EP Review “Diamonds in the Dark”, by Adrian Benegas

By Leandro Mello

Review of the new EP by Adrian Benegas, “Diamonds in the Dark”

Paraguayan composer, keyboardist and music producer Adrian Benegas returns to the heavy metal scene, releasing his second solo work, EP Diamonds in the Dark.

Known to be the founder of the symphonic metal project “Tragul”, which has the vocalist Zuberoa Aznarez of the symphonic metal band “Diabulus in Musica”. Adrian released his debut solo album in 2019, “The Revenant”, that had several male vocalists, as one of the main ones being the German Herbie Langhans (AVANTASIA, FIREWIND).

The first album, as well as the new EP, was produced by the German SASCHA PAETH, a reference within the genre, which has already produced numerous European Heavy and Power Metal bands, such as AVANTASIA, KAMELOT, RHAPSODY and EPICA.

The EP “Diamonds in the Dark” is conceptual and addresses the theme of finding yourself in a difficult situation where you are not valued, and yet not giving up and fighting. The songs speak of pain, anger, revenge, strength and struggle. Bringing an atmosphere of hope and change for something better.

According to the composer Adrian himself comments:

“It is interesting how a diamond is just a piece of coal, which has withstood time and pressure, and through difficult situations it has become a treasure. By circumventing and overcoming suffering, you can rewrite your story.”

In this EP, the main vocalist of the 5 tracks is also the vocalist Herbie Langhans (AVANTASIA, FIREWIND), who with his voice and interpretation, brings to life all the magic and feelings that each letter wants to pass. The vocalist takes us along this journey of overcoming, fighting and joy.

Track to track:

In the song that opens the EP, “Orphan of Life”, it is approached about someone who is abandoned, who does not feel fit in the world, feels that he does not belong and is not welcomed because he is different. But even so, he fights and through that he heals, frees and becomes stronger. The sound of the song starts at a fast pace and the keyboards create harmony and melody. Guitars add layers of weight to the sound, making the music more complete. The song is heavy, but has a melodic and symphonic footprint, with a beautiful ending. This song was the first single released, you can check it out below:

The second track “Poisoned Love”, opens heavy and atmospheric. The vocal chills us with the well-executed treble. There are beautiful harmonies in the changes of the phrases, thus having beautiful mixes. The lyrics talk about the character getting lost and confused in poison, in the difficulties and challenges of life. Here the sound is heavy, but not as fast as the previous one. It is also released as a single, listen below:

In the third track “Rebels”, the sound starts with the weight and harmonies of the keyboard. A good drums turn opens the way for an aggressive and fast vocal, which changes to a more melodic and sung chorus. “Rebels” talks about not giving up and fighting. The sound gives us a positive feeling and makes us want to sing together. It is a song that brings inspiration and confidence, both in terms of the lyrics and the sound. As it is a song that addresses rebellion in its message, it would be even more aggressive in some parts of the sound. However it is an excellent song that enchanted us.

In the track “Abandoned”, fourth track, the drum sound is very present. The vocal starts slower and more melodic; not losing its strength and vigor. The guitar solos in this song connect the entire melody, creating an incredible harmony, especially when the drums and guitar come together creating a beautiful sound. The song could be classified as an EP ballad, although it is not slow enough, compared to the others it is the most calm. In some parts we have the feeling that we are listening to a choir and it is really beautiful to feel. Inspiring, as the concept proposes.

In the fifth track, “Adrenaline”, o som já abre de forma mais rápida, como o nome da canção sugere. Temos um sonoro “nananana” no começo, que ficaria muito legal de cantar ao vivo em um show bem animado. O vocal segue mais alto, agudo e rápido. Apesar da música parecer melódica e lenta em algumas partes, não tem como ouvir e não querer se mexer e dançar. É uma canção mais animada com aquela vibe rock and roll. No meio da música, podemos sentir mais peso e rapidez. Instrumentais muito bem executados tecnicamente. Sobre a mensagem, a canção fala “I will never be a prisioner!”, trazendo a mensagem de esperança e determinação. Desistir e se sentir preso, jamais. A vida é cheia de altos e baixos, muitos caminhos a percorrer, mas desistir não é uma opção.

The whole EP has a sound of constant melodies and notes that are increasing, bringing us the feeling of continuity. There is no weight of depressing doom metal bands, melodic sound, here we have power and heavy metal with all its bombastic energy, creating a rich atmosphere and full of details, leaving the listener wanting to listen more and more often. My favorite track goes to “Adrenaline”. You hear and feel better, more excited, ready to cut the diamond in you. Never give up!