BENEDICTUM

VERONICA FREEMAN – VOCALSPETE WELLS – GUITARCHRIS SHRUM – BASSPAUL COURTOIS – DRUMSTONT DIAZ – KEYBOARD Following in the footsteps of such legendary bands as Warrior, Rough Cutt and Psychotic Waltz, BENEDICTUM are San Diego, California’s latest and mightiest ambassadors to the world of heavy metal.
Conjuring the power and mystique of early Rainbow and classic Savatage yet forging a sound that is uniquely their own, BENEDICTUM’s stylish, epic brand of metal delivers on all fronts: Awesome riffing, fierce rhythms, strong melodies, shredding leads and delicate textures converge at the crossroads of tradition and 21st century innovation topped off by what is truly one of the most extraordinary voices in metal, courtesy of Veronica Freeman, whose pipes have to be heard to be believed.
BENEDICTUM came to the attention of Dio guitarist Craig Goldy who was impressed enough with what he heard that he turned the group on to long-time friend and former band mate, Jeff Pilson (ex-Dokken, Dio). Equally blown away by the bands raw talent and untapped potential, Pilson took on the role of producer and recorded BENEDICTUM at his Los Angeles area studio, with ZuZu Recording production partner, former Warlock bassist Tommy Henriksen, sharing mixing duties.
The result of this collaboration was the incredible debut CD “UNCREATION”. Selected by Classic Rock magazine UK as one of the top bands to watch in 2006 and now selected by Rock Hard Germany and Classic Rock UK as one of the top 50 albums of 2006, BENEDICTUM are laying it down in a big way! After coming off of a successful tour with the legendary Doro, the future looks amazing for BENEDICTUM!
And that future begins with their powerful second release, “SEASONS OF TRAGEDY”. With new drummer Paul Courtois delivering a powerful and heart pounding performance along with bassist Jesse Wright the solid rhythm section provides the foundation for this journey into the heart of Metal. From the commando snare drum opening of SHELLSHOCK to the opus masterpiece title track, the band have truly evolved their unique take on modern metal, while still staying true to their classic roots. Rarely has a metal band come so far so fast!Here is a song by song description of the record:
DAWN OF SEASONS: An instrumental prelude to the record, introducing the “Seasons Theme”.
SHELLSHOCK: This powerful double bass rocker (courtesy of Paul Courtois) is the story of war from the perspective of the soldier.Raw and honest, with a jaw dropping guitar solo from fretmaster Pete Wells.
BURN IT OUT: A high energy musical ride on a customized sport bike! Featured on this track is an infamous guitar duel between Pete Wells and long-time Grave Digger Manni Schmidt.
BARE BONES: This gnarly rocker features legendary guitarist George Lynch on the solo. Heavy but melodic.
WITHIN THE SOLACE: Veronica screams “Vengeance is Mine” on this ballsy track as the band lays down a powerful deep hypnotic groove.The “Seasons” theme makes a reappearance as well.
BEAST IN THE FIELD: A spooky piano sets up this wild energy-filled track as Veronica sings about the beast of evil that exists in the world. The band shows their fun side as well as the track climaxes in an out of control ending that defies all description. Also another mind boggling solo from Pete Wells.
LEGACY: Veronica laments of what we all wonder- what will we leave when we’re gone, what will our legacy be? This over a hyper electric metal track that just keeps getting more and more intense.
NOBODIES VICTIM: With a cry of passion like no one else on earth is capable of, Veronica emotes on the Chorus that she’ll be nobodies victim. And I seriously doubt anyone will argue with her!
BALLS TO THE WALLS: This wall rattling rendition of the Accept classic is a real highlight of the record. Veronica’s vocal stays true to the original, but somehow weaves her powerful melodic sense into the tune in a way that would do Udo Dirkschneider proud! This track also features George Lynch on the guitar solos, as well as former Dokken and Lynch/Pilson band mate Jeff Pilson on bass.
STEEL RAIN: With a powerful, emotional vocal that goes from the softest whisper to the heaviest scream, Veronica Freeman proves herself on this piece as the world class vocalist she truly is. The song keeps with the themes of life and death, love and war in a gut-wrenching ballad of molten power. Once again the “Seasons” theme reappears.
SEASONS OF TRAGEDY: The record closes (except in Europe ) with this progressive metal masterpiece, a story of the journey of life, enlightenment and transcendence. From the monk-like chanting of the introduction to the masterful instrumental sections, this piece leaves the listener in total awe. Featured on this track are the innovative keyboard work of Chris Morgan and the brilliant guitar textures of Pete Wells. The end of the piece takes the listener on a musical journey to enlightenment, where Veronica sings, “Winter is gone, and springtime comes anon, and on…”
CATCH THE RAINBOW: This European bonus track is an acoustic version of the Dio era Rainbow standard. Also featured on all guitar fills except the middle solo is longtime Dio guitarist Craig Goldy in some amazing fretwork.