Stainless MetalEagle Greece (Oct 2005) 7/10 The vocals are in very high standards and Folco Orlandini should be considered as one of the best performers in Italian heavy metal scene. It´s going to be a must-have for every fan in this era, as the promo sheet states. Disintegration Italy (Sep 2005) 7.5/10 One of the best CDs I have ever heard! The secrets of this success are many: first of all, the voice of Folco Orlandini, which is for me one of the best italian singers; a varied and never banal songwriting, with songs which frequently change rhythms and atmospheres; an adequate production; and the skills of the musicians (the affable Andrea Tito over all). Benzoworld Italy (Aug 2005) 80/100 The album opens up with "The burn", an uptempo track which displays all the qualities of the band: resolute riffing, powerful rhythm section, and ease about the arrangements (the real strenght of "Stainless"). Mesmerize play a sort of Heavy/Power Metal, classical but lively, which outclass the legions of imitators thanks to their songwriting class: well-thought keyboards inserts, perfect guitar solos in their structure and the melodies of this song are enough to make us understand Mesmerize is a band with a lot of things to say. Raw & Wild Italy (Aug 2005) The CD deserves to be listened to in every single part, and the opening track already clarify the intentions of the band: pure stainless steel! The CD goes on with a passion that is very diffucult to hear in the current metal productions. Metal Hammer Italy Italy (May & Jul 2005) 4/6 "STAINLESS" is a steel mine engraved in the last piece of the discography of Mesmerize, one of the most respected bands in the italian heavy metal panorama. The clock of time still leans to a golden and fundamental era, but its hands are holding out towards a future softened by smart contaminations. Mesmerize are here to remind us this: a great voice (in this case, the powerful and Dickinsonian one of Folco Orlandini) able to take the hand and brings to the sky good, sharp guitar riffs and thundering, square rhythms... always brings a positive result. The music of Mesmerize is made by fans, for the fans, and it is appreciated for his great genuineness. Their technical knowledge end their experience guarantees a good musical level, but the strong point of STAINLESS is comes from the excellence of the songwriting, mixed to a sincere, healthy and explicit conservative instinct. Flash magazine Italy (Jul 2005) 85/100 Is very easy to give a definition to the sound of MESMERIZE: pure heavy metal, which unite strong recalls to tradition with a moderate and never inappropriate modernism (such as the sturdy production on the rhythm guitars), ennobled by an excellent songwriting end very good technical skills of the five musicians. Tracks like the maiden-like opener "The Burn", the coriaceous "Bloody Mary" or the obscure heavy epic metal of "Triumph of the Darksword" or "Hot Lead Cold Steel" are the perfect example of this quality which often Mesmerize are able to display. German power-speed school appears in the very fast "Princess of the Wolves" with its riffs a-la Grave Digger, but Mesmerize also plays with folk, with unexpected acoustic inserts, with violins a-la Skyclad united with very heavy guitars and speed metal rhythms. The top of this mixture is the spectacular "Impossible Infinity", where celtic atospheres a-la Thin Lizzy and the more epic Iron Maiden becomes even more realistic with the vocal duet between folco Orlandini and the gothic-metal female singer Paola Bianchi (of Ludmila), and the wonderful "Windchaser", where the best Blind Guardian blend into one with reminiscences of the seventies a-la Kansas/Jethro tull. Sometimes more powerful (just like in the guitar-heaviness of "Bitter Crop"), sometimes more melodic and classy (just like in "Field Of Heroes", which reminds of Queensrÿche), MESMERIZE never leave the path of traditional metal and never miss a hit about songwriting, a fundamental fact which contributes to the building of a very involving album. Guys, this band deserves a lot more of what destiny has given them up till now: while waiting for wider horizons to open up in front of Mesmerize, you have to paye the due homage and take in firm consideration this "STAINLESS" on your next shopping list! Twilight Magazine Germany (Jul 2005) 13/15 "Stainless" cuts through your ears like a knife into butter. [...] Since the bieginning the opener "The Burn" convinces by unusual melodies and successful instrumenting. [...] Hat up. A successful disk from the Italian metalworkers, really worth to be heard. Metal News Germany (Jul 2005) 5.5/7 "Stainless" is an above average metal album, with which perhaps the Italians can achieve the the break-through that they have always deserved. High points of the album are, beside the opener "The Burn" above all, the powerful "Princess Of The Wolves", the epic suite "Triumph Of The Darksword" and "Impossible Infinity", as well as "Bloody Mary". Musicboom Italy (Jul 2005) 4/5 "Stainless" is very good work, the most various album between the ones released up till now by the band, which want to avoid to repeit themselves: this positive behaviour is surely to be appreciated. The album has some immediate moments, but it takes some time to be fully understood, and the fans of the band won't be surely disappointed. File Under The Nederlands (Jul 2005) Mesmerize show a good and finesound of metal on their fourth album. They name Iron Maiden, Helloween and Manowar as most important influences and you can hear especially the first two in the music. Mostly the songs go from a relaxed intro into full speed ahead, with lots of double giutarsolo’s and a good singer with an extra job as a siren. A big plus for Mesmerize is that they didn’t put to much in a song, which occasionally happens with Iron Maiden and Helloween. By not doing this they prevent the speedy songs turning into rush songs. Remarkably is that you actually hear a violin which gives a little