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HEIR APPARENT

Progressive Metal • United States


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Heir Apparent biography
HEIR APPARENT is an American progressive metal act formed in 1984 in Seattle, Washington by guitarist Terry Gorle, Lead vocalist Paul Davidson, bassist Derek Peace and drummer Jim Kovach. After recording their 1984 5-song demo Jim Kovach was replaced by Raymond Black. This lineup recorded HEIR APPARENTīs debut full-length studio album "Graceful Inheritance". "Graceful Inheritance" was released in Europe in January 1986 by the French, Paris based Black Dragon Records label and never saw a US release. HEIR APPARENT toured France, The Netherlands and Germany with SAVAGE GRACE to support the album.

In 1987 lead vocalist Paul Davidson was replaced by Steve Benito and keyboard player Mike Jackson was added to the lineup to make HEIR APPARENT a five-piece. This new lineup recorded HEIR APPARENTīs second full-length studio album "One Small Voice" which was released in June 1989. The band had signed a 7 album record deal in 1988 with Capitol Records/ Metal Blade but sadly dissolved even before the release of "One Small Voice".

Hellion Records released the "Triad" compilation album in 1999 and Terry Gorle reunited with bassist Derek Peace and drummer Raymond Black in 2000 to play on the Wacken Open Air festival. In the following years Terry Gorle kept the HEIR APPARENT name alive touring with various lineups. According to the bandīs myspace they are currently working on a new album.

HEIR APPARENTīs inclusion in the Prog Archives database was approved by the Progressive Metal Team. HEIR APPARENT are recommended to fans of acts such as QUEENSRYCHE, FATES WARNING and CRIMSON GLORY.

( Biography written by UMUR)

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HEIR APPARENT discography


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HEIR APPARENT top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.67 | 16 ratings
Graceful Inheritance
1986
3.65 | 20 ratings
One Small Voice
1989
3.15 | 8 ratings
The View from Below
2018

HEIR APPARENT Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

HEIR APPARENT Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

HEIR APPARENT Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

0.00 | 0 ratings
Triad
1999

HEIR APPARENT Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

HEIR APPARENT Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 The View from Below by HEIR APPARENT album cover Studio Album, 2018
3.15 | 8 ratings

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The View from Below
Heir Apparent Progressive Metal

Review by aapatsos
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

2 stars No need.

30 years after their sophomore album, Heir Apparent return to discography with three original members and the addition of a talented vocalist in Will Shaw. Shaw had joined the band a few years earlier for live shows and had proven a perfect fit, delivering the demanding vocal lines from the first two albums really well owing partly to his wide range. Despite the promising recipe, The View from Below fails to impress in most parts. It is mostly a heavy atmospheric mid-tempo album with a polished sound and predictable song-writing.

With the exception of Savior, a fast paced tune resembling techniques found in One Small Voice, we are presented with a collection of professionally-assembled songs that don't leave a lasting mark or build a cohesive story. The production is solid with deep bass lines - I would compare the overall sound and taste to Psychotic Waltz's The God- Shaped Void, but with markedly less spark. Indeed, the second highlight of the album, the closing "Insomnia", could well sit in this latter album.

Fans and modern heavy metal fans might find some interest, the rest should check out the band's debut for a truly original sound.

 One Small Voice by HEIR APPARENT album cover Studio Album, 1989
3.65 | 20 ratings

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One Small Voice
Heir Apparent Progressive Metal

Review by Gallifrey

2 stars Listening diary 26th March, 2021: Heir Apparent - One Small Voice (progressive power metal, 1989)

Some relatively inoffensive Fates Warningesque traditional prog metal that strides into the realm of being utterly offensive with a pretty tasteless cover of "The Sound of Silence" - although they wouldn't be the last ones to butcher that classic. There are moments when this borders on enjoyable, particularly in the melodies, but it's got an oversaturation of ballads and while it doesn't quite have power metal levels of cheese, it certainly is a bit hard to take seriously, especially after that cover leaves a bad taste.

4.5 (2nd listen)

Part of my listening diary from my facebook music blog - www.facebook.com/TheExoskeletalJunction

 One Small Voice by HEIR APPARENT album cover Studio Album, 1989
3.65 | 20 ratings

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One Small Voice
Heir Apparent Progressive Metal

Review by Menswear
Prog Reviewer

4 stars Holy Vocal Chords, Batman!

