Guitarist Yan Leviathan was playing in local bands prior to visiting the Progpower USA III festival in Atlanta, Georgia. After that visit and the impact, Yan decided to reach for the stars and form Avian in November of 2002. Now the search was on to find musicians to fit his needs. Yan recruited a star studded line-up of super talent, David Ellefson on bass, Lance King on vocals and Johan Weingarten on keyboards adding some guest musicians for guitar solos and drums. The debut CD by Avian is alive with a flurry of killer tracks. It’s a symphony that boggles your mind.

Lance King is by far the best US power metal vocalist ever. Ellefson’s pounding bass hooking up with the keyboards, emphasizes the power in Avian. Many of the songs stand out but nothing compared to “Time and Space Part I: City of Peace” which reminds me of Dream Theater. I love the approach on this song… starting with melodic guitar running into acoustic and smack full throttle power almost a mix of Accept meets Dream Theater. 

“Queen of the Insane” is another good track that has a dark feeling sound with ripping guitar work. “Last Moon” (instrumental) has the touching feeling of love and eternity that could bring a tear to your eyes. Not to leave you in a sentimental mood, Avian bounces right back with hardcore power metal with “The Depths of Time.