folky sound to the music which for the rest is completely metal. Last song “Impossible Infinity” is a strange one, especially because of the adding of a female lead singer As far as i can say this songs doesn’t fit with the rest of the songs but never the less it’s a nice song. Violent Solutions France (Jul 2005) 14/20 [Italy] is the spearhead of a wave of bands who perfectly master their metalhead schoolbook. Mesmerize is clearly among these. [...] The Italians sign their third album, which is of excellent making. Metal Maniac magazine Italy (Jun 2005) 8/10 Mesmerize has succeeded in broadening their sound, which today travels between the Sabbath metal style of "Lure Of The Temptress", the epic atmospheres of "Hot Lead, Cold Steel" (with Vanni, singer of Wotan, guest vocals) and the folk sounds of "Windchaser", a song enriched by a violin which hits the mark. Two souls, one more traditional and another more innovative, co-exist perfectly in "STAINLESS", giving us a fresh album, various and convincing. Rock Hard Italy Italy (Jun 2005) 7.5/10 The successor of "Off the Beaten Path" has everything to become the botton-hole flower of MESMERIZE: finally the personality of the band succeed in expressing without problems; the production is very competitive and the songwriting has furtherly improved, giving birth on this record to songs which are pesonal and convincing since the first listen. STAINLESS includs fast and powerful songs just like the maidenish "The Burn"; the granitic "Hot Lead, Cold Steel" where Folco Orlandini duets with Vanni, singer of Wotan; the long "Triumph of the Darksword" a 7 minutes track where Mesmerize cheer us up with their more epic and solemn side. but it's not over, in "Windchaser" you can feel all the love of guitar player/songwriter Piero Paravidino for the english band Skyclad, thanks to the interesting folk parts, played by real violins. The new guitar player Luca Belbruno has already integrated perfetcly with the other guys of the band, and the syntony is total! With an album such as "STAINLESS", the good shape of Mesmerize is out of discussion! Truemetal Italy (Jun 2005) 80/100  As usual when one talks of Mesmerize, "Stainless" contains some surprises and a great variety through the songs. [...] "The Burn" is powerful and catchy, fast and agressive, ideal to start well but without putting off the listener. "Bitter Crop" is already a breakpoint with respect to the usual Mesmerize style: the use of Folco's voice, never this raw and aggressive, some synth and electronic effects combined to a sturdier guitar sound make this one of the most peculiar songs of the album. "Windchaser" is a song that could have been written by the best Skyclad, in which a frantic violin creates crazy folk rhythms interweaving with the guitars. [...] This "Stainless" perfectly hits the target: a melodic, catchy, varied and undoubtfully valid album. Mesmerize confirm as one of the most important bands in Italy. Rock Hard Germany (Jun 2005) 6.5/10 "Stainless" is the fourth cd of the Italians and once more a warranty for first class relating to crafts and timeless, melodic Heavy Metal. Once more singer Folco Orlandini, which already improved albums by Time Machine, Khali and Skylark with its magnificent voice, sets the musical accents in the ten Maiden/Helloween-inspired songs. Morrigan's Pit The Nederlands (Jun 2005) 4/5 "The Burn" is one of those Iron Maiden type of songs and Folco Orlandini proves to be a very good singer."Bitter Crop" is fast and aggressive, but catchy as well. "Princess Of The Wolves" is one of those fast Helloween style songs after the song starts with a riff that reminds me a lot of Brainstorm. "Triumph Of The Darksword" is a 7+ minute, very diverse song with cool riffs, quiet parts and accelerations. It climaxes in a bombastic way with driven backing "shouts". "Windchaser" is the absolute highlight of the album. The violin plays a big role here and the vocals also are a bit folky here and there. Still a non-folk fan like me can't ignore the drive and aggression of the song, which is showcased the best in the middle part where violinplayer Vito Gatto duels with the guitarists of the band, great!! "Field Of Heroes" is a good song with some aggressive riffs and some distorted vocals for a more modern touch. "Hot Lead Cold Steel" starts acoustic with some piano (by Alessandro Tiberi) and the violin, but after half a minute it already bursts out in a fast, driven song. "Lure Of The Temptress" is something very different again, more dragging, almost bluesy and I love Folco's vocals here. "Bloody Mary" starts with a cool guitar part before bursting out into one of those fast songs again, with a cool repetitive twin guitarwork in the middle and a crushing solo shortly after. I don't know who does which solos, but I gotta say I love them all on this album, praise to Piero Paravidino and Luca Belbruno! The album ends with the 10 minute song "Impossible Infinity". Very diverse, enriched by (again) violin and female vocals of Paola Bianchi (Ludmila). A beautiful epic ending of the album! Metal Invader Greece (Jun 2005) If you like classic Heavy metal you will enjoy MESMERIZE. There is a big difference than all the other Heavy Metal bands, and this is Folco Orlandini on the vocals. In my opinion this is by itself a big plus in this work as soon as Orlandini is a fantastic singer so all the songs win a few thumbs up just by his performing.