Steve Benito ladies and gentlemen, what a howler! Many times I surprised myself saying 'wow' under my breath. That guy can sing to Jupiter and back. In the direct vein of Goeff Tate, we can say that Benito's vocals are an hommage to Queensryche beloved singer. I can only admire such a gift and it's put to good use in this record.

The music is comparable to The Warning/Rage for Order phase of the 'ryche, so fans (like me) of this period should hurry up and give it a spin. The songs go from good to meh, with lots of axe shredding and a good layer of synthetiser to thicken up the sauce; hence, it does sounds more power metal than NWOBHM.

It's a receivable piece of work that won't drag forever and that's not too corny....but the second half has a tendency to be less inspired (read slower tempo songs). So, strong side A, not so on side B.

Solid and versatile guitar work and those 'hot-damn-that-man's-got-pipes' vocals are plenty to satisfy the Iron Maiden/Queenryche/early Dream Theater fan in you.

Put that on your list of hidden gems. Read 3 solid stars and a half.

 One Small Voice by HEIR APPARENT album cover Studio Album, 1989
3.65 | 20 ratings

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One Small Voice
Heir Apparent Progressive Metal

Review by UMUR
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars "One Small Voice" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US Power/heavy metal act Heir Apparent. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in June 1989. Itīs the successor to "Graceful Inheritance" from 1986 and features a couple of lineup changes since the predecessor as lead vocalist Paul Davidson has been replaced by Steve Benito and keyboard player Michael Jackson has been added to the lineup as a fifth member. "Graceful Inheritance" generally received positive reviews at the time of release, but as it took the band three years to release "One Small Voice", their window of opportunity had closed, and they had a hard time fully capitalizing on their otherwise promising career start. Heir Apparent split-up in 1990.

The music on "Graceful Inheritance (1986)" is melodic US power/heavy metal, with the occasional (although very rare) nod towards progressive metal. Some of the elements of that style is continued on "One Small Voice", but they have turned up the progressive part of their sound considerably, making this album a melodic US power/progressive metal release. Having included a permanent keyboard player, the presence of keyboards are obviously more dominant in the soundscape than on the predecessor, but they arenīt the focus of the music. That would still be the hard rocking riffs, melodic solos, the pounding rhythm section, and the helium high pitched vocals by Steve Benito. Benito has a strong voice and a convincing delivery. Some of his vocal sections are crazy high pitched and technically very difficult to perform, but he pulls it off with ease.

So the musicianship is on a high level on all posts, but unfortunately the songwriting doesnīt quite follow suit. There are both weak moments and strong moments on "One Small Voice", but the album is overall fragmented and inconsistent, and itīs a bit hard to know exactly what it is Heir Apparent are aiming at. The sound production is also a bit thin and doesnīt really help the compositions shine, but neither the songwriting nor the sound production are downright awful, just not as interesting or as well sounding, as they could have been. "One Small Voice" features 10 original tracks and a cover of "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel. A cover which Heir Apparent manage to put their own spin on, but still itīs nothing too special.

Heir Apparent are as mentioned obviously a well playing band, and new lead vocalist Steve Benito is a welcome addition to the group, but upon conclusion "One Small Voice" is simply a bit directionless and unremarkable. Itīs progressive but not full-on progressive, and itīs not the type of progressive metal, which would probably satisfy the Dream Theater loving progressive metal fan, but rather those who enjoy the more melodic oriented material by 80s Queensrĸche. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)

 The View from Below by HEIR APPARENT album cover Studio Album, 2018
3.15 | 8 ratings

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The View from Below
Heir Apparent Progressive Metal

Review by UMUR
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars "The View from Below" is the 3rd full-length studio album by US power/progressive metal act Heir Apparent. The album was released through No Remorse Records in October 2018. Heir Apparent formed as far back as 1983 and released their debut album "Graceful Inheritance" in 1986, to a generally positive reception and more than one raving review in the contemporary metal press. It took the band three years to release their sophomore album "One Small Voice (1989)", and unfortunately for the band their window of opportunity had closed, and they disbanded in 1990. They had a short reunitement in 1998, and reunited again in 2000 playing sporadic shows. They recorded a demo in 2003 but other than that and a couple of compilation releases, there has been no new output from Heir Apparent since the release of "One Small Voice (1989)", making "The View from Below" the bandīs first studio release in 29 years.

