heavymetaltribune : 14/20 | Bands out of Turkey are certainly fascinating, since the country isn't exactly known for having metal exports. Thrown to the Sun is the second band that I have encountered out of Turkey, with the first being the black metal band Zwartplaag. Of Oceans and Raindrops is the band's debut full length album, which was initially intended to be an EP release by the band. Still, I remain clueless as to what to expect from this Turkish entity.
But these questions are instantly answered as a heavy riff greets the listener with the introductory track Adrift, full of melodic hooks yet managing to retain that heavy edge with pinch harmonics piercing through the melodic death metal-inspired riffs. Ravenous Sun starts the album proper, hitting the listener unexpectedly after the somewhat melancholic opening track with an aggressive and blistering fast segment. The progressive aspects of the band's music also soon becomes evident, with not only the technical abilities displayed by the individual musicians, but also through the odd time signatures that the band litters throughout the album, such as those on Kaczynski.
Guitarists Ahmet and Bahadir often unleash complex guitar riffs and face-ripping lead guitar lines, backed by the capable rhythmic section of bassist Onur who provides the low-growl in the music with ease. Even the guitar solos that are present on the album are sufficiently complex, such as those on Inward Reflection. On top of the rhythmic role, bassist Onur also litters the album with technical grooves, such as those on the intro of Kaczynski and also on Locus of Nihility. Vocalist Enver constantly alternates between tortured growls, shrieks and clean vocals to suit the mood of the music, providing songs with a more dynamic feel to them, though I am personally not exactly fond of the usage of the clean vocals, which tend to end up giving songs a somewhat emo-edge, and these often spoil a good track such as Burning Circle. Drummer Batuhan also plays an important role in driving the music, and when he isn't displaying his flair on the instrument through the execution of particularly difficult sections, he is punishing his kit with relentless hits.
The perfect balance of progressiveness and melody on most of the tracks on the album is certainly one of the main aspects that have really captured my attention. For example, Kacynzki is filled with these progressive elements with the complex guitar riffs and the odd time signatures, yet the band manages to incorporate some melodic death metal elements on the track, with some of the main riffs sounding almost as if they could easily come off an Amon Amarth record. Songs like Burning Circle see the band toning down slightly, with emotional guitar riffs, complete with acoustic guitars at the background. The Crumbling sees the band bringing in a jazz-fusion break in the middle of the track, yet sounding perfectly natural at the same time, and Evoker Pt. 1: A Ground to Fall Upon also has a somewhat orchestral/folk feel to it, further displaying the versatility of the band as songwriters, and it is precisely the band's songwriting abilities that make the 51-minute album such an enjoyable one. One other thing that deserves to be mentioned is the crystal clear production quality of the album, that allows for each of the instruments to ring out clearly in the mix, allowing each of the members to really shine throughout the album.
2012-02-22 11:25:36
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