Sands of Eternity – ‘Beyond The Realms Of Time’

presented their first full-length record Sands of Eternity! The band, also known by the name Hourglass SOE, released the record ‘Beyond The Realms Of Time‘, under Symmetric Records.

A few words about the band

The heavy/power metal band was formed in Athens in 1996. As Hourglass SOE, they had released two demos and their debut album “Journey To Infinity” (2002). They then disbanded despite receiving very good reviews. The guitarist and main songwriter of the band, though, Γιάννης Ιωακειμίδης, kept writing heavy/power songs over the following years. This resulted in a pile-up of material that covered an entire album.

At the same time there was a huge ‘buzz’ around the band. Proof of this was that the band's record ended up selling online for as much as $600! On top of that, quite a few forums spoke glowingly about the band. After these very peculiar circumstances, the flame was reignited in Ιωακειμίδης, who looked for ways to record his new material. And so, from the ashes of Hourglass SOE came Sands Of Eternity, a band that seems ready for anything and, by the looks of it, has a bright future ahead!

In this new band, Γιάννης Ιωακειμίδης brought along singer Μιχάλη “Dice” Παπαδάκη and producer Bob Katsionis. Together they breathed life into the material in the form of a new 10-track record, “Beyond The Realms Of Time”. The record's style stays true to the heavy/power roots of the previous outfit while evolving in sound, lyrics, compositions and aesthetic. It's something between old-school craft and a new recipe. Katsionis has taken on a big role in this. Together with Ιωακειμίδης they seem to work together flawlessly, giving the band and this new record a distinctive touch.

About the music

On “Beyond The Realms Of Time” you'll find impeccably structured songs. Tracks featuring guitars that stand out for the melodicism and atmosphere of their riffs. You'll hear techniques from every instrument reaching your ears. All of them testify to the caliber of the great musicians involved. They mesh together in an outstanding way, as if the band had been around for years! We know full well what those involved in this project are capable of. And of course, they don't miss the chance to prove it to us through all these beautiful songs.

Songs that are of course performed superbly by Μιχάλη “Dice” Παπαδάκη, who proves exactly why he was chosen to front this project. He's capable of anything, and nothing escapes him when it comes to theatricality, style, delivery and the concept itself. His voice raises the bar and more than satisfies the listener's ear.

In conclusion

If you're a fan of Warlord, Helloween, Hammerfall, Kamelot, Stratovarius and Judas Priest, then you'll thoroughly enjoy Sands Of Eternity and their new album “Beyond The Realms Of Time”. They draw influences from the above-mentioned bands, but they've managed, in the final result, to offer their own face and enrich it with well-written lyrics that move through more personal quests and paths.

Don't miss this album, which doesn't fall short on a single song, because you won't easily find the chance to enjoy such good musicians on a single release. They're here and they're really killing it! So, head over to Symmetric Records' Bandcamp right now, where you can find “Beyond The Realms Of Time” in digital or physical Deluxe Digipak CD form with an 8-page booklet, and grab it yesterday!