PNEUMA "Anomaly"
2010
PNEUMA is second band from Costa Rica which
I heard. Someone define their music as Thrash Metal. However I hear in their compositions
many more inspirations in "Anomaly"... The heavy, technical and simultaneously melodious
subjects very reminding the play of DEATH, SADUS or CYNIC go out on first plan. Particularly
it is audible in guitar phrases and in complex parties of bass. And therefore PNEUMA
is not clean Thrash Metal, because the music possesses strong element of technical
Death Metal. However these are not only musical anomaly which appeared on album "Anomaly",
because many motives come from Hardcore, in style of BIOHAZARD or PRO-PAIN, and even
from Post Metal reminding of TOOL as well as SYSTEM OF A DOWN. However other time
you will hear the serves of Heavy/Power Metal as well as Epic and Progressive accents
sunken in melodious arrangements. In principle every tracks are surprise. The many
motives appear on the album, as early as from aggressive and sharp vocal-instrumental
serves across technical solutions until melancholy subjects, full of melodies and
calmness. Obviously the pace of such mixture is complex and various rhythmically. The
whole is very diverse. However all is connected by uniform good sound. PNEUMA presented
over 60 minutes of excellent cocktail with different Metal patents seasoned by Hardcore.
Already after one drinking you will become addicted...
|
PNEUMA
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
ADVENT OF BEDLAM "Behold The Chaos"
Envenomed Records 2010
The fans of heavy playing also act in Costa Rica...
I wonder that members of ADVENT OF BEDLAM supposed ever that the review of their album
will come into being at 4.00 a.m. in psychiatric squad... This is good, that I use
headphones because I would stimulate all patients. And I suspect, that the chaos
would become on the squad, if I would play loudly "Behold The Chaos" suddenly. The
our drugs would not suffice to take control over the patients full of anxiety. Anyway
my colleague who are in our duty-room with me also would not be content if I would
play him such kind of music. But what is the music of ADVENT OF BEDLAM? ADVENT OF
BEDLAM plays present Death Metal. I'm writing "present", because it is not the clean
or racial Death Metal. This music contains elements of furious Black Metal, which
was manifested by the some vocal-guitar motifs. Anyway the music is brutal and crushing,
well-kept in average-quick paces with melodious accents, which are here the only compromise.
Moreover particularly I liked the compositions with the mix of two different guitar subjects
which harmonize with themselves, creating coherent the whole. The tracks of "Behold
The Chaos" are complex thematically curiously. And this is the next thing, which
distinguishes ADVENT OF BEDLAM from majority of Death Metal bands. The every work
has own climate, has specific features... And the whole sounds coherently. And therefore
ADVENT OF BEDLAM is open for influences and by the way they not lose the roots. The
many Death Metal bands creates almost identical tracks, which do not distinguish
from themselves. Death Metal stopped satisfying me after several years for that reason.
However from some time such bands like GOJIRA, ADVENT OF BEDLAM made that my belief
in Death Metal comes back again.
|
ADVENT OF BEDLAM
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
SATYROS "A Day of Rain"
2009
Promo CD "A Day of Rain" contains 4 of
13 works for the second full album of Danish heavy-metalheads from SATYROS. The information
about the team shows that their music earlier was in climates of black-metal. However
the present compositions began inclining to classic metal arrangements. And really
these four works possess features of heavy-metal and even melodious death-metal and
by the way don't lose their black-metal roots (it we can notice e.g. thanks to logo
of team). Listening "And Day of Rain" we encounter very melodious and melancholy
compositions presented in pretty predatory style with the paces usually well-kept
in average rhythms. In the music I clearly hear that the spirit of black-metal did
not get lost because the spirit mainly manifests itself by the vocal and the sound
of guitars as well as by riffs structure. And the additional sounds of keys together
with the melodious riffs of guitars give the tone of mysticism, ill-boding darkness
as well as nostalgia. Moreover the many guitar solos possess heavy-metal accents,
and some riffs structures also come from clan of Goteborg reminding accomplishments
of IN FLAMES, AT THE GATES, DARK TRANQUILLITY or non-existent CEREMONIAL OATH. These
all interventions enriched arrangements and made the music more spatial, although
the sound of guitars is a little muffled. Despite of all - SATYROS has potential.
|
MySpace - SATYROS
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
PRAYING MANTIS "Sanctuary"
Frontiers Records & SLW Promotions 2009
PRAYING MANTIS exists so many years. In
the 70. years of XX century the band created the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal
(NWOBHM) together with such bands like IRON MAIDEN, ANGEL WITCH and DIAMOND HEAD.
I wonder... I am ignoramus but I have shame to admit that I never earlier did not
hear about this band. I doubt that the news about PRAYING MANTIS avoided my country.
Anyway it is the time to replenish the arrears and meet with their the newest album
promoted by SLW Promotions. The title of the album - "Sanctuary" sounds very familiar
and typically for NWOBHM . However the music from the disc is not already typical
for NWOBHM… The 10 tracks have the palpable roots in the NWOBHM. It is audible very
clearly. Although the compositions are more gentle. Here the many nostalgic guitar
melodies and vocal melodies are mixing themselves together with hard riffs of the
guitars as well as dynamic hits of the drums. The every track has the characteristic
arrangements (falling into ear very easy) e.g. a special melody, a stanza or a refrain.
However the melodious vocals (in falsetto) together with full of energy instruments
create the characteristic contrast (typical for NWOBHM). Such the serve often is the
visiting-card of bands from under the sign of NWOBHM. The dynamics of the composition
is pretty variable, although it does not undergo the extreme turns, rather the songs
with the average paces predominate here. However the possibility to the accelerations
or the decelerations also exists here. The decelerations (in style of ballads) are
here pretty frequent. The album "Sanctuary" belongs to the very romantic music of
full of melodies and also dynamics. The individual tracks are strongly marked with
a melancholy and a pompous tone. The guitar solos, the vocal exultations together
with the motives of symphonic orchestra often underline the emotions of the songs. The
disc includes the video clip "Turn The Tide" - it is the very melancholy dramatic
ballad… I admit that I did not hear so good Melodic Heavy Metal long ago.
|
PRAYING MANTIS
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
CLARICE "In This Order"
2009
Though the musicians' surnames sound in
Italian this the band comes from Germany. Francesco Ferrari is a creator and a driving
force of the compositions of CLARICE. The songs came into being by the friends' share.
And probably "In This Order" is the first album of this project. I would place this
music near a shelf with the creators of Power Metal. The lots of guitar melodies,
a dynamics and a heaviness with nostalgic and melodious vocals are here. However
the progressive keyboards also belong to characteristic features of "In This Order".
The progressive melodies make more deep and cosmic the compositions. Thanks to these
interventions the music becomes more spatial, mysterious and masterly. The works
are pretty sedate thematically as well as rhythmically. We will usually hear the
average-quick paces. Though the slower themes also appear here, which sometimes are
more melancholy, balladic and outright sweet. However in the 11 tracks I feel lack
of some super-song - the track which will make me feel an oblivion and I will desire
to listen the song without the end. Although I wonder to "Blame". The track connects
the dynamics, the catchy melodies and the progressive sounds. But if I wonder… I do
not know… I abandon the opinion for the potential listeners. I'm poring in the next
works and I additionally feel Gothic Metal traces reminding HIM music. However CLARICE
does not offer only nice for ear and sweet songs with the heavy guitars riffs but
the band gives the keyboards-guitar Hard Rock and the Jazz Rock melodies.
| |
MySpace-CLARICE
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
WYRD "Kalivagi"
Naga Productions 2009
WYRD was sent by the label Naga Productions.
I think that Naga Productions is specialist in a publishing of albums including mainly
Black Metal music. Accordingly we know that "Kalivagi" of WYRD will sound in this
climate. But the first sounds associated me with the neofolk melodies, which were
plaited with the sharp riffs … But here we have rather Pagan Metal, although this
sort of Metal is the most often a derivative from Black Metal. The "Kalivagi" is
already the eighth album of the Finnish pagans (from 1998 year of band existence)
and this time they present the climates of old Black Metal inspired by a pagan spirit.
