Dark Meditation: "Polluted Temples"

 

Hmm I guess this might be Seattle's answer to In Solitude. Which is fine with me as that is a band that left a void yet to be filled for me, so I am still accepting applications in that regard. The first song works off a more punk slanted Merciful Fate influence the second song is more thrashing and goes for the throat in a more overtly aggressive manner. "Strange Caress" summons them back to a darker and more melodic place, this is also closer to more traditional metal with the twin guitar harmonies. The vocals are back in the mix, at times they are delivered with a more commanding aura than others. I think it is probably for the best they are produced in the manner they are as it seems it is all about the attitude and phrasing than any great pipes possessed by vocalist A.D. Vick. This lowers the dynamic range of what they can do as by the third song while I like the mood the vocal melodies are rather uniform thus far.

When the song opens up room for him to sing more, he goes into a breathy coo that is more spoken than notes being sung. Four songs in it works but will an entire album of it grow tedious for me?   "Desolation Days' sounds like it could open up and be more like heavier take on the Cult with the right singer. Instead, we a get a throaty exclamation that is more melodic than Lemmy, but he a more punk singer when they might need someone with more metal talents. The vocals do try harder here and do no hamper this one. There is a faster thrashing vibe to "the Howling Wind", while I appreciate there is more of an attempt to deliver lyrics than just barking or grunting them, a little more vigor might make for a more powerful dynamic and dimension to the song. 

"Drink of the Blade" could have benefitted from more dynamic vocals, but as is the instrumentation compensated for the limitations in that department. It is a great balance of darkness and metal drive. There is more of a 80s metal vibe to "Nocturnal" and sounds like Fields of the Nephilim jamming with Judas Priest, with Rob Halford sitting it out. The title track that closes the album has moodier moments, but overall, it is one of the more straightforward moments. I will give this album an 8.5, I love the sounds and moods it captures the songs are pretty catchy, would prefer more melodic vocals but they work with what they have as a uit.