The eight tracks that make up Dismal Swamp contain a good mix of heavy riffs and soaring melodies with Keller’s inviting vocals. The first single and lyrical video for the invigorating “Truth be Told” gives a sufficient inclination of the current musical structure of Sacred Dawn.
For a second album, “A Madness Within” contains a level of maturity rarely displayed in terms of confident songwriting and varied arrangements (running the gamut from 4 to 9 minutes plus in length). They fill a void left when Savatage retired, and should be able to climb the ranks in the progressive power genre.
SACRED DAWN are back with their second album, titled “A Madness With”, which is released on Dark Star Records. And believe me, these guys again delivered a fantastic album, with songs of a very high level.
Listening to the songs over and over again, the real strength and beauty of the album surfaces. Like on the first album the songs have a dark vibe over them. Sacred Dawn has once more released an album that is above average and I certainly can recommend it to you. Second mission successfully completed.
Five years after the original debut album ‘Gears Of The Machine’ and three years after its new interpretation ‘Gears Of The Machine : A New Beginning’, presents the Chicago Prog Power band SACRED DAWN its new and first concept album. After the enjoyment of listening to ‘A Madness Within’ a number of times, I must attest the mature and brilliant songwriting whichs makes the album a complete success. The 5 skilled musicians combine progressive and melodic moments with thrashy riffs and dark undertones in 10 songs which are for all stamped by the emotional and unique Leadvocals from Lothar Keller who also demonstrates his undeniable guitar talent. As well as bands like ANTITHESIS, REX MUNDI, or FALLEN SANCTUARY, SACRED DAWN demonstrates that the Genre leaders NEVERMORE or DREAM THEATHER have already been dethroned by some more musically interesting acts. After listening to the tracks ‘Demonlover’ or ‘Delirium’, everybody should agree.