[...] MESMERIZE with this album manage to show us that they are a band with good abilities and skills that is able to offer us great things in the future. Metallus Italy (Jun 2005) 8/10 The sound of Mesmerize stays fastened to a sane and powerful heavy metal of the eghties, and also some teutonic power metal... but there are also some surprises. In some track the band have sure enough tried new stylistic roads such as the violin inserts played by vito Gatto in the fascinating "Windchaser", one of the best songs of the album: it starts with a power metal structure and evolves to an intriguing and convicing folk metal. More classic and powerful are the opener "The Burn" (which displays Folco Orlandini as one of the certainties among the italian singers) and the more cadenced and obscure "Triumph Of The Darksword". In the variety of the proposal of Mesmerize there is something which stands out, and it's the very good work done by the rhythmic section Andrea Garavaglia (drums) ed Andrea Tito (bass), which always succeed in inspiring the right energy in every track of the record. This healthy heavy metal record is definetely recommended: it presents a rich composing variety which allows to taste at once a big slice of the different traditions of the heavy metal genre. Hardsounds Italy (Jun 2005) 78/100 The band probably scores a decisive point, both for the immediate and the future perspective. "Stainless" is a mature record, aggressive and articulated, which starts from far away with the right push coming from the metal of the eighties (thanks to Iron Maiden and Helloween) and arrives to the scene of today with the contamination of other elements such as folk, acoustic, vocal duets, crystalizing the whole creative effort with a production that increase the value of every sigle particular and arrangement. Led by a Folco Orladini in fine fettle, the quintet shows to be solid, firm and dynamic... virtues that are reflected directly in their songwriting. "Stainless" is not a miracle, of course, but it is a work of thick value, classy, made by the experience of musicians which have been in the scene for more than 15 years. FLOWING, with the right times and mood to move even the more static ass that you know... POWERFUL, with a historical sound which never cease to make proselytes... MODERN, which blinks the eye also to the old farts with musical identity crisis... In a word.. STAINLESS. Heavy Metal made in Italy! Metalius Germany (Jun 2005) 7.5/10 The very melodic and quickly taking off "The Burn" opens the album, which quite reflects the typical sound of the band. [...] I was surprised positively by the current cd of the Italians and I can most warmly recommend "Stainless" to all power metal fans. Sensorium Italy (Jun 2005) 78/100 Solid and well crafted tracks built around powerful and sometimes very fast rhythm sections, over which the vocal lines of a great Folco Orlandini take place. It is evident the turn which the music of Mesmerize have taken, confronted to the tradional sound of "Off The Beaten Path" (a great record anyway!). Just take as an example the long suite "Impossible Infinity", with its violin intro, the alternation of violent parts with other ones more mellow, the ethereal voice of Paola Bianchi... Everything is mixed with the technical ability of the band, and leaves a prog inprinting on the track. In my honest opinion, this is the most representatrive song of "Stainless". Traditional elements and new influences blend go give life to a mature work, really worth of consideration. This record is dedicated to the old school metal lovers, but also for those who have a stainless attitude towards heavy metal in general. Rockezine The Netherlands (Jun 2005) 8/10 This Italian quintet completely deviates from the Italian norm and standard. This isn’t your straightforward  cliché-riddled fantasy metal; this is diverse metal with a lot of different influences instead. "Stainless" opens with a  few melodic metal tracks that are catchy with heavy riffing, good vocals and a crystal clear production (by no one less  than Giovanni Spinotti known from Labÿrinth). Gradually however folk elements slip into the music as the album  progresses; a Skyclad violin here and some excellent female vocals there. When you start to think the band is starting to settle on a certain sound, they switch into something fast and furious,  only to calm down again with a more melodic passage. The huge amount of variety does it for me and keeps you hooked for  a good long time.  Words are not enough to describe the music of Mesmerize, you need to experience this yourself. Mesmerize have  definitely succeeded in creating their own sound; a very welcome change when compared to most other Italian metal acts.  Definite highlights of this release are "Princess Of The Wolves", "Lure Of The Temptress" (what a goose bump-filled  ride) and "Impossible Infinity". Kudos to these Italians, I want to hear more! Bleeding4Metal Germany (Jun 2005) 7/10 Here come the five Italians of MESMERIZE with their fourth album "Stainless". The name is a program, because we find immaculate power metal of the finest sort here. [...] The race horse here is often the vocalist Folco Orlandini. [...] It is simply good power metal with hero singing and isolated nice musical additions such as violin or piano.  Disagreement Luxembourg (Jun 2005) 7/10 The quite short opener The Burn is a fine example for classic metal the way it is very popular in Italy. Most songs are fast paced with a dynamic rhythm section that shows parallels to the some works of Iron Maiden. Stainless contains some more aggressive tracks like Bitter Crop and Bloody Mary, a very epic track called Princess Of The Wolves and even doom fans will find with Lure Of The Temptress something for their taste. My favourite track is Hot Lead, Cold Steel because its unusual structures avoid it being too metallic. Italy has a very good reputation for classic metal and Mesmerize fulfil the expectations. True metalheads should try Stainless. Kronic Italy (Jun 2005) 3.5/5 I have always had great consideration for Mesmerize, which I personally classify between the most important realities of Italian Heavy Metal, and which constanly deliver their valour release after release. The average level of the songs of the new CD is very high and it's increasing time after time, because of the good performance of the band and of Folco in particular. Metal Factory Switzerland (Jun 2005) 8.5/10 Stainless is also the music of the Mesmerize sounds itself. Here True Heavy