Quite a few things have happened on the metal scene in those years and of course also within the Heir Apparent camp. Naturally and not surprisingly there have been a couple of lineup changes since the release of "One Small Voice (1989)". Lead vocalist Steve Benito has been replaced by Will Shaw and keyboard player Michael Jackson has been replaced by Op Sakiya. The remaining part of the lineup who recorded the predecessor are bassist Derek Peace, guitarist Terry Gorle, and drummer Ray Schwartz (who in the bandīs original run went under the name Ray Black).

"Graceful Inheritance (1986)" was a decent quality US power/heavy metal release, while "One Small Voice (1989)" took the bandīs music in a slightly more progressive direction. The material on "The View from Below" is a continuation of the US power/progressive metal sound of the predecessor, but itīs generally a far more intense, dark and heavy release than anything the band have released before. Shaw is a more than capable replacement for Benito, and he delivers a strong and passionate vocal performance throughout the album. He is able to hit the high notes, but also capable of singing more raw vocals (not extreme by any means of course).

Keyboards still have an atmosphere enhancing place in the soundscape (sometimes providing the music with an epic feel), but itīs not the type of album where any instrument stand out above the others. All instruments and vocals are well balanced in the mix. Itīs a well sounding, professional, and powerful production job, which suits the material perfectly.

The material on the 8 track, 45:05 minutes long album are well written, featuring strong vocal melodies and catchy moments. Itīs predominantly slow- to mid-paced music, but "Savior" is a slightly faster-paced track, which fully showcases that Heir Apparent also master that type of musical expression. In their 1980s heyday Heir Apparent were often mentioned along artists like Queensrĸche, Crimson Glory, and Fates Warning, but itīs especially the former mentioned and their mid- to late-1980s output, which is a valid reference. "The View from Below" features some of the same almost futuristic features as Queensrĸcheīs 1986 "Rage for Order" album. Upon conclusion itīs a brilliant release on almost all parameters possible. Not genre defining nor pushing the boundaries of US power/progressive metal, but itīs a high quality release deserving a 4 star (80%) rating.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)

 Graceful Inheritance by HEIR APPARENT album cover Studio Album, 1986
3.67 | 16 ratings

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Graceful Inheritance
Heir Apparent Progressive Metal

Review by UMUR
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars "Graceful Inheritance" is the debut full-length studio album by US power/heavy metal act Heir Apparent. The album was released through Black Dragon Records in January 1986. Heir Apparent were formed in 1983 and released a 1984 and a 1985 demo tape, before being signed by French independent label Black Dragon Records for the release of "Graceful Inheritance". "Graceful Inheritance" generally received positive reviews at the time of release, but as it took the band three years to release their sophomore studio album "One Small Voice (1989)", their window of opportunity had closed, and they never managed to fully capitalize on their good career start. Heir Apparent split-up in 1990.

It's too bad, because they hit at just the right time with just the right music style. A type of US power/heavy metal with clear references to artists like Crimson Glory, Fates Warning, and especially Queensr'che, who were all fairly popular contemporary artists (some more popular than others...). The material on "Graceful Inheritance" is in the melodic end of the US power/heavy metal scale and the tracks are generally quite accessible and hook laden. Hard rocking riffs, melodic lead guitar work, a solid rhythm section, and a high pitched and clear vocal performance by Paul Davidson in front. High level performances on all posts.

"Graceful Inheritance" features a clear and detailed sound production, which suits the material well, although by today's standards it lacks some bottom end heaviness. While the quality of the material is generally high, Heir Apparent aren't the most unique sounding act on the scene, and "Graceful Inheritance" therefore doesn't stand out as much as the best releases fromt the contemporary artists mentioned above. It's a solid release, featuring high level musicianship, and a professional and well sounding production, but a more distinct sound could have elevated the material to an even higher level. As it is "Graceful Inheritance" is still a quality debut album though and it's recommendable to fans of the above mentioned artists. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)

 One Small Voice by HEIR APPARENT album cover Studio Album, 1989
3.65 | 20 ratings

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One Small Voice
Heir Apparent Progressive Metal

Review by Tarcisio Moura
Prog Reviewer

4 stars I was quite surprised when I heard this album recently. I though One Small Voice was released in the mid 90īs or later and the band was one of those so called melodic power metal groups of that era. The high pitched vocals, the epic keyboards, the fine melodies (with some obvious AOR influences) were typical of the style. But they did it all many years before, in a time you either had thrash metal bands (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth) or hard rock/glam outfits (Guns īN Roses, Motley Crüe, Bon Jovi). Along with few others, they were quite ahead of their time and it may explain why this CD didnīt make it. A real pity.

