Power metal and traditional heavy metal/NWOBHM are two styles of metal that never really got quite as big in North America. Sure, you have the older bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and, to a lesser extent, Blind Guardian. These bands though, have never quite hit the same level here as they have in Europe, selling out massive stadiums and festivals. For this reason alone, it's always shocking to hear some interesting metal of this style come out from the stateside. Well, Sacramento's Helion Prime are doing just that with their new album Question Everything.
Question Everything is actually a concept album around people through history who have ever dared to question, contend, or so much as disapprove of the status quo. Question Everything comes out in October, but the band have given us a chance to debut the new single "The Gadfly", discussing Socrates and his teachings and punishment, along with the music video that goes with it. I'm sure at this point you've heard every form of "if you like metal and <insert anything here> then check out this band", but honestly, Helion Prime takes this all the way to the edge. Tackling the teachings and life of Socrates in an interesting and informative way. Nothing against extreme metal either (considering I run Extreme of the Extreme and absolutely love the harsher side of the genre), but this is a theme that definitely only works this well with the power and traditional heavy metal.
Guitarist Jason Ashcroft discussed the album a bit, "This album has truly been amazing to work on. The idea behind it is something I've been holding on to since around the time I started the band. Aside from writing some of what I consider to be Prime's best work it was a great experience getting to work with Heather again on an album as she once again contributed her talents for the lyrics."
Helion Prime's newest single and video are available below to check out. If you're a fan of the music I definitely recommend checking out the new album Question Everything which is available through their own site. Question Everything releases October 5th and is destined to be a very, very strong album.