Metal prevails. [...] "The Burn" already strikes in good Hammerfall tradition and starts thereby a strong album. Holy Metal Italy (Jun 2005) 8/10 This album is a step forward with respect to the previous "Off The Beaten Path", both for the production, much more refined, both for the sound, permeated by various influences which enrichen it without distorting its nature. [...] One of Mesmerize winning weapons is being able to create songs with a great impact and really effective choruses without falling back upon the classic clichés of the genre, the usual white voices or solos that often are just a technique exercise. Babylon Magazine Italy (Jun 2005) 6.5/10 An album with a great variety between the various songs, which confirms Mesmerize as one of the most important italian bands. Vampire Magazine The Nederlands (May 2005) A well, open produced album brings us ten new songs on an album that has an extensive amount of electric violins used, in a way that does give the album a kind of own touch. The remaining questions are: does it have enough quality and is it done with conviction, yet not overdone? The answer to those two questions is YES! It can be heard that the band has been together for long now, and that they have grown as a band. Fans of melodic German/Italian power metal who don't mind only a little originality will certainly enjoy this album. Metal Express Radio Norway / USA (May 2005) "Triumph Of The Darksword" is one of the most interesting and best songs on the CD. Here they mix several Metal qualities, and even though this is one of the longest track on the album (7 min), it doesn´t become boring. This tune starts with some amazing work on the drums, and with some nice and easy backing vocals, which almost sound like humming. Then the song moves into the guitar solo before it all breaks loose with an angry attitude sound from the vocals. There's some awesome yelling served up here. Being able to synthesize so many different influences into this song, and still managing to not sound too clichéd, is an amazing accomplishment. This song has got it all, and maybe even has got a chance for some playtime on radio stations. EUTK Italy (May 2005) 8/10 After three years, the new record of one of the best and long-lived italian bands has been released. 15 years of activity, and an exceptional singer, Folco Orlandini, known also for his collaboration to other bands such as Time Machine, Khali, and Skylark. A disposal of time and a own recording studio has allowed the band to take care of every little detail, and to have a creative effort never experienced before. Stainless! Metal Inside Germany (May 2005) The opener "The Burn" shows from to beginning where the hammer falls: here Helloween meet Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. Riffs are sharp, the guitar work captivating, even if one can not speak of innovations when listening to twin guitars, and the songs are well structured and never monotonous. On the contrary, Mesmerize want to have a certain musical quality, and never lose the red thread (hear for example the varied "Princess Of The Wolves"), which adds pleasure to the cd, in the opposite to most which comes from Italy. Likewise to praise is the fact that they don't exclusively rely on fast tracks, and they can draw the attention also in the middle speed range, for example wiht "Triumph Of The Darksword", a epic suite with a strong center section. Totally atypically for this album is the folk metal track "Windchaser": thay have also the courage to risk a bit. Powermetal Italy (May 2005) 7.5/10 The opening triplet "The Burn", "Bitter Crop" and "Princess of the Wolves" is formed by metal rides which sound compelling and groundshaking. In this new work some novelties are introduced with the folk digressions in "Windchaser" and mainly with the complex and high-flying suite "Impossible Infinity" which features acoustic guitars inserts and sweet female vocals duetting with Folco Orlandini, which confirms as one of the best singers on the national scene. As for the production, the level is excellent. In a last word, if you love the purest metal not getting this "Stainless" would be a real shame. Bloodchamber Germany (May 2005) 7/10 Also the metal presented here is stainless. The alloy is not necessarily something new, but works satisfactorily as always. And in isolated places new materials are mixed in, which get along quite well with the usual alloy. The Italian MESMERIZE plays melodic Heavy Metal, which relies mostly on the proven characteristics, but offers positive surprises again and again. [...] "Windchaser" fully convinces with a combination of usually fast riffs and acoustic sounds, and the straight very folk-like intermediate part provides for alternation.[...] Mesmerize present good Heavy Metal with "Stainless", in which the speed changes and the presence of the folk-like sounds fit very well. The Italians also offer very good lead guitar parts and solos. [...] A good album and over the average. Dreun Belgium (May 2005) Mesmerize, one of the most respected heavy metal bands in Italy, is ready again for the big shows. And the new album ‘Stainless’ is quite ok. You’ll get a 60 minutes long treat of aggressive ritmic songs. Folco Orlandini is not for nothing one of the most appreciated metal singers in Italy. Just like the first three albums, this pearl will be noticed.Best songs ‘Lure of the temptress’ and ‘Bloody Mary’. Singers Paola Bianchi (Ludmila) and Vanni Ceni (Wotan) can’t be unnoticed by their fantasy-like lyrics. But also Vito Gatto, the young promising talent, knows to give an extra to the songs. Rock Impression Italy (May 2005) Mesmerize play a very good Heavy Metal in full eghties-style. The singer Folco Orlandini is great behind the microphone, and its performance is majestic. The songs are direct and powerful, like a punch in the stomach. [...] There are heart and enjoyment, anger and sweat, in the tracks of "Stainless". There are also some folk recalls to