This CD is a collection of fine power metal tunes much in the vein of Queensryche and Fates Warningīs best stuff. Steve Benito even had a vocal style very similar of that of Queensrycheīs legendary Geoff Tate, which is a good thing, since the music is quite demanding in that field. Even if the songs themselves are not that much progressive, they were nevertheless quite inventive and innovative for the period. Even the apparently disastrous choice to cover such classic tune like Paul Simonīs The Sound Of Silence is successful here, giving the all too familiar radio sample a powerful arrangement that is respectful to the original melody and message. All 11 tracks are of the same quality and there are absolutely no fillers. Production is ok for 1989.

If youīre into melodic power metal with lots of personality you should not miss this CD. Rating: four strong stars.

 One Small Voice by HEIR APPARENT album cover Studio Album, 1989
3.65 | 20 ratings

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One Small Voice
Heir Apparent Progressive Metal

Review by aapatsos
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Crossing the borders of prog/AOR

The second and last (as of the time of writing) studio release of HEIR APPARENT finds them exploring new song-writing patterns and influences since the excellent debut. Being a five-piece band, with a new singer and a keyboardist on board, the shift to more prog/pomp/AOR forms - while maintaining the main power metal character - is evident.

Escaping from the classic heavy/epic vocal features of the debut, Steve Benito gives a more ''commercial'' sound to One Small Voice. Keyboards and bass playing also add to the transformation to more progressive forms. Similarly to the debut, the strong influences from Queensryche's ''The Warning'' and Crimson Glory's debut are still here, both on compositional approach (mainly guitar lines) and vocals where the high-pitched screams of Benito resemble to Geoff Tate and Midnight.

Melodic lines are regularly in place and the sound of the album is relatively more ''radio-friendly'' than the previous work, without falling in the trap of ''selling-out''. The production is clear and allows for all the instruments to sound at just about the right level. The characteristics that made HEIR APPARENT sound similar to bands of speed/power metal (i.e. Liege Lord, Agent Steel) are not as apparent in this album - slower tempos have replaced them in Alone Again, Decorated (possibly the least interesting tracks) and the title track which adds to the quality of the album with the beautiful acoustic guitars and melodic vocals.

High speed tempo tracks in this album are Crossing the Border, Young Forever and The Fifth Season which, coincidentally, include some excellent guitar work and powerful riffs; these are in my opinion the highlights of the album, though not as prog as other tunes. The rest of the tracks generally flow in a mid-tempo pomp/power metal pattern; We the People being the most interesting of all. The cover of the famous Simon&Garfunkel song does not impress me, as it does not add anything remarkable to the original version.

Although One Small Voice has not had the same impact on me as the debut (quality-wise) and besides its weak points, it contains some excellent pieces of prog/power with touches of AOR, deserving the rounding up of 3.5 to 4 stars. For influences on the latter prog/power bands of the genre, just listen to the opening riff of Crossing the Border...

 Graceful Inheritance by HEIR APPARENT album cover Studio Album, 1986
3.67 | 16 ratings

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Graceful Inheritance
Heir Apparent Progressive Metal

Review by aapatsos
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Tearing down the walls

HEIR APPARENT belong to the category of bands that release a couple of memorable albums and disappear in the haze. Bearing a beautiful, yet bizarre cover, Graceful Inheritance was the band's debut back in 1986 and rightfully claims its place among the very first prog-metal releases along with the respective albums of the ''titans'' of those ages, Queensryche and Fates Warning.

