In late 1997, drummer Chris Black decided to prove wrong those who said heavy metal was a dead art. Nearby bassist Chris Kerns liked the odds. Guitarist Matt Johnsen meanwhile volunteered his wizardry, and the three went to work. By 1999, they had an album’s worth of material demoed and a powerful name: Pharaoh. There was a label ready to release two songs on a compilation. There was a cheap studio available for recording. But there was no singer. From out of nowhere (actually, through a mutual friend), the phenomenal voice of Tim Aymar gave Pharaoh its final, defining element. An experienced singer (Control Denied, Psycho Scream) with power to spare, Tim dove right into the album the group had already begun to piece together. With all four band members actively contributing, Pharaoh continued to work as a session project and eventually completed its full-length debut in late 2002. Though its earliest echoes ring back to 1997, Philadelphia, PA resident heavy metal act Pharaoh released its debut album via the Cruz del Sur Music label in 2003.

THE LONGEST NIGHT (2006) CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC

'The Longest Night' was Pharaoh's second album, released 3 years after their full-length debut. It is the same line-up since last time, and they are still signed to Cruz Del Sur Music, perhaps the most important label for classic heavy metal these days.

Pharaoh are not content with writing straight ahead traditional heavy metal, even though they musically clearly belong in that category. Rather this band sets out to expand an already stale genre. Every song is a well written composition. There is always so much going on, be it the riffing, the drumming or Tim's amazing vocals lines. The musical abilities in this band are breathtaking, and describing their music could have easily computed to that of a progressive metal band. But rest assure, Pharaoh are firmly rooted in a place where Iron Maiden, Saxon & Thin Lizzy rule. By adding touches of newer metal acts, such as Iced Earth and Steel Prophet, Pharaoh land on their own 8 feet, creating a thing that is theirs, and theirs alone. Their strength lies in the phenomenal playing. It's a joy listening to the guitars taking you on a journey, not knowing what may lie around the next corner. I also like the fact that Chris Black whips up some needed variations in his drumming, yet manages to keep an overall galloping rhythm. If I have to mention a weakness, it would have to be that each songs could use a little more individuality. They are all good on their own, but I found them hard to tell apart after the CD stopped spinning. And I think this is mostly due to Tim's way of singing. He has a wide range, but still doesn't vary all that much with his phrasing. I would also prefer a more verse and chorus distinction in some of the songs. As it stands now, they sort of blend together without much separation.  However, this is a minor complaint. And if you love your metal pure and traditional, Pharaoh is definitely a band for you.

Pharaoh quickly gained a cult following based on their first album. 'The Longest Night' helped to cement that status, and reached an even larger fan base. I have no problem in understanding why. This is a great metal platter, recorded in a time when most other metal acts set out to copy HammerFall or Helloween. Long live traditional metal, long live Pharaoh!

Killer tracks: In The Violet Fire, By The Night Sky, Fighting, Like A Ghost

Related Artists:

Control Denied