bands such as Skyclad, but also there is stuff for the ones who love Manowar, double bassdrum solutions and epic procalamations. [...] Italian honour is still waved by a band of competent guys, who have learned the lesson of the past times, with the intelligence of personalizing it. The production is more than satisfying, so I think that everyone who loves this genre won't waste their money if they buy this record. Mesmerize are right: heavy metal is stainless, and it always will be, as long as bands like themselves are around. Metal Inside Italy (May 2005) 7/10 The album is made of ten tracks, and writing a chart or doing a boring track-by-track would be out of place. The ones who love classic Heavy Metal sound will instantly buy "Stainless". With this new album Mesmerize have showed (if ever needed) how stainless they are, just like the music they play: immortal. Off The Beaten Path Truemetal.it website Italy (May 2002) 75/100 This album strikes me above all for the instrumental construction behind every song, of a really noteworthy impact, and nevertheless for the musicians' skill who creates a powerful sonic wall. [...] This work will not disappoint any heavy metal fan, a never banal album which really deserves to be heard. [...] With these 11 tracks Mesmerize prove to be a valid band, a sure promise in our national metal scene. Metallo Italiano website Italy (May 2002) Mesmerize style is getting more and more definite: teutonic power metal influences are evident, and united to the classic metal which had great glory in the Eighties. [...] Folco Orlandini's voice is becoming more and more versatile, always giving its best also in progressive and clean-guitar parts, where great expression and good vocal control is mandatory. [...] With this Off The Beaten Path, Mesmerize have made a big step forward, that introduces them among the most praised Italian bands with a not less important feature: personality. Rock Hard magazine Germany (Apr 2002) 7.5/10 Metal Covenant website Sweden (Apr 2002) 8.5/10 And this is definitely traditional pure and honest heavy metal of a very high class and on a few songs one also finds very strong power metal parts. Another good thing too is that Mesmerize is definitely not just another "Italian Rhapsody copy" but a band with a style completely their own. Off the Beaten Path is a great album and contains just what a good metal album should have. I have in the time of writing listened to the album three times and this is one of those nice releases that constantly keep getting better and better. The overall sound is very melodic heavy metal with very good vocals from Folco Orlandini. This singing is of the high-pitch kind but in a very good way and just cut for the sound. The more power metal influenced tracks and parts of other songs are also extremely good. But what I really love about Mesmerize is the choruses and above the fantastic midsections on many of the tracks. Here we can find very melodic and rhythmic guitars and outstanding choir sing-alongs. This is a great heavy metal release and so worth adding to your album-collection. No dust collector- just a serious explosive detonator! MusicbOOm web magazine Italy (Apr 2002) 4/5 The band's roots are firmly planted in the Eighties, and their references are the big names of the genre, mainly the NWOBHM. [...] Quality is constantly high, from the Opener "Argos Died Twice" to the title-track and the exciting "Jail TV", and even the longer songs such as "Warriors (When The Battle Calls)" and "Where Skye Meets The Sea" flow really easily, sustained by a fall of classic heavy riffs, with rhythm that makes your foot tap at once, not to talk about the valuable voice of the talented singer Folco Orlandini. [...] If you love classic metal, you can't but acknowledge this band's value, now more than ever. Flash magazine Italy (Apr 2002) 85/100 Mesmerize can count on Folco Orlandini's excellent vocal skills and above all on a cohesiond and harmony really excellent, tested by thousands of troubles and mishaps. All this makes of Off The Beaten Path a really good album, powerful, melodic but not affected, with that correct dose of toughness that Eighties metal had, even in his less violent instances. [...] A certain epic component comes out in the title-track, very good song also in its more melodic passages, or in the battling and wild "Warriors", while Andrea Tito's pounding bass in "Jail TV" can't remember but the grand master Steve Harris and his Iron Maiden, in their very first rough and hard rock version. Metal reviews website (Apr 2002) 81/100 The band mixes traditional heavy metal with Power metal tendencies, while incorporating some progressive elements here and there. This in fact is a good thing, for they sound original without getting away from their Traditional Metal roots. [...] Orlandini particularly shines in the multi-dynamic title track, which includes a very Geoff Tate-like vocal during a beautiful interlude around the middle of the track. [...] The solos here are of a great quality, specially when both guitar players trade them (or what seems like it). In general the songwriting is of a high quality and the delivery of each song is very dynamic, with many influences from different bands coming into action. Psycho magazine Italy (Apr 2002) Honesty, this is the word: Mesmerize's heavy metal sounds honest to me, so out of fashion to appear really true and unique. Believe me, the songs are good, rich in ideas, ideas so simple that they appear stunning. Mesmerize's true merit is to give voice to an over-exploited genre, but which had lost its roots. Here you will only find the HM essence, and a gigantic song like the title-track is the summary of what written till now. You can't miss this if you love true and old sound in "denim and leather"! Hard Roxx on-line magazine UK (Mar 2002) 8/10 Mesmerize admit to being influenced by Iron Maiden, and it shows in most of the songs. Thankfully, though, they chuck in elements of