The characteristic sound of HEIR APPARENT owes a lot to the distinct voice of Paul Davidson who, broadly speaking, belongs to the class of the 80's high-pitched singers, with the addition of an epic component that reflects on the band's overall sound. For the reader, a good comparison might be Riot's Thundersteel era. The sound of the band generally approaches the late 80's American heavy/power - and speed at times - metal (Liege Lord, Fifth Angel) with a number of classic metal influences in the vein of early Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden, Killers) and Warlord (Deliver Us). Especially, the band borrows this epic aspect from the latter, while bands like Omen or Manilla Road might come in mind, particularly to the fans of epic metal.

To make things clear, this debut contains much more than conventional heavy/power metal. Although it is evident that the riffs are ''children'' of the 80's, the guitar and bass lines are played in a sophisticated, very innovative way for 1986. In particular, Gorle and Peace play like they have been together for many years, the guitar supporting the bass lines and vice versa. This chemistry is even more obvious in the most progressive moments of the albums (e.g the instrumental R.I.P.). The mid-tempo tracks of the album bear the progressiveness of early Queensryche and Crimson Glory, especially in the vocals and the emblematic high-pitched riffs. Another Candle and Hands of Destiny clearly resemble to the great moments of early Queensryche while Keeper of the Reign could have easily been a part of The Warning album.

Despite the similarities with the aforementioned bands, Graceful Inheritance maintains a unique character, blending the heavy/power metal with sophisticated tunes of a new (at the time) genre. Although many would argue that HEIR APPARENT have litte to do with progressive metal, the originality exists in the cultured approach of metal music and not necessarily in odd timings and complex arrangements; an album that could stand on the same level - and indeed has a similar approach - to albums like The Warning or Rage for Order.

Apparently, the tracks that stand out are those closer to progressive forms; Another Candle, Hands of Destiny and Keeper of the Reign are genre masterpieces. The Servant and The Cloak are the ''speedy'' highlights, while the album's last 3-4 tracks, without being weak, are the least interesting. This debut is highly recommended to power/prog metal fans that have an affinity for the 80's. For those who prefer the more complex forms of 90's onwards or technical forms, this might disappoint you. Nevertheless, one of the most important and historical albums of its category, Graceful Inheritance should be heard at least once...

 One Small Voice by HEIR APPARENT album cover Studio Album, 1989
3.65 | 20 ratings

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One Small Voice
Heir Apparent Progressive Metal

Review by Ovidiu

4 stars Well,I cannot imagine how this hystorical album doesn't have any review here?!?!Something really unexplainable and unbelieveble!In my humble opinion,this album has the importnce of a TRANSCENDENCE-CRIMSON GLORY,or NO EXIT of FATES WARNING!Yes,this album was released in the same period of time and it was considered a real imporant album in prog metal!It's a solid release and we have a sensational vocalist called STEVE BENITO,a true good voice in a low register and a keyboard player named MICHAEL JACKSON?!?!?! Funny,isn't it?JUST IMAGINE,the opening track is a very inspired song and has a serious impact on any listener which is expecting some old school prog metal 100 % American! Crunchy guitars,good keyboards playing ,in your face vocals and one impressive voice ! I repeat,HEIR APPARENT was seriously influenced by FATES WARNING and CRIMSON GLORY but this album has many excellent songs and especially the slow ones are putting in evidence the good vocalist!ONE SMALL VOICE ,the title track starts with a slow and calm intro and grows in intensity in the second part,being really dramatic in the end!The very inspired version of the SIMON AND GARFUNKEL-SOUND OF SILENCE hit proves that sometimes classical pop songs are getting new clothes in a modern interpretation and definitelly here Benito's vocals shine literally!This lbum was,unfortunatelly the last one for a band that at the time when realised this album was a very promissing and talented one,but didn't resist on the market! HEIR APPARENT was a band made of some competent musicians and Terry Gorle especially ,the guitar player, was really excellent!It's a shame ,but the 2 albums released are timeless and gave the feeling of nostalgia of some romantic and naive moments when music were made for passion for music,not to prove something from the technical point of view ,who is the fastest player ,who is the most technical or having other goal!sThey were lucky enough to have a serious label behind,but maybee the expectations were too big and the sales dissapointing...who knows?Strongly recommended for prog metal nostalgics of the '80's! 4 STARS for a memorable and,shameful underrated good album !
Thanks to UMUR for the artist addition.

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