AraPacis

Stunning debut release - 95%
Written by ruigeroeland on September 28th, 2007
http://www.metal-archives.com/review.php?id=119408
I had this band’s debut and so far only release on my wish list for quite some time now, without really knowing what they sounded like. I read some positive reviews online though, labeling them as a blend of pop/rock/hard rock or as a progressive gothic metal band. Comparing them to Rush with Avril Lavigne on vocals, Anvil and Black Sabbath. No wonder I was not sure what to expect.

To get the style of playing out of the way: after listening to the disc a couple of times I would classify them as a progressive metal/rock band with some Stoner Rock-ish moments in a couple of the songs. I think the gothic tag does not apply to them at all though and it seems this categorization is just placed upon them because they happen to have a female singer.

And what a singer she is! She is just one of those singers you like right away, without knowing exactly why, I guess she has a certain warm tone and powerful voice that’s highly enjoyable to listen too. She excels in the slower song “Histories” with it’s catchy chorus (which is an amazing song and probably my favorite after a couple of spins).

The “progressive” elements are highlighted in very enjoyable instrumental parts in the more up-tempo songs. Showing off the skills of the band. These guys are all excellent with their instruments! Although they utilize some song structures that would classify them as progressive, I must stress that this is not the showing off, “hey look at how good I am with my guitar” sort of progressive, but always has a rocky head bopping edge.

I am quite impressed with this debut release. This band deserves to be heard!

Note: I read the singer has left the band since the release of this disc though, and I truly hope they found a suitable replacement.
- Metal-Archives.com

ARAPACIS, what great name for a band! Hailing from Canada, and
undoubtely influenced by the old arena rockers and the gothic metal
scene of today. If you combine the two music styles, you'll come
close to the sound on "So Many Leapers". Shelsey's crystal clear
vocals match pretty well to the long instrumental songs of the band.
What would RUSH sound like, when AVRIL LAVIGNE became their singer?
This band might give you the answer. A song like "Histories" for
example captures the sound of ARAPACIS in six minutes. Sometimes they
even sound LOUDER, like in "Tale Spin". And it's there, when my head
starts banging. What a mean scream and what a filthy guitar solo! Yes
baby, this is the real deal. Opener and title track "So Many Leapers"
will definitely make many rockers go wild. It may sound a bit like
BLACK SABBATH's "Symptom Of The Universe" sometimes. Do you need any
more proof that this band has got a lot of potential? Listen dear
friends, if you have supported a band like ANVIL, you just can't miss
in my book. Also wanna hear a good ballad maybe? Just wait until
you've heard "Reflections", and hear this lady pull the notes right
from her very soul. The jammy part at the end of this song is also
quite interesting. Although it might not exactly fit to a ballad type
of thing, it sounds really nice. Feel the groove in "Time's Has-Been",
which is again beefed up with a great guitar solo. This band simply
needs a special introduction on our website, because I really like
what I hear. In every song you feel the excitement that has been
written. Just tune in to "Fast Fingers", where singer Shelsey Jarvis
surprises me with some magic keyboard playing. I'd expected some
smoking guitarwork here, but don't be afraid, the fast axework is in
the same song too. They told me guitarist Jerry Fielden burned his
fingers, while playing this fast instrumental extraordinaire. Can
somebody please tame this guy, or cool him down a little? Not in
these four and a half minutes, I guess. I wonder how the band will
sound in a live setting? I didn't mention the rhythm section yet. It
consists of Ray Tessier on drums, who obviously brings in the
influences of some newer music styles, when I look at his influences
on the internet. But his drumming blends very well to the second part
of the rhythm tandem, Gab Boudreault on bass guitar. Like a good
rhythm section, they seem to be the invisible part of the band, but
they surely cannot be missed in the great sound of this wonderful
band. The last song is called "Soldier Of Fun", which is the longest
piece of art here. Again with a long instrumental part, it simply
beats the eight minutes border. Chapeaux! Is there nothing negative
to mention here? Nope, this is a killer release. We want more! Check
out http://www.arapacis.com for more information about the band and
keep an eye out for an interview with the band soon on metalmaidens.com.
- www.metalmaidens.com

I really enjoyed listening to this album even though there were only eight tracks on it. Highly influenced by early Metal bands such as AD/DC and the Goth Influenced Metal of today see´s this Canadian band doing something really cool. Shelsey Jarvis on vocals really does need to be heard - Her voice just grabs you. Musically Gab, Jerry, Ray kick ass and certainly add to the quality of this album. Going on the basis of this album ´Arapacis´ are going to be a band you will certainly hear more of in the future. Just have a listen to the title track ´So Many Leapers´ and ´Reflections´ - These tracks are quality. What helps is they actually write interesting lyrics instead of wrting ´blood gurgling´ rubbish that is usually associated with this genre of music. Production wise the engineer does a really good job and brings the best out in them. Yeah check them out! (FX Metal) 9/10
http://www.fullfrontalrecordings.co.uk/reviewlink.php?reviewid=725
- Full Frontal Recordings