Queensrÿche, Helloween and Judas Priest along with a healthy dollop of originality and let it simmer for five minutes until the METAL rises. Folco Orlandini has a powerful voice pitched somewhere between Geoff Tate and Bruce Dickinson, and is backed up by some thundering riffs and powerful bass and drum lines. [...] When these guys say they're metal, they're not pissing about. In the past, I've had to sit through a lot of crappy euro metal bands trying and failing to recapture the glory days of metal with half arsed albums and dodgy haircuts. Off The Beaten Path manages to sound comfortingly old yet refreshingly original at the same time. A good production coupled with excellent musicianship and vocals has resulted in an album that you would not be ashamed to play to nu metal freaks and retro hippies both. [...] I look forward to their next release. Throne Of Thorns website Italy (Mar 2002) 7.5/10 It's not common to hear a band play with such a coherence and passion, without compromises and with an ardour to praise. [...] Their real strong point is to combine speed and power to melody and with catchy choruses you can't forget easily. [...] A cast of molten metal! Invader website Germany (Mar 2002) 8/10 Epic, traditional heavy metal in the vein of Manowar, a little Manilla Road and some early Blind Guardian, stimulating the neck and forcing more than just a nod. [...] A real good longplayer which is able to shine with melodic traditional heavy metal stuff like "Pit Of The Charming Snakes", "King Of Terror" and the Blind Guardian-like epic tracks "Off The Beaten Path" and "Where Skye Meets The Sea". [...] They definitively could establish themselves with this piece of silver and blast away all the Helloween/Stratovarius clones bred in their home country. It's a definite start! Silent Scream webzine Italy (Mar 2002) 7/10 There's something not too mysterious which makes Mesmerize admirable: their credibility. No frills, no avant-garde claims; a typical bare heavy metal sound, shameless and aggressive look, huge background sincerity. [...] Songs such as "Jail TV" or the title-track are the exact summary of the CD: sweat, transport and a whole lot of Heavy Metal. Metal Abyss website Greece (Mar 2002) 9/10 Best of Feb Classic Heavy Metal at its best: fast tempos, pounding rhythms, sharp guitar riffs, thundering drums, fantastic vocals, amd imaginary lyrics themes... straight to the point. [...] The result is absolutely satisfactory. This is music played with heart, and displays the great abilities of the Italian band. [...] It's hard to choose the best songsm since every one of them is very strong and has its own dimension. [...] Mesmerize has just released a great album!!! Orion Magazine website Italy (Mar 2002) 4/6 This band doesn't care to stun the listener with special effects, but tries in all the record to strike the heart of him who approaches to this new Off The Beaten Path. The rhythm section by Andrea Tito and Andrea Garavaglia is always precise and punctual, while Piero Paravidino's and Paolo Chiodini's guitars duet creating musical backgrounds where Folco Orlandini's voice plays to excite us. [...] Music played with their hearts! Holy Metal website Italy (Mar 2002) 8/10 [Mesmerize] play with a freshness and a will to entertain themselves and the audience that many bands have lost nowadays to pursue affected solos or complicated and over-long songs. [...] The title track is a wonderful song which unites perfectly melody to speed, whith stinging guitar riffs, very nice effects of overlapping vocals and suggestive acoustic parts. [...] Off The Beaten Path deserves a more than positive judgement. Sweet Suffering e-zine Germany (Mar 2002) 8/10 Mesmerize doesn’t sound like just any other new power/heavy metal band (although they borrow quite a lot from the classic bands), much due to the fact that there is actually some power in their music, and the lyrics aren’t only about mighty warriors fighting even mightier dragons or whatever. [...] Either way, for fans of old school heavy metal with a twist of the newer power metal acts a safe bet. If you ask me this is probably the best band from Italy right now. Metal Realm website Greece (Mar 2002) 7.5/10 Folco Orlandini's band hit back with a good work! What is it all about? Pure, fresh, straight-into-your-face heavy metal! Characterized by its heavy/true/epic attitude and Folco's extraordinary voice, this release manages to be interesting and remain so until its last moments, due to very good compositions! What's important here is that, although Mesmerize's style is not new nor unique, band manages to deliver a very fresh-sounding album with powerful compositions which lack neither straightness nor complexity. This means that the album is not just another childish copy of older legendary works, but also not too complicated or tiring. For me, Mesmerize have found their sound's golden section here, and the only thing I wish is their next album to have more really good songs than this one. The Metal Observer website Germany (Mar 2002) 7.5/10 I am not sure, if there still are any "unbeaten" paths within this genre anymore, let's just say that Mesmerize walk paths that have not been trodden too much in more recent time, because it's some while since I had heard an album lie this one, pretty old-school, trying to differ from the rest by using strings or a few medieval influences, as on "Where Skye Meets The Sea". Production-wise pretty good they can offer us quite some really good compositions like the opening "Argos Died Twice", the fast "Off The Beaten Path", the epic "Warriors (When The Battle Calls)" or the already mentioned, a bit medieval "Where Skye Meets The Sea".[...] So, for Italy an atypical album, which does not really walk off beaten paths, but is still a good one, old-school, but not outdated, works! Metal.it website Italy (Mar 2002) 8/10 Mesmerize, without revolutionizing their sound, have surpassed themselves, succeeding in evading the "second album complex", snag which many bands fall on. With respect to the debut album, the diference in Folco Orlandini's singing is evident, being more warm and aggressive, yet raising still to terrific high pitches, but with feeling prevailing over technique.[...] Mesmerize have their own personality, and if this is mostly due to Orlandini's vocals, it's also true that they are a complete and very well mixed band, with valid elements in the rhythm section, Andrea Tito on bass guitars and Andrea Garavaglia behind the drums, and as much able guitarists, Piero Paravidino and Paolo Chiodini: five "mesmerizers" who play true music... True Metal, obviously! Nightfall in Metal Earth website France (Feb 2002) 9/10 Mesmerize is a riff-writing machine producing choruses which stick into your head in a few seconds. Listen to the bomb-tunes "King Of Terror", "Jail TV" or "Argos Died Twice" to be convinced! [...] The band's influences are always present (Iron Maiden, Manowar, Queensrÿche), but our musicians also experiment and venture "off the beaten path"; so, you discover some medieval inspirations on "Where Skye Meets The Sea". The production is very good, with no technical defect! Folco Orlandini's singing show once again his immense talent.[...] With this record Mesmerize should assert themselves as one of the leaders of the New Wave Of Italian Heavy Metal! Metalitalia website Italy (Mar 2002) 4/5 Riffs, vocals, song structures leave no doubt, this band keeps on adoring the good ol' times; the power of "Argos Died Twice" and "King Of Terror" shows a massive sound, and above all Folco Orlandini's raw and aggressive singing differentiate Mesmerize's music from modern power metal made of harpsichord and Gregorian-wanna-be choirs. Good work also from the axemen Piero Paravidino and Paolo Chiodini, grinding dirty but terrific rock riffs![...] Nothing left to do but sing the praises of "Off The Beaten Path" and congratulate wiht Mesmerize for enduring so long without declining a bit! Metal Will Never Die website Italy (Mar 2002) 8/10 Eleven heavy metal tracks which will make you bang your head endlessly.[...] "Argos Died Twice is a perfect opener with that killer riff at the beginning. Orlandini is extraordinary and drags on all the band. [...] "King Of Terror" is irresistible, supported by a fabulous chorus. The title-track requires several listenings but is on a lofty level.[...] "Jail TV", opened by bass, drums and an irresistible riff, is the classical song to listen in your car while speeding up at full throttle.[...] The record stays on excellent levels until the final "Gates Of Mercy", worthy epilogue of an album too good to be neglected. ConcreteWeb website Belgium (Mar 2002) Mesmerize proudly presents their brand-new and already third release "0ff The Beaten Path", an album which is full of ‘non-trendy’ but pure heavy metal, based on the eighties, combined with the musical knowledge that we all expect today. Immediately after the opening track "Argos Died Twice" and the hammering "King Of Terror", it’s obvious the album "0ff The Beaten Path" will surprise you for the maturity of the compositions, variety of the songs and its simply perfect production.[...] Other tracks like "Warriors", "Doom Of The Darksword", "The Ancient Prophecy" or "Gates Of Mercy "definitely will open all Italian boundaries to unleash Mesmerize into Europe to start their march to glory. Time will tell. Suburbia Magazine website Italy (Feb 2002) 4.5/5 Their debut "Tales Of Wonder" [...] is an excellent record from almost every point of view, one of the few really significant works ever released in the Italian metal scene. [...] [In the new album] the progress is truly manifest. [...] You start thinking you're in front of a record of the kind you don't see every day. [...] A great album, which confirms everything good Mesmerize have shown in the past and which, if adequately supported by promotion, could take the band really far. Metal-Guide website Greece (Feb 2002) 9/10 The band has a tight and powerful sound, with crunchy and catchy rhythm sections, nice vocals, and a very easy to get into songs. Their inspiration from Classic Metal bands and specially Maiden are sometimes too obvious but never spoil the result since their music has enough original ideas and is not copying the old ones. Their music also contain enough Epic elements just to make their music a bit similar with the modern Italian sound, but for sure their music has enough originality and personal ideas as it is. The arrangements are very good, and despite some Maiden-like parts in some of them, are well worked our and contain enough interesting ideas. The production comes to complete this good Italian suggestion, by making their music even better and pointing out all the hidden details of it. Maybe their style has not enough things left unexplored but what they do they do it very good. If you are into Classic Metal check them out. Tombstone website Greece (Feb 2002) 9/10 This is the third album of the Italians and they have done an excellent job. The music is epic and melodic and the songs are all structured well. Mr. Folco Orlandini has an absolutely amazing voice and the riffs are catchy and straight to the point. The whole album has a very epic atmosphere which is very fitting with the swords and sorcery stuff they deal with. I especially enjoyed some Maiden like twin guitars and some great melodies. The rhythm section is a rhythm machine, providing the backbone for the guitars, the vocals and the melodies to evolve and there's not even one boring song in the album. The icing on the cake comes from the almost perfect production, heavy and clear and with all the instruments leveled right. Their epic, true, power metal is as good as it can get. If you are into this type of music it's an album you don't want to lose. Metal Hammer Italy (Feb 2002) 5/6 [This] release will be one of the best Italian metal releases this year.[...] This is Mesmerize's strong point, being linear without being obvious, powerful without giving up melody and vice-versa. As it used to be in the eighties, as great bands can do... and Mesmerize have everything of a great band. Vultures Paradise Flash magazine Italy (Apr 2002) 85/100 The mighty "Vultures Paradise" offers twisted vocal lines and sudden accelerations that keep the pace of the chorus. Next, "the Cube" has a strange but very pleasant melodic metal feel, sustained anyway by a quite heavy riffing. "screams Of A Dying World", on the contrary, is a power/speed track characterized by superb stop-and-go's and solemn melodies, while the final "Chains Of Life" pays tribute to Iron Maiden, still offering peculiar melodic lines, thanks to Folco Orlandini's fantastic interpretation. Metal Will Never Die website Italy (Mar 2002) 7.5/10 One can't remain unmoved by metal gems like "Vultures Paradise" or "Chains Of Life"; a soft intro then brings us to my favourite song: "Screams Of A Dying World", which soon blows everything away with its terrific acceleration. I believe it's needless to talk about Folco Orlandini's wonderful voice, whose performance is thrilling as usual. Metalitalia website Italy (Mar 2002) 4/5 This work is made up by two CDs, both in the vein of the most uncontaminated Eighties' metal. All the guitars are huge and rocky, in the solos too, always well devised and never unnecessary; Folco Orlandini's work at the microphone is of great prominence. [...] Let me sing the praises of Mesmerize for their music and for always holding fast on their way, never selling themselves to any trend. Metallo Italiano website Italy (Mar 2002) Mesmerize raise from the masses by carefully avoiding to snatch riff and vocal lines form their musical examples. The first impression from this work is the freshness which appears in the harmonic composition of the songs, where nothing seems banal or heard before. [...] "Intense" is the most appropriate term to describe Folco Orlandini's vocal lines, defined from musical reviewers as one of the most expressive and professional singers in the Italian metal scene. Suburbia Magazine website Italy (Mar 2002) 4/5 With "The Cube" and "Screams Of A Dying World" Mesmerize really hit the gas, two tracks among the most inspired in their discography. [...] A work that I wouldn't hesitate to rate excellent. Orion Magazine website Italy (Mar 2002) 4/6 Eighties metal giants' influence, Iron Maiden above all, is evident, but this is not a trivial "cut'n'paste", but a personal reinterpretation of the sound which made those years magic.[...] The four new songs in the first CD, show much of what Mesmerize have to offer. Many Eighties-sounding riffs and solos, catchy choruses, inspired tempo changes, killer accelerations and a Folco Orlandini in an excellent shape who exhibits his usual powerful and clean singing, but is also ready to turn aggressive when in need.[...] The band's fans can rest assured to get a very good work which isn't a comfortable way out from the Underground Symphony deal, but an important piece of Mesmerize's discography. Nightfall in Metal Earth website France (Feb 2002) The first CD presents four new superb songs, more technical than the ones on the first album. The musical direction has not changed much, always big influences from Iron Maiden, Queensrÿche or Helloween. The singer Folco has once again surpassed himself![...] Everything is well executed and one must emphasize the homage to a French band of such quality as Sortilège! Tales Of Wonder Suomi Finland Perkele Finland (Jun 1999) 8+/10 You will notice that Folco's voice is absolutely fabulous in all its melodiousness. Mesmerize doesn't get too tricky and they don't beat around the bush either. If you're into no-frills, melodic speed metal in the German tradition, all of "Tales Of Wonder"'s 12 songs are good! Metal Invader Greece (Fe. 1999) 6/8 I'm only telling you to remember the name Mesmerize, because if they go on this way they will reach very high. Don't make the mistake of ignoring them, because then you will deprive yourselves of one more pleasure. Evil Surfer webzine Italy (Jan 1999) 5/6 1998 will be remembered as the year of the consecration of Italian metal in the world. After such terrific releases as Rhapsody and Labyrinth, you should add this band, whose banner is the defender faith, to your must-listen-to list. Mesmerize have all that a metal lover could desire: power, honesty, versatility and technique. Make this album yours. Heavy Oder Was?! Germany (Jan 1999) 10/12 The wizard on the front cover lets you guess what will await you inside. Mesmerize will also enchant you, if you like fast, lively but always straight Power/Heavy Metal! Their music leaves no wish unfulfilled and reminds sometimes - especially the vocals of Folco Orlandini - of Hammerfall. Steel Conjuring Greece (Dec 1998) This CD is simply delicious, highly recommended to true metal maniacs. Check this band immediately! HM Distortion Italy (Dec 1998) 6.5/10 Tales Of Wonder is an album played with passion, and this honesty appears in all the twelve songs of this debut CD.[...] The perspectives are encouraging: head on! Hellion Records Magazine Germany (Dec 1998) After enjoying this album, I am sure that heavy metal will regain its appropriate status. Just listen to the passionately performed terrific melodies, great solos and powerful vocals. Mesmerize belong to the new generation of true defenders of our music. Metal Shock Italy (Oct 1998) 3.5/5 This act wants to get where bands such as Helloween, Iron Maiden and the like have marked an ever-lasting sign, and one must admit they succeeded. Flash Italy (Sep 1998) 85/100 Tales Of Wonder is a great album of true and strong Heavy Metal, far from millenium-end modernism and exasperating technicism.[...]. This is the true spirit of Metal! Metal Hammer Italy (Aug 1998) 5/6 Mesmerize are absolutely Heavy Metal, with an elegant and classy approach which can remember of first Angra in finding really overwhelming melodic lines.