It's not often that an independent release will land on my lap and knock me straight on my ass. Eyes of Osiris manages to do that and then some. A concept album by renowned local Connecticut musicians Jay Messier and Mike Ross, Eyes of Osiris is certainly the most impressive independent release I've listened to in years. The storyline tackles UFO's, Ancient Egypt, and machines, among other very interesting things. And the music? Well, take Iron Maiden, Queensryche, and Crimson Glory and add shades of old Deep Purple, Blue Oyster Cult, and Rush and you'll get the Eyes of Osiris sound. A unique blend of Melodic Power Metal, Classic Rock, and Prog.

Lead singer/guitarist/bassist Mike Ross's versatility shines through, the man has some set of pipes!!! He can wail like Geoff Tate (Queensryche) and Midnight (Crimson Glory) or he can growl like Dickinson and Ian Gillan. Want proof? Just check out "Silent Scream" and the epic "War Machine" as living proof. Oh, and he can also play the six string. Jay Messier's thunderous drumming bursts through the speakers like a hurricane passing through town. And like a hurricane, it leaves no survivors. Jay also handles some guitar work, bass, and backing vocals, the man can do it all!!! These guys are not only excellent songwriters, as their hook-filled tune "Akhenaten Rise" shows, but they also spent some time researching the topic in which the concept album is based, which is equally impressive. Dedication, hard work, and love of music, it all shines through the Eyes of Osiris. Give these guys some financial backing and a real studio and let the bidding wars begin!!!

MetalGod's Pick - "War Machine" (6:23)

Reviewed by MetalGod