Well, well, not quite a blast from the past but it's been awhile since I've heard anything from this lot (it is in fact 3 years since their last release '
Chapter III'), also I hadn't realized that this was their fourth full-length release.
I have to say that the earlier releases by the band have somewhat passed me by and I never regarded their outpourings as anything more than competant and average, on this cd however I feel they've upped the ante a bit and are finally showing some of the qualities they are capable of.
Described in the press release as '
Dark Metal' (Black metal is rather passe don't ya think?), I guess that kind of covers it quite well, some of the tracks are of the melodic black variety and others veer into the heavy goth territory.
Vocals are shared three ways (Sathonys, Akaias & Eddie Smith) with the former handling the 'clean' parts and by and large it works very well.
The album kicks off with 'Cellos for the insatiable' (interesting title, wonder where that came from?) which carries the 'melodic black' torch with pride, this is followed up by the theatrical title track (big choruses & clean vocals) further 'melodic' treats follow before we hit the exquisite ballad '
Solitude' with female vocals handled by Ophelia over flowing keyboards & synths, the album then lurches back into brutality with '
Limbs of a stare', 'The darkness inside' & 'Bitter end' then follow with the album being wrapped up by the emotional and atmospheric 'Feelings'.
There is a lot in this album to like but good as it is there is that certain something missing that means it won't be a permanent fixture in my cd player.
It is however definately worth a listen and I'm sure many people will love it, the band is definately on an upward curve and I'm sure their next release will be something really special.
14/20
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