And not only the characteristic neo-folk melodies speak for the pagan inspirations
but and the lyrics which are in a native Finnish language. Meanwhile the music presents
sharp although melodious riffs which usually are played in the average-slow paces
or are in a trance-climate. Though the work finishing the album is more stirred and
more aggressive in some the moments. Additionally the clean guitar subjects and the
sung vocals as well as the keyboard sounds hidden in a background (are playing folk
melodies) sometimes appear among these sharp vocals and the guitar hits. The climate
reminds to me STORM, the slower works of BURZUM and also in smaller degree BARATHRUM
(but rather with the cause of the pace). Generally the music is not difficult, however
it is pretty melodious, sometimes monumental and hypnotic, as well as it creates the
many darkness, a melancholy or a musing.
|
WYRD
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
THE GREAT KAT "Beethoven’s Guitar Shred"
TPR Music DVD'2009
It's looks like THE GREAT KAT is the specialist
of publication of DVD. Anyway the specific work of THE GREAT KAT has only sense during
simultaneous listening and watching. It would be difficult to listen these sounds
without watching. I think that the fans of such playing are minority. And I think
that the visual effects attract different listeners. THE GREAT KAT is well-known
as the virtuoso of guitar and the violin as well as as the original interpreter of
works of classic music, for example: Bach, Beethoven, Wagner, Mozart, Paganini and
others. Moreover the artist is the champion of shredding - It is audible and visible
in her compositions undeniably. "Beethoven's Guitar Shred" usually presents the metal
arrangements of classic works played on the guitar and the violin by the accompaniment
of the mad rhythmical section. However the works are played with improbable speed -
these are the very quick, mad and furious compositions full of solos as well as brutal
screams (in author's works). The terrific speed and the technique of play make the
short works. But from the second side I think that the listener's brain do not hold
out the longer exposition of the destructive wall of sound. The every aural experiences
of THE GREAT KAT are increased by the visual experiences. The content of the videoclips
is very controversial. There we will see the masterly technique of the artist's play
but and the scenes of violence, the tortures and the sado-masochistic fancies of THE
GREAT KAT. The hectolitre of a blood connected with the domination and with the rape
fill up almost the every second of the videoclips. Additionally the DVD also has the
educational value for meeting of the masters' works of classic music. Moreover the
DVD contains information of THE GREAT KAT as well as the grotesque animation with
the music. The whole is very dark, perverse, shocking, vampiric, blasphemous and
brutal as well as even psychotic. The DVD is not for people with the weak nerves
(there is the warning etiquette - "Parental Advisory"). Though I wonder - Will THE
GREAT KAT surprise me in future yet (since the every DVD has identical shocking
climate)?
|
THE GREAT KAT
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
HEIDEN "Obsidian"
Naga Productions 2009
HEIDEN comes from the label Naga Productions
and therefore we should expect that "Obsidian" will give us the black metal sounds.
This is in a reality. Though this is a pretty specific Black Metal, because it smells
of old school a bit as well as of the BURZUM's style. However HEIDEN decided to dress
the lyrical layer in the Czech language - and it sounds a bit oddly. Maybe therefore,
that for us - Poles - the Czech language seems funny. And it in a connection with
the black metal vocals, the recitations to music as well as with serious and dark
climate becomes somewhat astonishing. Though who knows - What do foreigners feel
when they listen of the Polish bands, with the Polish lyrics? From the musical side
- HEIDEN presents itself pretty correctly and without larger surprises. In majority
the arrangements reside in dark and the ill-boding climate, with a small note of
nostalgia. The works are kept by slow and average paces, though the quicker hits
do not lack here. However from the second side these guitar riffs sometimes sound
very dynamically and are created by the eighth notes as well as the sixteenth notes.
But however the average paces of the drums still slow down the whole. Moreover the
arrangements are enriched by the guitar solos or the clean passages, and it sometimes
provides melancholy or a psychedelic tone. In total the whole is full of an aggression
but and of a hypnotism. Who knows - Is it a homage for HELLHAMMER and BURZUM?
|
HEIDEN
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
CHAOSSTAR "Lifetime"
On Parole Productions 2009
CHAOSSTAR is a next band from stable On
Parole Productions … I do not remember when I recently listened some Slovenian metalheads
and I desire to say that I was intrigued the first sounds of "Lifetime" of CHAOSSTAR.
It is hard to classify the band sounds. I feel here a feature of Power Metal as well
as of Thrash Metal. The features are glued by a progressive glue. The specific melodies
rich in the neoclassical subjects with the melancholy breath are the proof for Power
Metal. However the heavy and dynamic subjects with an aggression and a rapacity are
the proof for Thrash Metal. Those diversification of the arrangements are neatly
connected by the complex progressive and technical accents full of the solo parties
of the guitars and the ambitious accents of the bass as well as of the drums. The
keyboard's motives are an additional fusion intensifying a very labile mood here,
oscillating from an aggressiveness until a nostalgia. Additionally I also should
say about a pretty remarkable vocal layer … The singing in a high tone with a hoarseness
and a sharpness is a leading voice. However the different vocal colors appear here.
There are more the low singings with a growling and sometimes even the feminine vocals
or the chorus. The works are a very complex and the variables. They often are with
the surprising motives and the accents in a style of a trace of a classic music or
the clean guitar sounds. The creators of "Lifetime" produced the piece of excellent
material. There we will listen the many interesting musical subjects falling into
the ears very freely (despite of the compiled arrangements). Though there are moments
when we should more concentrate oneself for receiving sounds to not overlook some
motives. "Lifetime" is the original music for the original recipients.
|
CHAOSSTAR
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
CARIGNAN "Masturbatorium"
On Parole Productions 2009
I like the label On Parole Productions
because it has various bands (with the many sorts of Metal). This time I have opportunity
to make a review of Austrian CARIGNAN. And I think that "Masturbatorium" will awaken
me from a night lethargy about 3.00 a.m. Anyway already the first sounds woke me up…
This is the short material (about 30 minutes). The guys from the band with his crushing
din deprived me the desire of a dream . Anyway "Masturbatorium" is pure Death Grind
and it would not be differently!... The merciless, brutal and heavy compositions
oscillate mainly among the quick paces with the impulses to the very quick hits and
the blasts. The monstrous growling roars on the music front. The growling also is
interlaced by the aggressive screams. Though the slower themes do not lack here.
However they are without an exaggeration - they still crush with their heaviness
and a strength. Obviously there is no place here for the superfluous solos. Although
the some riffs create a specific melodies for this music sort. The insertions pretty
typical for such bands between the tracks give the only repose from a frightfully
destructive pulp. I always wondered - Where are the such insertions come from? This
time they are the various industrial-noise samples as well as the German monologues
or the dialogues. However German language flew away from my mind long time ago and
I am not able to qualify the speeches. This looks like a the bit the audio scene
from films of B class. In total "Masturbatorium" does not distinguish itself from
among the hundreds of grindcore predators. The band simply makes a rottenness of
a brain… I do not know - Probably I would not hold out longer this noise…
|
MySpace-CARIGNAN
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
OLD CORPSE ROAD "The Echoes of Tales Once Told"
Demo 2009
When I received the disc of OLD CORPSE ROAD I did not expect Black Metal. The cover-art
misleaded me totally... but from the second side - the information announced Black
Metal horde is fascinated a British folklore, the myths and the legends... and therefore
the green of a forest from the cover-art surely was inspired above mentioned themes.
