Harpazo "The Crucible"

I am surprised no one posted about this super group here yet.

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"The Crucible" is the debut album from HARPAZO, a super-group formed by guitarist Marc Centanni and producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery, Ayreon).

This progressive metal rock opera is a thrilling journey through a dystopian future, merging elements of progressive and power metal with symphonic and Celtic influences. "The Crucible" is a concept album that explores a world in turmoil where technology and prophecy collide. The story unfolds across various epic tracks, weaving a tale of revolution, assassins and a charismatic leader with a dark agenda. The narrative primarily takes place in Rome, Jerusalem, New York, and Washington DC offering a rich backdrop for the complex and intense musical arrangements.

HARPAZO's unique sound is driven by its all-star lineup, featuring legendary musicians from the progressive and Christian metal scenes. Alongside Marc Centanni and Gary Wehrkamp, the album includes performances by: DC Cooper (Royal Hunt) Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord) Les Carlsen (Bloodgood) Rey Parra (Deny the Fallen, Sacred Warrior) Christian Liljegren (Narnia) Michael Drive Lee (Barren Cross, Worldview) Niklas Kahl (Lord of the Lost, Flaming Row) Lee Lemperle (Outside the Wall) Bruno Sa (Operation Mindcrime) Enzo Donnarumma (Enzo and the Glory Ensemble) Jennifer Eckhart (Jennifer K Eckhart & Stained Glass Road).

With intricate compositions and thought-provoking lyrics, "The Crucible" invites listeners into a complex world of intrigue and suspense. The album promises a deeply immersive experience that rewards close listening, revealing subtle details and atmospheric layers with each spin.

First Single:



Second single:

Amen to that, I have spun it 3 times after my pre order fulfilled so far and it gets better and better. I put this right up there with anything Avantasia has ever put out.

This is pretty epic… I just pre ordered the cd on Amazon.

Just picked this up, loving this release.  Probably not gonna win album of 2024 but a GREAT release none the less.

It sounds like it's going to be great! You have members from famous CM bands such as Bloodgood, Warlord, Barren Cross, Narnia. It looks like a great collaboration!

My Awesome Timothy wrote:Just picked this up, loving this release.  Probably not gonna win album of 2024 but a GREAT release none the less.

Concept albums are a tough breed for AotY consideration but I tried listening on shuffle and the songs kinda hold up on their own which is always good but I do agree with your assesment

Sounds pretty interesting. The album has a bit of a rocky start though, the first two songs were OK I guess but didn't really grab me.

SP posted an interview with Gary and Marc from Harpazo

I hope it's as good as y'all are saying it is, I just paid $29 for the cd (including shipping)

*sigh* I miss the good old days of my misspent youth, when I could drive down to the Christian bookstore and just grab everything that said "Intense Records" or "Pure Metal" on the spine and "demo" on the front and give the whole thing a listen first

You can listen first online.

Black Rider wrote:You can listen first online.

It's already online? Too late, already ordered

bodachi wrote:I hope it's as good as y'all are saying it is, I just paid $29 for the cd (including shipping)

*sigh* I miss the good old days of my misspent youth, when I could drive down to the Christian bookstore and just grab everything that said "Intense Records" or "Pure Metal" on the spine and "demo" on the front and give the whole thing a listen first

That price is kind of steep. I do like the album though. I think bands should do everything they can to price cds from $12-$18.

Bodachi check their FB there's a visualizer for the whole album that they shared there a couple of weeks ago.

Bronze Age wrote:

bodachi wrote:I hope it's as good as y'all are saying it is, I just paid $29 for the cd (including shipping)

*sigh* I miss the good old days of my misspent youth, when I could drive down to the Christian bookstore and just grab everything that said "Intense Records" or "Pure Metal" on the spine and "demo" on the front and give the whole thing a listen first

That price is kind of steep. I do like the album though. I think bands should do everything they can to price cds from $12-$18.

The Laser's Edge has it for $15.  Their shipping rates have always been very reasonable too.
https://www.lasercd.com/cd/crucible-0

This gives another dimension to the whole album IMO