers, Onward, Witches Winter Eternal, Storm Coming Soon
REAWAKEN
(2002) CENTURY MEDIA
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Line-up: Toby Knapp - Guitars Michael Grant - Vocals Jon Pereau - Drums Chris Payette - Bass Guests: Brett Hansen - All keyboards Steve Plocica - Guest vocals on 5 |
More excellent power metal from the US. Onward are like the best band you never heard. They are certainly a hidden gem in the American power metal circuit. 'Reawaken' takes off where 'Evermoving' left off. This is pure power metal, with excellent riffs and solos, and a powerful vocal-delivery to boot. Onward reminds me a bit of Steel Prophet, and their hints of an Iron Maiden sound. But where Steel Prophet at times sound almost like they are copying their heroes, Onward have made it into their own style. It's a shame that this band was put to rest, and that not more people knew about them. Because they delivered some awesome metal tunes, while they where at it. Gotta love a band who records a Loudness cover ("Clockwork Toy")!
Killer tracks: Reawaken, The Seven Tides Of Labyrinthine, Where Evil Follows, In Due Time
THE NEVERENDING SUN (2007) METALBOLIC RECORDS
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Line-up: Toby Knapp - Guitars Michael Grant - Vocals Jon Pereau - Drums Chris Payette - Bass |
Onward's 3rd album was actually recorded way back in 2002/2003. The band demoed the songs, and booked a recording studio, as requested by their then label, Century Media. Then suddenly Century Media canceled their contract with the band, and Toby decided to lay Onward to rest. He made all the songs available for downloading off of his website. But in 2007 Metalbolic Records approach Toby about finally releasing what was to have been Onward's 3rd album on CD. The songs were digitally restored and remastered, but they are still basically demo tracks.
Therefore, since we're talking about remastered demo tracks, we're also talking sub par production. Heck, it's not even a full band playing, but rather just Toby and Michael gluing together their ideas for these songs, using a drum machine. But all these disadvantages taken into consideration, it is still great to get to hear these songs. Both Century Media releases from Onward gave me plenty of power metal pleasure. 'The Neverending Sun' is basically more of the same. The music is powerful, and only slightly progressive in nature. A song like "Mind Bomb" is even borrowing musical ideas from the black metal camp, blending it in with the bands power/prog riffing and soaring powerhouse vocals. Mainly driven forth by the riffs, all of the songs still rely heavily on the vocal melodies. The strength of the band was always the memorable songwriting, 'The Neverending Sun' shows that Onward had so much more to offer their fans. Too bad it all had to end so abruptly.
The Metalbolic Records version of 'The Neverending Sun' comes with 3 bonus tracks.
Killer tracks: Mind Bomb, Acts Of Aphrodaesia, No Miracle For Me, Triad
Onward also appear on:
V/A - 'True Metal Triumphant Volume One'
Related artists:
