Behind the Veil Webizine (Greece)
author: Nick "Verkaim" Parastatidis
I think that we live in good days for heavy metal music, especially if you like the 80’s sound. HAZY HAMLET from Brazil is another band that through its music pays a tribute to the 80’s metal sound. Their main influences come from the German metal scene and you can easily notice influences from bands like ACCEPT, GRAVE DIGGER and RUNNING WILD. Sometimes they also blend their sound with influences from groups like DIO (the song “Metal Revolution” is a perfect example of what I am talking about) and MANOWAR. The thing that I like the most to HAZY HAMLET and I believe that characterizes their sound is that most of their songs are mid – tempo and that gives them an epic atmosphere. No doubt, HAZY HAMLET is one of the most interesting heavy metal bands that I have listened to from Brazil and it is really strange how a label didn’t get interested in them so far. Anyway, this is a special album that applies to people who know that there is nothing better in the metal scene than a good traditional heavy metals song. The more you'll listen to 'Forging Metal', the more you'll like it. By the way their sound also reminded me of our MARAUDER and POWER CRUE in their first releases. A very good release indeed!!!!
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Hard Rock Magazine #13 (Poland)
author: Bart Gabriel
There are hundreds of releases like this one. Self financed debut release, of an unknown band. It doesn't sound very interesting, but I need to admit that this album surprised me very strongly. Under the fantastic cover artwork, there is hidden a powerful and truly interesting piece of classic heavy metal.
Brazilian Hazy Hamlet mixed what's the best in old metal: good riffs, rich arrangements and epic atmosphere, with a rather modern sound. Adding originality, in some moments a baritone voice of the vocalist joins the classic Accept-like choirs. How does it sound? Like a mixture of Sabaton and Manowar. Really.
I was listening to this album with an attention, and it proved me again, that there are still undiscovered treasures in the heavy metal underground. Great album, my congratulations.
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Metal Clube Webzine
author: Reynaldo Trombini
Faithful to 70s and 80s Heavy, the Brazilian band Hazy Hamlet, formed in 1999 in the city of Maringa, worked hard during four years for the completion of their first official disc. "Forging Metal" was produced in a fully independent way and has ten songs that talk about war, power and human degradation.
Producing a disc independently does not seem easy for Brazilian Heavy Metal bands, so it must be taken into account any failure or slippage in the production and other factors that may cause the material to lose brightness. In the case of Hazy Hamlet, the band presented during the ten tracks a satisfactory level for the situation, presenting punchy songs, thus being able to evaluate the individual level of musicians Migotto Arthur (vocals), Julio Bertin (guitar), Fabio Nakahara (bass) and Cadu Wood (drums).
The sound of the group is not limited to rescue the 70s and 80s Heavy. Tracks like 'The Beginning of the End - Part II' and fueled 'Black Masquerade' show either an "epic" facet with many choirs, backing vocals and arrangements with a medieval style with some rhythms that use of speed, providing an atmosphere that transcends even a bit of Power Metal!
"Metal Revolution" inspires the listener with catchy riffs and heavy rhythms. The voice of Arthur Migotto is tough, greedy and fits well in the style that the band has followed in "Metal Forging". Good and worthy Heavy Metal, it can not do without the guitar solos. Knowing this, Julio Bertin abuses of rapid solos on several occasions spicing even more the songs of the material.
It was this way in the calm 'Field of Crosses' (great voice!) and the fierce' Funeral for a Viking '(one of the best!), where the six strings present good melody lead guitars, that mix speed and technical bases with creative and interesting riffs. Another player who also holds the attention in the sixth track is drummer Cadu Madera, who bet on double pedals and many drum rolls! Also, 'Funeral for a Viking' has impactive backing vocals in the chorus, which refers to a kind of war cry!
The objective 'Chrome Heart' does not carry any trace of innovation. Pure Heavy Metal, of those that make you head-bang, for the weight of the guitars and the way it causes impact! And when we talk about innovation, we remember that the goal of the band on "Forging Metal" is not innovating, just express the passion of these Brazilians in Heavy Metal, speed and heavy guitars!
The final triad composed of "Chariot of Thor ',' Forging Metal 'and' The Faces of Illusion 'still brings together good points in Hazy Hamlet's favor. Exciting melody, picked rhythms and all projection of the atmosphere that Heavy Metal is able to provide. In the case of Hazy Hamlet, even better because of the extra attractions such as the epic and medieval side, bringing remarkable vocals and many choirs, at the peak of each track in question.
Looks like the Brazilians overcame well the difficulty of independently producing a work in "Metal Forging." The first battle was won, using compositions that show well situated roots and good influences, resulting in an interesting way of making good music! A good option from the south of the country!
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