Moreover the musicians do not use the corpse-painting but they have special pseudonyms:
The Revenant, The Bearer, The Wanderer and The Dreamer. However the bands like BAL-SAGOTH,
CRADLE OF FILTH or ABIGOR are the musical fascinations of members of the team. Those
fascinations are audible in the compositions of the band. The quick and sharp black
metal sounds and the vocals full of the aggression are the main musical interventions
which are enriched by the acoustic guitars and the dark recitations. Additionally
the folk melodies and the choruses as well as the ambient keyboard create the additional
ornamentation of the composition. These three tracks of the demo are very complex
and have the diverse pace (with superiority of the very quick rhythms) and are the
multi-thematic. "The Echoes of Tales Once Told" brings a lots of a darkness, an aggression
and a remembrance of the past times. The demo also is the homage for the early scene
of the British black metal.
|
OLD CORPSE ROAD
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
THE RISING "The Rising"
2009
THE RISING is atypical project, because
it was created by the persons who never met. Moreover the two musicians live in different
continents. Jeremy Hinskton is the founder of the project - THE RISING. When he left
the USA and settled in Switzerland then he continued there his musical thirsts. However
Aaron Cloutier still lives in the USA and creates own the solo project - DAVOLA.
The two men met in a virtual space by Internet and they decided to materialize their
musical works. To be honest I say that I do not know details how the material was
recorded, but in the XXI century almost all is possible (I think about the production
of music)... "The Rising" is the title of the four tracks of the Ep. The material
was made professionally and even nobody (during listening) will not think that the
creators recorded this material in so an unconventional way. The tracks of the bass,
the drums and the part of the guitars belong to Jeremy, and the vocals and the rest
of the guitars are Aaron's authorship. The music is overthrowing totally! I do not
know earlier works of Jeremy but I know the project of Aaron - DAVOLA - and a similar
climate is in THE RISING. Maybe the two musicians prefer the similar sounds, that is...
Extreme Metal... that is the powerful mixture of Thrash/Death/Nu Metal and Hard Core
with the heavy and very dynamic the riffs (with low tuned the guitars and the bass)
as well as with the strong and aggressive hits of the drums (the passages, the blasts
and the accents) as well as with the brutal noisy singing (sometimes with the melodious
singing). The arrangements of the guitars are polyphonic. It makes really interesting
effect, it's like the controlled chaos or the crushing wall of sound. Though the solo
moments or the passages of the clean guitars also appear here. If I would have to
find some comparison... I think... for example SLIPKNOT, though THE RISING is more
brutal. The whole is the very quick and destructive material, though the decelerations
also happen here. However all is very brutal and aggressive. "The Rising" is the piece
of the very heavy, brutal and dark music.
|
MySpace: THE RISING
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
THE PROPHECY "Into The Light"
Code666 2009
I waited for the album of THE PROPHECY
very long time. I was impatient because I knew, that the team plays Doom Metal. My
impatience strengthened by the fact, that THE PROPHECY come from United Kingdom -
the cradle of Doom Metal. Moreover there is the next significant thing, the drummer
of THE PROPHECY - John Bennett was session musician of MY DYING BRIDE... These all
factors caused, that THE PROPHECY moves magnificently in doom metal climates. "Into
The Light" is the third album of the band. And of course from the beginning I had
associating with MY DYING BRIDE or with ANATHEMA (older albums). The music of the
band is the powerful, monumental and crushing force. This music has two faces. The
first face of "Into The Light" has the very heavy and dynamic guitar riffs, the
deep and monstrous growling as well as the crushing percussive hits. The second face
of the composition has the gentle melodies, the clean guitar passages and the very
nostalgic singing. These faces are changing adroitly in time of the music and create
simultaneously the heavy and dark climate full of aggression as well as the melancholic
of exultations. During the listening of the album you can experience a something
in kind of ambivalence - the simultaneous feeling of opposite feelings - in case
of THE PROPHECY - they are an aggression, an anger and an alleviation or a sadness.
This is the proof, that THE PROPHECY is able to manipulation of the listener's emotions
and lets the listener feel a madness (mainly in the time of the death metal's breaths)
as well as a deep despair. The album "Into The Light" is closed by the beautiful
and nostalgic phrase played on the cello... Now I know I will listen THE PROPHECY
many times...
|
THE PROPHECY
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
SPACED OUT "Evolution
Unicorn Digital Inc. 2008
The next time I have pleasure to review
a band from Canadian label Unicorn Digital Inc. Obviously the Canadians' music is
strongly marked a progressive breath. I think that the fans of instrumental projects
of type GORDIAN KNOT, BLOTTED SCIENCE or RON JARZOMBEK will like "Evolution". SPACED
OUT "Evolution" is a fifth studio album. The album contains the varied combinations
of Progressive Rock/Metal with Jazz Fusion. People say that the album portrays a
musicians' musical evolution. Really, this album is very rich in a various arrangements.
"Evolution" is a trip to the different levels of musical sound and a melody. The
musical space is full of the subjects and the masterly serves, the unexpected changes
of melody as well as of the hard rhythmical hits. Those neverending compositions
are very intricate and variables (I mean about an intensity of sounds). Sometimes
the melodies are showed pretty gentle and freely. Other time the music is very intensive,
maybe chaotic and very tense. Although this is an intentional effect. The "Evolution"
is pretty difficult in a perception for usual listener of rock music. In the moments
the listener has to strain pretty well to not overlook some musical subject. The
produced atmosphere is a very condensed and a heavy. Majority of time the music keeps
a tension. This all thanks to the continuous instrumental technical and masterly
serves. The whole creates a pretty psychotic and dark climate and even a cyclophrenic
climate. "Evolution" is the album for connoisseurs of typical Progressive Rock/Metal
and Jazz Fusion. The album is very matured and is planned in every millisecond. However
the lack of vocals is the minus here. The vocals would give a bit of repose from
these instrumental struggles. Well... This is a speciality of such type of projects.
|
SPACED OUT
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
LUNGS "Lungs"
Escucha Records & Self Inflicted Records 2008
The midnight is the suitable time to writing
this review... Behind a window all is covered by pappus. A dead silence stretches
in glitter of darkness... A world sinked in icy sleepiness... And however something
lurks in a space... something undefined, bringing some mysterious nostalgia but and
a fear... These sounds are strange... They are strongly impregnated an introspection
and a solitude, the trance and hypnotic calls which are intermittent by the fury
and a hysterical despair... LUNGS is doom metal creature which spreads the mad arrangements.
These compositions came into being in result of connection of the low-tuned guitars,
the strongly fuzz-guitar sounds with the sensitivity of climatic keys and the clean
guitar passages or the psychedelic solos... The works are sinister and slow as well
as they create a very psychedelic trance dark tune. However the predatory and quicker
phrases of the guitar sometimes tear this mood and the aggressive vocals awake a
strange anxiety. LUNGS in own compositions also connects sludge metal or stoner metal
patents. Moreover the team applies the nearer undefined musical scales which simulate
the disharmony of the chords and the some melodies. Some subjects remind me EYEHATEGOD
or SPINA BIFIDA, but very seldom. Generally the music is very special and tuneful
as well as makes an impression of a pretty simple music but brings a powerful emotional
load. "Lungs" is Ep'cd unfortunately which contains only 3 tracks. On the end of disc
I felt an insufficiency of this type of sounds and of emotion... Therefore I come
back to this disc with pleasure.
|
MySpace - LUNGS
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
KARCIUS "Episodes"
Unicorn Digital Inc. 2008
KARCIUS is the next representative of progressive
playing. The album came to me from Canadian label Unicorn Digital Inc. "Episodes"
is the third album of this Canadian quartet and supposedly is the most a mature as
well as an advanced. Unfortunately I have not comparison to previous materials. I
have to believe in the recommendations from the label. Surely the many of you does
not like Jazz Rock (particularly the instrumental bands). Probably the many of you
even does not try to listen this type of sounds. And still the metal musicians are
inspired by Jazz and Progressive Music, e.g. the virtuosos of guitar or the solo
performers. They conjoin the Metal music with Jazz. To understand such connections
you should possess a considerable sensibility and a musical intelligence. Though
the insignificant quantities of Metal appear in "Episodes". Progressive Rock and
Jazz Fusion here reign. However the strong and more aggressive hits also appear here.
