“The guys from Pharaoh understand very well what makes a good metal song. Once you hear the album, it’s clear they are something like scientists of heavy metal songwriting. “Bury the Light” is their new album and it is quality metal music from beginning to end. The main thing is intelligently constructed, compact and memorable songs that will be appreciated by listeners who demand real talent in the playing and seriously good singing: whether it is Tim Aymar’s singing or Matt Johnsen’s guitars or simply the awesome songs. If you are picky and demand talent and great songs, you will find that Pharaoh is all those things.”
“Not listening to this makes you stupid. Don't be stupid. Overall: 9.5/10 (Incredible)”
“[Bury The Light] This is gritty, sinewy metal with enough technical proficiency to nuke the whales and burn the rainforests (not that I’m advocating that…officially). I expected a lot from this release and still got more than I bargained for. Pharaoh is one of the best pure metal bands out there and this gem will hopefully get them some well deserved attention and accolades. If you’ve slept on their career up until now, this is a great place to start...”
“No sophomore slump for Pennsylvania's Pharaoh – a progressive power-metal band that, following its average 2003 debut, After the Fire, really needed to define itself. Mission accomplished with The Longest Night. Let's begin with the first track, "Sunrise." Vocalist Tim Aymar (who was in Control Denied, the late Chuck Schulidner's Death offshoot) sings with a gritty power that's at once both jolting and awesome – think of a more disciplined Jon Oliva -- and he puts the bite into a monstrous and surprisingly melodic opening statement that's punctuated by a solo from original Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland. From there, Pharaoh proceeds to improve on every facet of After the Fire. Better songwriting, stronger and more diverse arrangements and more discernible (and discerning) hooks make songs like "In the Violet Fire," "Endlessly" and the title track resonate deeper and longer than anything on Pharaoh's debut but without sacrificing band members' links to thrash and speed metal.”
“It is my sincere hope that Pharaoh eventually become a paradigm by which future bands are measured.”
“The whole sound is one of immense magnitude and immeasurable power, definitely one that will grow on the listener with time. Be Gone is album of the fucking year...”
“Every note, riff, chord, lyric and beat is written with passion that reaches right through the speakers.”
“Power metal is a raging beast sometimes when the band gets it right and I have a great CD by a band that knows how to do it!”
“What more could a fan of heavy metal ask for? The answer is, not much. If you are a fan of melodic heavy metal, you will really find a lot on here you will enjoy.”
“PHARAOH continue to confirm their status of a well-oiled American heavy metal force!”
“When combined with irresistible rock enthusiasm, this spirit bring Pharaoh out of Maiden's shadow and allow the band to stand entirely on its own, independent of all "featuring ex-members of __ " plugs. If Pharaoh can continue to release albums on par with 'Be Gone', then perhaps they will be the ones to serve as a touchstone for the generations that follow.”
“Even the press photo that came with the promo CD is in good taste. No super-serious poses. No costumes or floor-length leather duster coats. Just a bunch of dudes who look like they just got off work and needed to take a photo to get the label off their backs.”
“Long after past greats like Queensryche and Fates Warning have faded into worthlessness, Pharaoh prove you don't have to play 50,000 notes or sound like Dream Theater to make intelligent metal...”
“Yep, I'm a Pharaoh zealot, and I wear that badge very proudly. As far as I'm concerned, along with a small handful of others, these dudes stand as our country's most ostensible champions valiantly waving the flag of tried-and-true traditional heavy metal...”
“Pharaoh has two rather strong aspects. The first one is of course Tim Aymar whose powerful vocals see to many enjoyable moments. What a performance. Also his way of singing leaves no point of criticism. His style reminds me a bit of Bruce Dickinson but also of the grandmaster Dio. In short: powerful, emotional en very convincing. The second strong aspect is guitarist Matt Johnsen who leaves a great impression on this album. Also the rhythm machine Chris Black and Chris Kerns is very powerful and precise.”
“Pharaoh is well worth seeking out for fans of 'darker' traditional and/or power metal. I'm happy to report that some bands do meet great expectations, and Pharoah is one of those groups.”
“Pharaoh is remarkable and powerful evidence against those who claim that heavy metal isn't what it used to be. It is heavy metal in its purest form, full of anger, bile, and pure disdain for the current state of the world. It is also a very mature, expressive, literate piece of musical art.”
“In a time where faceless Metalcore acts are basically spat at you, this album [The Longest Night] is just perfect! It brings back original Metal the way it once was and should still be today: Full of grace, burning passion, a maximum of guitar power and neat screams!”
“Although singular instances of the members of Pharaoh turning in an astounding performance could be extended indefinitely, each effort accentuates the labor of the others and transforms The Longest Night into a staggering and superior slab of heavy metal that will be musically relevant for decades to come.”
“Like all the great metal bands of our time, PHARAOH masterfully blends virtuosity, hard-as-iron toughness, and pure melody.”
“Pharaoh are able to fill a gap instead of jumping into America's New Grave of Brutish Heavy Metal. Affirmation of life, not juicy jollity; contemplation, not pointless anger management - The lump in the throat, but the fist in the air...”
“May Aymar have a prolific and successful career, as well! I would love to listen to him time and again. Yes, it is one of those voices.”
“Bottom Line: This is classic metal. This is awesome. This is Pharaoh. Long may they rule.”