The compositions contain the dynamic guitar phrases (possessing a specific jazz melody)
as well as the complex parties of bass and the percussive rhythms. Additionally the
sounds of keyboard are plaited with the whole. Moreover the musical phrases sometimes
come near in side of different species of a music. "Episodes" invites us to a trip
in the different regions of musical subjects. The road leads by the musical landscapes
full of the energetic passions but and through the calm melancholy places. There
the music sometimes softly flows in a space and stops itself in land of a flamenco,
a regge, a soundtrack or a classical music (then the music gets somewhat a diverse
dynamics and a nostalgia from the every musical kinds). Though some musical changes
are very surprising. The blissful quiet suddenly becomes aborted by a moderated madness
or even a darkness. Generally the music is very spontaneous and variable as well
as rich in the varied sounds of the instruments and the musical effects. This all
creates the rich fan of moods.
|
KARCIUS
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
DOL THEETA "The Universe Expands"
Unicorn Digital Inc. 2008
DOL THEETA is the second project of Greek
composer Thanasis Lightbridge. We know DOL AMMAD already. Thanasis in one's projects
connects metal music with electronic music, New Age music and operatic music. DOLL THEETA
is the powerful fusion of above mentioned musical sorts. This time here the soprano
singing is sole operatic climate. And progressive glue integrates the whole. The
compositions are arranged so richly that you will not perceive all combinations of
sounds in first listening. The every musical subjects interweave mutually and rather
they mix in perfect mixture. When you will drink off the mixture then you will transfer
yourself into cosmic space of sounds and of emotion, into different dimension of musical
experiences. DOL THEETA is positive collision of oppositional musical sorts. The
sorts undergo mutual assimilation and it is hard to qualify which of them predominates.
The compositions are very monumental and full of pathos as well as of mysticism. They
create deep and very spatial fabulous climate full of cosmos energy, of special darkness
and of blissful nostalgia. Here it could not be different because the album was recorded
in Cosmos Studio. So, we got to know second project of Thanasis already. Now we have
to wait for mysterious third project of DOL... with impatience.
|
Thanasis Lightbridge
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
CLAIRE VEZINA "Cyber Neptune"
Unicorn Digital Inc.
2008
This is next album sent from Canadian label
Unicorn Digital Inc. and this will be next difficult matter to description, because
a music come from this label has influences of progressive music. I have not larger
difficulties with description metal music and even rock music but I have not experience
in reviewing sounds which they have anything common with Metal and which ones I listen
occasionally only. And therefore I suggest that the above mentioned band and rather
solo project is more designed for very liberal readers of our website because you
will not find here a bit of metal playing. But if someone likes calm and very climatical
sounds then he should not disdain the album of "Cyber Neptune". The nostalgic and balladic
subjects of the album gently flow out from loudspeakers and pleasantly stimulate
our sense of hearing. The calm, guitar rock chords with gentle sound of the keyboards,
the piano and the mellotron as well as with sedate percussive rhythm and the sections
of bass create structure of the composition here. The arrangements oscillate among
Progressive/Art Rock, Jazz and Pop music and they are very melancholy and sometimes
even gently dark. The vocal parties belong to Claire Vezina obviously. Her gentle
singing pleasantly sounds over the whole. Moreover I tell you that the texts are
in French language and I think that the language is ideally created to balladic works.
Generally the music brings many positive energy and creates pleasantly mood as well
as it calms down. Though the compositions sometimes predispose strongly emotionally
and arouse a melancholy, but in this positive meaning.
|
CLAIRE VEZINA
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
MMCIRCLE "Requiem Pour Un Vivant"
Unicorn Digital Inc.
2008
To be honest for our readers I will say
MMCIRCLE presents quite different music than the bands from our website. But from
second side to be loyal for Canadian label Unicorn Digital Inc. I feel duty to description
of the disc, because the label was polite and sent me many discs for reviews. And
from third side (at present three-dimensional point of view is fashionable) I think
that MMCIRCLE will interest some metalheads because they create interesting klimate...
And therefore who wants to know more lets go on! MMCIRLCE is Canadian sextet created
by Martin Maheux – leader and drummer and the four ladies playing on the string instruments
as well as the pianist... The band line-up a bit make association with APOCALYPTICA
and many metalheads like this team, although MMCIRCLE and APOCALYPTICA play different
music... I think that "Requiem Pour Un Vivant" is for fans of Classical Music and
Jazz music. However these string compositions do not remind style of A. Vivaldi nor
also of N. Paganini. Despite of all the influences of Classical Music are audible
here. Anyway the percussive tacts also make a difference this sextet from typical
Classical Music. And then the music associates more with Jazz. And therefore we know
that the 5 compositions being on the disc are incarnation of Classic and Jazz inspirations.
And many progressive, psychedelic, surrealistic and even minimalistic of traces enrich
these compositions. The structures of works are very free. The gloomy and psychedelic
string melodies interlace the parties of piano and they harmonize with the drum tacts.
Some musical subjects are outright simple or minimalistic and for a moment they transmute
in really masterly combinations with hard drums rhythms. MMCIRCLE music will take
metal listener in different musical areas. Though the climate of MMCIRCLE is very
gloomy, dark and psychedelic and in moments is even a bit melancholy – that is well-known
and popular climate for some metalheads. For the end I will add that some sounds
would fit to old black-white silent movie ideally, although not for comedies nor
for melodramas but rather for horrors.
|
Unicorn Digital Inc.
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
THE TEMPLE ON NOW "Two Worlds"
Temple of Now Productions/BMI&Independent Records & TSM/SLW Promotions
2008
THE TEMPLE OF NOW is project created by
multi-instrumentalist Calie Cox as well as Dave Baxley. This is next material of
Calie Cox what I have opportunity to listen. From the beginning of listening I can
say that general musical mold of THE TEMPLE OF NOW is pretty close to solo project
- CALI COX "Obvious". It seems that Calie Cox follows the same way appointed by American
Rock patents from 80 years and he enriches the music by gentle progressive subjects.
However here balladic compositions are not majority how these were clearly to hear
in "Obvious". Saying "general musical mold is pretty close" I mean complex instrumental
progressive-rock arrangements which usually are well-kept in average paces with tendencies
to sharper exultations. Though slow balladic pieces also appear here. The music from
"Two Worlds" possesses varied guitar-keyboard themes, replenished by rich work of
the bass and the drums. Those instrumental themes interweave and harmonize themselves
creating nostalgic climate and even joyful atmosphere. The compositions spread in
the musical space easily and they inflict impression of fluency as well as looseness.
The arrangements are not brimfuled by masterly struggles overmuch. And therefore
you will listen the music without special strain of mind and the individual sounds
you will perceive easily. Here also is similarly like in solo's project - CALIE COX,
we will hear the characteristic tone of voice of Calie Cox. The voice connected with
the guitar's work and the keyboards' solos cause associations with MARILLION.
|
MySpace - CALIE COX
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
NATHAN MAHL "Exodus"
Unicorn Digital Inc.
2008
I write the review about 6.00 a.m. and
I hope my brain will wake up during listening of "Exodus". I think that it will not
be an easy review... The disc of NATHAN MAHL and others discs I got from Canada,
from Quebec and concretely from label of Unicorn Dogital Inc. The label releases
progressive music. So, the element of progressive music is common feature of all
bands which I received to reviews. The progressive element sometimes is integrating
with Metal as well as Rock phrases or Classic Music or even Pop Music. The prefix
"progressive" touches "Rock" in case of NATHAN MAHL. And then I can say that the
music from "Exodus" is Progressive Rock with elements of Jazz Fusion, Hard Rock and
Metal. "Exodus" contains 10 works which are very complex thematically. These works
are inspired by events depicted in the second book of the Old Testament. The guitar-keyboard
phrases supported by equally varied the rhythmical section are characteristic feature
of the music. Moreover the music possesses rich ornamentation in style of masterly
jazz phrases and folk traces. The ornamentation you will hear in the parties of guitars
and the keys solos. Some phrases are very similar to Klezmer climates (this is a
connection of Jewish melodies with different kinds of music) as well as Indian or
Irish lively sounds. NATHAN MAHL is true progrock band because the instrumental arrangements
fill the majority of the time. These arrangements are very rich and they often alter
the music subject as well as they make impression neverending instrumental subjects.
But however the vocal accents appeared here. We will hear many vocal sounds here
– from the calm and gentle singing or the backing singers until more predatory vocals.
When I listen the compositions I have impression that every work is like a tale,
like a Rock Opera. Generally the music is very mature and valuable as well as replete
of many emotions. The compositions make impression very spontaneous, although this
huge number of harmonize subjects, masterly serves, diverse sounds of the instruments
and varied rhythms was arranged closely (from calm nostalgic songs in style of ballad
to pretty dynamic and heavy works). The climate of the album makes associations with
Rock from 70 years.
|
NATHAN MAHL
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
KATEDRA "Ugnicalnis"
Atra Musica Records
2008
I got album "Ugnicalnis" (in English "Volcano")
from Lithuanian label Atra Musica Records. KATEDRA is created by Lithuanian thrashers.
The band exists the longest in Lithuania from among metal bands. Their beginnings
reach to 1986 year! And they also played shows in Poland, in Sopot as well as in
Sweden, Finland and in Germany from among many concerts. At present they are cult
band in their country and they have unfortunately only the 2 vinyl and the 2 cd.
Despite of this I found out their just now... Let's begin the analysis of KATEDRA...
"Ugnicalnis" music represents type of Thrash Metal which contains dynamic and heavy
phrases well-kept in average paces. The drums often creates the average pace of the
whole even with quick the guitars. However the quicker hitting sometimes appear. The
basis of the arrangement is built by energetic and muffled riffs with specific melodics
of solos. And pretty heavy and hoarse vocal sounds on front of the whole. The Lithuanian
texts make characteristic climate of the whole... When I listen the tracks I have
impression the music is like would be here and there a bit coarse. I sometimes wait
for some track will be more ravishing but I do not feel this. I was thinking maybe
the track stood up in the same place. Naturally we also will hear various interesting
accents here pretty often... like the guitar solos or the guitar thrashing or the
slowdowns or the sudden changes of subjects of phrases... Although the every track
has characteristic features I still have impression I listen a one long song. Maybe
it is effect intentional – such stylistic cohesion. Despite that I with trouble
waded by the whole of the material that I found the positive aspects in KATEDRA music.
And namely... Mood album reminded me old Polish bands like ALASTOR or TESTOR or also
PROLETARYAT. Moreover a bit technical subjects and the sudden changes of arrangement
appeared here. And the balladic insertion (with the acoustic guitars and the melodious
solo) began the last one song. The balladic introduction transmutes to typical playing
for "Ugnicalnis". This was very good solution. Unfortunately in the one work only.
Just this type of accents I have lack...
|
KATEDRA
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
CALIE COX "Obvious"
Temple of Now Productions/BMI&Independent Records & TSM/SLW Promotions
2008
Calie Cox is an American multi-instrumentalist.
His creation are inspired by Rock from 80 years. This time Calie Cox released solo
album entitled "Obvious". The album contains 13 songs. The music from "Obvious" is
very spatial, stimulant imagination and feeling. However I don't mean about negative
emotions or dark, frightful experiences. I think about different emotions. The compositions
are calm, gentle, including many melodious phrases and romantic-nostalgic accents.
Practically in majority the songs are rock ballads. They are ideal to dance with
some nice girl and to cling close to her by off light as well as whisper to her ears
some romantic words. Many diabolical metalheads will deny now and will say that such
parties aren't for them. But we will do everything for a girl if we want to acquire
her soul :) Like I mentioned the majority of composition is balladic. Their structure
mainly is built from chordal passages, gentle guitars, melodious solos as well as
climatical keyboards moments. I must add that the very specific singing (in high tones)
sounds over the music. The sound of the singing is similar to vocals from MARILLION.
However this is not all what we will hear... Calie Cox also proposes us sharper hard
rock themes with stronger hitting of drums and dynamic riffs. These sharper tracks
arouse a listener to motoral activity and a bit of madness. The whole is very melodious,
rhythmical and very instrumental. In principle each instrument became arranged curiously
and its part is indispensable to producing suitable climate or to emphasis of some
emotions. During listening of "Obvious" I had several musical associations. Mainly
connected with MARILLION (some phrases are very similar to climates this band) or
RUSH and sometimes with LED ZEPPELIN.
|
MySpace - CALIE COX
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
SIXTY 8 "Before The Fall
2008
My feelings during listening of first sounds
of SIXTY 8 pushed thoughts - this is dynamic and melodious Rock. This type of music
don't belong to my favourite climates though I had pleasure listening the album. From
the beginning I associated their music with GUNS N'ROSES. The vocalist sometimes
sings very similarly to Axl Rose as well as he applies similar vocal mannerisms (in
the sharper phrases). However in calmer tones (e.g. in the ballads) the vocal sound
loses the characteristic hoarseness and is calmer. Moreover during listening I uncovered
the larger quantity of vocal colours, and even the backing singers. The hoarseness
in style of Axl Rose is one of many trumps of SIXTY 8. Additionally the nostalgic
ballads as well as the temporary entries of symphonic orchestra are next trumps. SIXTY 8
music is typical for Rock standards... that are the guitars, the bass and the drums...
but not to end. The compositions usually are created by pretty nice, dynamic guitar
sounds with muffled riffs, chord hits as well as melodious solos. The bass and the
drums command intensity of movement by Rock standards, I mean the pace which is pretty
sedate here (mainly in average ranges) with tendencies to balladic relaxations. However
SIXTY 8 runs out beyond the frame of typical Rock music. The arrangements in style
of Hard Rock, Soft Metal and even Heavy Metal diversify the music additionally. It
can say SIXTY 8 music is good Rock playing with nostalgic climate and with note of
quarrelsomeness.
|
MySpace: SIXTY 8
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
CHRIST AGONY "Condemnation"
Razor Production & Mystic Production
2008
I never did expect that I will have the
honour of reviewing the newest album of CHRIST AGONY "Condemnation", which contains
10 tracks. The tracks I will remember for long time and they will be in my Cd-player
a long time. Thanks to... The Devil... the band still treads the same own path so
many years what is hearing in the arrangements... The heavy and the monumental riffs
with the specific melodics well-known for fans of the band, the powerful hitting
of drums as well as the characteristic black-thrash vocal create the basis of the
compositions, well-kept in average paces. The compositions are full of darkness,
mysticism and also melancholy expressed by aggression sometimes or more often by
the sadness singing or the recitation to the music. Obviously the additional ornamentation
of the tracks also are creating by the parties of acoustic guitars (These parties
could not lack here!) as well as a few seconds keyboard's passages, deepening the
dark climate. From the tracks come out power, strength, pathos and melancholy. The
"Condemnation" is the essence of darkness and the diabolicalness. This is the essence
of the best of all the music of CHRIST AGONY.
|
CHRIST AGONY
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
H.A.R.D. "Traveler"
Hammer Records
2008
Sincerely saying I very seldom have opportunity
to review these type of bands. Concretely I have mean the kind of music of Hungarian band
- H.A.R.D.. I remember how many years ago I bought to my collection the vinyl plate
of the band - WILDFIRE. It was not very heavy Metal and rather it was something in
style of Glam Metal or Hard Rock. Despite of all the music of WILDFIRE enjoyed me
and today I gladly come back to this band. So, the first sounds of H.A. R.D. reminded
me the music in style of WILDFIRE, and next associations were with BON FIRE, BON
JOVI or EUROPE... The Music of H.A.R.D. is very melodious and obviously with Hard
Rock's claw, paces of rock'n'roll as well as the guitar's solos. The melodious vocal's
parties sound on the front of the whole. And the sound of Hammond's keys in background
sometimes creates characteristic climate. The songs often begin with the key's introductions,
outright as ballad-songs, where the rest of instruments apear gradually to amplify
the dynamics of songs. The pace of songs is interlaced – once we can listen the
balladic pieces, other times the sharper guitar's hitting, obviously in Hard Rock's
limits. The whole of the album is listening easily and pleasantly. The melodies fall
in ears quickly, and without problem we can hum a melodious line together with the
vocalist or the backing singers. Anyway the refrains in texts on the cover-art are
clearly marked (capital letters) – maybe to encouragement to common singing :) Sarcastic
people would can say that the music of H.A.R.D. is for excited girls. Maybe it is...
But is something more splendid from the mass of hot girl under a scene? :)
|
MySPace: H.A.R.D.
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
HOUSE OF GAMES "RIse And Shine"
Ram Music
2006
Estonian HOUSE OF GAMES exists most over
decade. The band shared a stage with such stars like PARADISE LOST, FAITH NO MORE,
W.A.S.P. or THE RASMUS. He recorded own music with well-known producers from world
of Rock and Metal. And however the news about this band from Estonia reached to me
(to Poland) just now together with their album "Rise And Shine". Probable therefore
that I more seldom find pleasure in this type of the music. Although from time to
time I like listen this music. And what does HOUSE OF GAMES propose for us? Generally
saying the music of the band oscillates around Rock-Metal climates from 80-90 years.
The similar climates we can find at such bands like AEROSMITH, HIM or else FAITH NO
MORE. The compositions are very melodious but and they also are enriched of heavy
sound the guitars and strong hitting of the rhythmical section. This is special connection
of Metal's heaviness with melodics of Rock. The arrangements are pretty spatial and
very romantic. In many moments the parties of keys, piano and string instruments
were used and it additionally underlined mood of the tracks as well as reinforced
of melancholy and softly dark character. Moreover some the guitar arrangements fly
with progressive influences. The majority of songs characterize themselves balladic
subjects – with slow paces and melancholy-nostalgic character, romantic guitar's
solos, parties of keys and the strings well as the emotions singing. However how I
mentioned earlier – HOUSE OF GAMES also uses motives of heavy guitar's riffs and
sharper solo's subjects, although they belong to minority, alternatively strengthening
melancholy tension. The album "Rise And Shine" was recorded in 2006 year, and the
present line-up of the band is different entirely. Only the vocalist stayed from
the old line-up, so I think that in the music of the band will be changes
|
HOUSE OF GAMES
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
KALEDON "Legend Of The Forgotten Reign – Chapter V: A New Era Begins"
2008
"Chapter V: A New Era Begins" is the next
part of saga of "Legends Of The Forgotten Reign", which Italian band KALEDON presents
us. The title of the album and the cover-art betray us that the ten of Epic Power
Metal compositions will conduct us through a fabulous world. Sincerely saying, KALEDON
is one of many bands from Power Metal yard... The tracks are very complex and perfectly
played. Despite of all however the musical solutions contained in the album are typical
for genre of Power Metal. Though in places we also will hear the guitar's solutions
from under the sign of Heavy/Thrash Metal... The heavy and the dynamic guitar's riffs
co-operating with the powerful rhythmics of the drums and the bass create the basis
of the works. The large quantities of masterly solo's shows of the keys and the guitars
in neo-classic or progressive style complete the whole. Anyway the parties of the
keys are pretty complex here and in places they are outright symphonic or in style
of Ambient. And certainly the melodious vocalist's singing sounds on the front of
musical subjects supported by the backing singers. The every work of KALEDON possesses
own leitmotiv or the characteristic melodious line of refrain as usually is in Power
Metal arrangements. In addition here also did not lack more nostalgic subjects in
style of the ballads. And the whole of album is well-kept in quick, dynamic pace
with temporary changes of the rhythm. The compositions create very majestic, full
of pathos climate with brave and fabulous mood (what it is underlined by different
sounds previous some songs). Moreover the parties of the classic guitar also make
the suitable mood. Well, on the end of all I will add that KALEDON has many to offering
for fans of bands in style of HAMERFALL or BLIND GUARDIAN.
|
KALEDON
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
HARD SPIRIT „Walk The Wild”
Triple A-Metal
2007
HARD SPIRIT comes from Spain. The band
is create by four young guys. These guys enjoy in strong and dynamic Rock's playing.
Although not to exaggeration (in Rock meaning). And therefore to some a border, because
Hard Rock's canons determine this border... Pretty heavy and sharp sound of the guitars,
dynamic riffs and parties of the drums, melodious but both sharp solos as well as
full of energy the hoarse singing... Just HARD SPIRIT holds on above mentioned the
canons. The energy and the dynamics of the compositions come out from the first track
already. The sharp phrases of the guitar's arrangements supported by the strong drums
and obviously by the melodious hoarse singing appear on the first plan. The every
track also possesses characteristic structure for Hard Rock. That is: the introduction
– usually the sharp guitar's riffs, sometimes preceeded by different sounds. Subsequently
the stanza – typical for each track. Then the refrain – falling in ear easily, often
with characteristic melodious line, emphasised by backing singers. And then the guitar
solo appears – sharp but also melodious, raising voltage and the emotionality of
track. And again the motives of the stanzas, the refrain or the solos repeat oneself
and at last the time comes for music's coda. Obviously Hard Rock band also offers
the ballads – the melodious nostalgic songs with strengthener of intensity in some
moments. This strengthener of intensity raises the emotional tension. Finishing this
review I would like to add, that HARD SPIRIT is ideal for fans of BON JOVI because
they have many common features.
|
HARD SPIRIT
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
MORTIFILIA "Embrace"
Mondongo Canibale Records
2007
The album "Embrace" reached to me from
Spanish label Mondongo Canibale Records. The disc was recorded by Czech butchers
producing sounds in style of Swedish Death Metal. The album contains 11 pieces with
Intro. The tracks are full of quick and heavy solutions with crushing sound of the
guitars but not devoid this specific "Swedish" guitar's melodics as well as the melodious
parties of solos. The compositions usually are quick and destroying all round, though
the crushing slowing downs of rhythm sometimes happen. And the mightily rumbling drums
full of blasts, passages and accents control the rhythmics. Obviously the vocal's parties
contain the aggressive growlings (although pretty clear) which sometimes intersect
with the furious scream. "Embrace" is powerful piece of music. This is brutal and
crushing Death Metal but also marked melody.
|
MORTIFILIA
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
INQUESTED "The Red Chambers"
Mondongo Canibale Records
2008
Norwegian INQUESTED is the representative
of young generation of bands but despite this they come back their music to breakthrough
of 80/90 years by taking an inspiration from such bands like FORBIDDEN, MEGADETH,
METALLICA or OVER KILL. Therefore the debut album"The Red Chamber" (which spreads
on the world by Spanish label Mondongo Canibale Records) includes good and great
arranged Thrash Metal. "The Red Chamber" can be proud with rich thematically arrangements,
full of dynamics and energy of Thrash Metal where the heaviness and the aggression
alternate with melody. The tracks characterize technical playing with many solo parties
of the guitars and heavy riffs, frequent changes of pace steered by complex percussive
subjects as well as melodious singing, although with hoarse sound of voice sometimes
enriched by double line of vocal. Additionally Black Metal subject-matters sometimes
appear for raising tension and aggression and other times the acoustic parties of
guitars soften the climate. Generally the music is heavy, very dynamic and melodious.
The compositions create climate full of aggression with small dose of melancholy.
This is perfect music for fans the technical Thrash Metal!
|
INQUESTED
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
GRIFFEN "Linked In Eternity"
2008
GRIFFEN is Swedish band, created by musicians
with large experience and with musical past in such bands like MADIGAN, METALGLORY,
SCAAR or TORCH. Demo "Linked In Eternity" contains 5 compositions well-kept in frames
of classic Heavy Metal approximate with one's climate to DIO or BLACK SABBATH (without
Ozzy Osbourne). The tracks are heavy and obviously very melodious, what is underlined
by parties of guitars and singing in high tones. The every track has the characteristic
riff, the melody, the leitmotiv or the refrain. The music is well-kept in average-slow
paces mainly, though sometimes there are the small accelerations raising voltage
of rhythm. The material is very mature, although I prefer more originality.
|
GRIFFEN
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
WHERE ANGELS FALL "Marionettes"
Edgerunner Music
2008
Norwegian band WHERE ANGELS FALL released
next album. And I will surprise some of you that the album "Marionettes" contains
9 songs coherently well-kept in Gothic Metal climates. The conclusion is such that
in Norway are others beside of Black Metal's worshippers of Evil with make-up :)
The music from the disc makes impression pretty calm, very melancholy, covered in
gentle gloomy afterglow with note of rapacity despite of heavy parties of guitars
and the energetic hitting of drums. Maybe the calm woman's singing of vocalist and
keyboard's arrangements in the background soften the dynamic accents of guitar-percussive
subjects. Though in the moments when the keys and the vocals are silent is pretty
heavily and sinisterly. Generally the music is well-kept in pretty sedate average
pace and is very melodious as well as climatical. Sometimes there are the additions
in style of choral singings in the background or the emphasizing samples lending
Nu Metal freshness.
|
WHERE ANGELS FALL
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
DOL AMMAD "Ocean Dynamics"
Electronic Art Metal
2006
The music of Greek multi-team DOL AMMAD presents oneself very impressive. The composer
of "Ocean Dynamics" is Thanasis Lightbridge which also leads second band named DOL
THEETA. Unfortunately I met the music of DOL AMMAD only so I will concentrate on
this project. On the introduction I add that the line-up of the band has 19 persons
(!!!) as well as one guest – DC Cooper (ROYAL HUNT and SILENT FORCE). Others musicians
had connection with ANGRA, AVANTASIA, RHAPSODY and BLIND GUARDIAN. Moreover 14 persons
from the band create chorus (!!!). And maybe for that reason I associated "Ocean
Dynamics" with accomplishments of THERION. Though my associations were not groundless,
despite all the chorus from DOL AMMAD in connection with Metal patents sometimes
creates similar climate. However the music of DOL AMMAD is not only Progressive Power/Heavy
Metal compositions where on first plan put out the heavy, dynamic guitars and the
powerful parties of drums adorned by choral singing. The range of DOL AMMAD's music
stretches more wider and further beyond world of Metal – in regions progressive,
ambient and electronic patents where the music of New Age in style of ENIGMA or Gregorian
LESIEM often is feeling pretty clearly. This connection of strange the species of
music is masterly. Thanks to the connection created the huge musical and emotional
space. The musical arrangements are very rich, there are lots of different melodies
and the musical ornaments. The whole is very majestic and full of mysticism, nostalgia
as well as secret.
|
DOL AMMAD
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
LAHMIA "Forget Every Sunrise"
2008
Despite of that LAHMIA comes from Italy
then the music in their realization is close to Death Metal from Göteborg. Many of
you will conjecture surely that I think about Melodic Death Metal with precursors
this kind – e.g. AT THE GATES, SENTENCED, DARK TRANQUILLITY or ARCH ENEMY. Just LAHMIA
goes similar way... although with a little elements of Melodious Black Metal and
Doom Metal. The compositions being on "Forget Every Sunrise" are very dynamic, outright
progressive with numerous quantity of subjects, melody and changes of pace. Aggression
and heaviness interlace with dark melancholy in the tracks. The crushing riffs, powerful
hitting of drums and the sharp vocals are able to tear the listener's heart on shreds,
bringing him to state of fury or despair. And nostalgic guitar's melodies with small
quantities of lamenting singing deepen state of nostalgia. The music from "Forget
Every Sunrise" is very monumental, it is able to simultaneously crush as well as
intensify emotional tension. An poetry and an beauty also is in the aggression!
|
LAHMIA
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
BY BLOOD ALONE "Seas Of Blood
Two Side Moon Promotions & Jericho Hill Records
2007
BY BLOOD ALONE presents music from a sign
of Gothic Metal , where a woman - Cruella - stands on the front. She is not only
woman in the band, because the next woman – Jenny – plays on the keys :). The rest
members - Jack, John and Runnt - play on the rest of the rock instrumentarium. Generally
the music contained on "Seas of Blood" is sedate very. Despite of that the basis
of the arrangements is creating by pretty dynamic and heavy parties of the guitars
then the whole is softened by calm singing of Cruella and the gentle passages of
piano or the organs in the background. The motives of keys sometimes touch Progressive
regions. Among average paces more often are preferred slowdowns than quicker serves.
Though, I will underline once again, the guitar and the rhythmical section bringing
out really strong sounds. The tracks are very melodious and full of nostalgia as
dark ballads. Sometimes some motives associate me with Irish melodies a little –
what is clearly hearing on the ballad "Little Lady Lillit". However I feel a lack
of some stronger vocal exultations of vocalist for magnify emotional intensity. The
stronger vocalizations often would ravish hearts of listeners :).
|
BY BLOOD ALONE
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
WARNERVE "Face Of God"
Delirio Concerti
2008
The album of WARNERVE came to me from Italian
organization - Delirio Concerti with that I co-operate from some months. I noticed
that I have luck to Italians because from two last years I milled a lots of Italian's
music through my sieve of review, hahaha... And therefore go to work... "Face Of God"
is the second album of Italian "stoners". The album is continuation of previous album
of "No One Survives". And I told "stoners" because the music contained on this album
doubtlessly oscillates in climates of Stoner Metal in which you will hear fillings
of Doom Metal or Psychedelic Rock... The compositions mainly are based on pretty
strong and melodious riffs, sometimes pretty well overwhelming one's heaviness and
emitting psychedelic serves, and even there are Funk or Progressive traces. And the
whole is completed by Rock-Grunge singing. The pace of tracks usually keeps in average-quick
rhythms with frequent tendencies to slowndowns. And the atmosphere reigning on the
album stretches among gentle melancholy, trance, light darkness and controlled aggression
with madness. The band calls his music "Ultra Heavy Stoner Rock" which inflicts that
this ultra heavy Stoner Rock is Stoner Metal simply :)
|
WARNERVE-MySpace
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
TAIFA "Alhambra"
2008
The "Alhambra" is second album of Spanish
band - TAIFA - which unites elements of Metal-Rock music with Flamenco and Andalusian
music. Many quest musicians on the album made additions these Rock-Metal compositions
by using typical instruments for regional music of Spain and Morocco. Such musical
fusion causes the arrangements from "Alhambra" are very complex thematically. There
are both heavy Rock-Metal patents from the sign of Progressive Neo-Classical Power
Metal and Folk motives full of traditional instruments, the acoustic guitars, the
violins and the parts of piano. This Folk climate is intensified additionally by
specific manner of singing vocalist, typical for music of Flamenco. The whole is
very melodious, rich in many solo's parties and different accents signalising change
of pace or mood. Meanwhile the climate is strongly replete of emotions, where gentle
darkness and mysteriousness interweaves with melancholy. Moreover it's good to say
that the cover-art of the disc is very colourful and this harmonizes very well with
multicoloured fan of musical subjects. And on the disc is video-clip of "Forest
Torres de Babel" additionally. The "Alhambra" is perfect connection of energy and
the heaviness of Metal with energy and the melody of Flamenco. "Alhambra" is place
where classic Rock-Metal music meets Spanish and Moslem scales.
|
TAIFA
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
THUNDERTALE "Milzinai"
Atra Musica Records
2008
Lithuanian THUNDERTALE is a pearl for fans
such bands like HELLOWEEN, HAMMERFALL or AVANTASIA. The music of the band is very
impressive – the dynamic and also very melodious compositions are able to cause burst
of emotions. The arrangements are typical for Power Metal and every songs characterize
melody, refrain or musical's subjects easily falling in ears. Of course the songs
do not be devoid of speed and energy as well as strong guitar's riffs but THUNDERTALE
offers also splendid nostalgic ballads. The interesting variety of the whole is creating
folk-chivalrous climate by not only lyrics in native language in majority of the
songs but and by the melodious hornpipes or neo-folk songs. Moreover on the album
is the video for ballad "Thunder Take My Away" presenting tragic story some knight.
"Milzinai" is really admirable of album building interesting climate full of nostalgia
and pathos.
|
THUNDERTALE
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
COUNTER-WORLD EXPERIENCE "Leaving Lotus"
2007
"Leaving Lotus" is the third album of Jazz
Metal COUNTER-WORLD EXPERIENCE. It is a next material of German group which I am
delighted. This time I have impression that metal hits are more in the arrangements
than on the previous material "Fraktal". But it still is powerful fusion of Metal
with Jazz, which brought in me in state of ecstasy. Though it seems that this time
Nu Metal and Neo-Classical patents also appear here additionally. And very nice is
that the musicians still have a lots of interesting ideas for this musical fusion.
The compositions of the band always are richly arranged. There are a lot of different
musical themes, unexpected changes, surprising motives and difficult rhythmical sections.
And all is bound in Jazz Metal's structures, where both we will hear heavy, powerful
and crushing phrases, sharp or melodious solos as well as calm, climatically serves
among patents of Progressive Metal and Jazz. And the equally very masterly rhythmical
squad supports this guitars virtuosity. Sometimes melancholy, ambientaly and cosmic
keyboards also appear in background somewhere. The tracks contain lots elements and
the every musician offers something own. The whole is very coherent as well as ideally
connected. The moods reigning on "Leaving Lotus" are varied, surprising and often
changing from dark, pretty aggressive exaltations to mysterious, nostalgic or psychedelic
expressions. The calling "trim chaos" fits to this climate ideally. This material
also is instrumental, but on the end of album in hidden tracks we will hear some
funny song. For more vocals there aren't place. The music of COUNTER-WORLD EXPERIENCE
took possession of me again.
|
COUNTER-WORLD
EXPERIENCE
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
COUNTER-WORLD EXPERIENCE "Fraktal"
2004
Bands which occupy wide comprehended Progressive
Metal I treat as pearls on bottom of musical ocean. I listen Metal music almost 20
years and by this time I experienced through all species of Metal. Cyclic periods
were in this time where I kept my attention on one kind of Metal particularly and
now I am the most fascinated of Progressive Metal in every his impression, independently
from his admixture as Power,Thrash, Death, Black or different species of Rock. I
think that Progressive Metal is on the highest storey of evolution of Metal music.
Progressive Metal is the most open species of Metal and the most important is that
not every be able to play Progressive Metal, in contrast of e.g. Death or Black Metal.
Progressive Metal is simply progressive! German COUNTER-WORLD EXPERIENCE is representative
progressive playing. They define their music as Jazz Metal and it is clearly hear
on the album of "Fraktal", because we will find not only many Metal patents here
but and elements of Jazz, Blues or Rock. The tracks are arranged very richly and
they have difficult rhythmical sections, unexpected changes of moods and musical
subject-matters. The tracks inflict impression of continuously improvisations, though
surely every sound is closely planned. The music would not be Metal if heavy guitar's
parties would not were here however the guitar's phrases are pretty specific, with
very difficult and technical rhythms, often with damp riffs. Those crushing, heavy
parties of guitars perfectly join with masterly guitar-keyboards solos, cosmic samples,
gentle ambient keyboards, clean passages of guitars as well as with very complex
rhythmical squad. The every musician has something to offering here – like remembered
above varied parties of guitar, keyboards or masterly arrangements of bass and the
drums which moments is able to beat in a ground listener pretty well. Only vocal
parties are seldom spoken robotic sayings, and unfortunately I feel deficit of more
complex vocal partiesit here. The music of "Fraktal" creates pretty diverse climate
– from dark, cold or cosmic moods to melancholy and insanity. Evidently someone would
can reproach that it is not true Metal. And what is true Metal? Surely it is not music
for simple people or closed in traditional frames. The music is for intelligent people,
open for new solutions, be able to really intently listen in so rich arrangements.
|
COUNTER-WORLD EXPERIENCE
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
WIZARDS' HYMN "Transience"
Black-listed Records 2008
2008
The music of WIZARDS' HYMN I almost know
from the beginning and I think that before I will pass to review I will write several
words of introduction. All previous releases of this Japanese band oscillated round
Neo-Classical Heavy Metal or Neo-Classical Power Metal. However them the newest album
of "Transience" brought changes not only personal but first of all musical. The new
vocalist of team became Yusa and in this time the band decided to unroll own's horizons
of arrangements, ladling out inspirations from many musical species, e.g. from Gothic
or Alternative Rock, Melodious Metal, Classic Music and Soundtracks as well as Japanese
Traditional Music. This mixture created the newest album which is called by the members
as Neo-Japanesque Rock/Metal. And I desire to affirm you that in music of "Transience"
you will losten many elements of new inspirations. The structure of tracks is coherent
in spite of many musical inspirations. The basis of arrangement create pretty heavy
guitar's parties interlaced by solos and keyboard's subjects as well as sounds of
samples. These in connection with gentle vocalist's singing make associations with
EVANESCENCE, WITHIN TEMPTATION or Polish MOONLIGHT. Although the singing of Yuso
sometimes is closed in traditional Japanese scales and this add somewhat exoticism.
The pace of the tracks are diverse, however average and free rhythms prevail. In
places you can liesten keyboard's elements like from soundtracks e.g. in style of
HANS ZIMMER or JOE HISAISHI as well as in style of KITARO. The elements usually
initiate an concrete track or create a dash to after a moment would flow together
with guitar's riffs as well as rhythmical section creating really totally monumental
climate. Generally the album is very mature, it creates melodious metal-symphonic
mood with considerable dose of melancholy and fabulous climate. However sometimes
I have impression that the vocalist does not feel freely near accompaniment of metal
guitars.
|
WIZARDS' HYMN
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
STRANGLEHOLD "Stranglehold"
Valhalla Records
2005
The title album of STRANGLEHOLD is a big
piece of strong and melodious Heavy Metal. The tracks are very dynamic. Majority
of them have some characteristic element, e.g. in style of refrain or solos. The
melodious masterly guitars' and keys' solos appear among a quick and full of power
guitar's riffs. The solos often are in style of progressive-metal, hard rock or neo-classical
tinge. The powerful rhythmical squad strengthens a strength of arrangements. And
a melodious but also strong singing completes the whole and sometimes making use
backing singers. The dynamic arrangements inflict impression of continuous chase,
though you will find slower accents there. The music is on very high level.
|
STRANGLEHOLD
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
DAVOLA "The Resume"
2008
DAVOLA is one-man project of Aaron Cloutier.
The album "The Resume" is summary of artist's works which contains until 15 tracks
closed in over seventy minutes. The music represented by Aaron oscillates among brutal
species of Metal - from Thrash Metal to Death Metal as well as Metalcore. This mixture
in total creates very extreme music full of brutal, heavy and aggressive phrases.
The quick paces, low tuned guitars and parties of distortion bass in connection with
characteristic heavy riffs and aggressive screams create climate similar to such
bands like STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, LAMB OF GOD, SLIPKNOT or MASTODON. However the heavy,
quick guitar's riffs and aggressive vocal parties – in spite of superiority – are
not only solutions here. In the tracks also are plaited clean parties of guitars,
melodious solos, acoustic pieces e.g. in style of Flamenco and clean singing. This
all sometimes give to the music melancholy mood or simply gentler tone.
|
DAVOLA-MySpace
| |
Gnom
|
**********************************************
|
BLACK MASQUERADE "Holy and Bright"
Triumph Records
2007
This next material of Japanese Power Metal
horde fell in my hand. I noticed that in country of Blooming Cherry-tree's a music
from under sign of Heavy/Power Metal is quite well. I have not any gravamens to BLACK
MASQUERADE, hahaha... All is made professionally. Maybe just the vocal would be a
little bit more loudly. But the high vocal's colour and the vocalist's accent during
singing English texts is very well. The content of album obviously includes energetic
Power Metal full of quick and sharp guitar's subjects as well as predatory or melodious
solos mostly placed in quick rhythms. Though slower accents, sometimes balladic or
repleted of neoclassical breath apear there. The tracks - in spite of their characteristic
heaviness and dynamics - are very melodious and every of them possess characteristic
refrain easily falling in ears or musical accent. This causes a head begins shaking
rhythmically, hahaha... The last piece "Sanoramyun" can be curiosity because is in
Korean language (!?), I think so.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
