This project has been one of my favorite doom bands since they released "Doom II". Looks like there have been a few albums I have missed throughout their career that I need to catch up on. I prefer it when Kody Ternes is singing. But things change, he is not on this album Simon Bibby from Seventh Angel is handling the vocals this time around, and I appreciate that while he is more of a metal singer than Ternes, he does make melodic choices that think outside of the power metal box, some doom singers lean toward. Not as dark as some of their previous work the album deals more with self -actualization. There is a highly emotive nature they invoke with the atmosphere. It is one of Greg Schwan's strengths as a songwriter. Things are very dynamic, with the vocals soaring above it all.
The second song finds it starting off in a balladic manner. When it kicks in the groove makes me think of Katatonia. The drums are more aggressive than they were in the first song. Some stunning songwriting choices are made, that allow the vuly's voice to shine. "Beyond the Sound of My Voice" is even heavier thanks to the thunderous drummer. The production choices create a rawer version of their sound, whereas the previous album was more spacious to create a darker ambiance. Here everything is very up in your face and warmly intimate. The guitar interlude works for what it is, feels more like the intro to "The Endings". Speaking of that song it touches on a more mournful sound. Biddy has a unique voice in how he uses his lower register. The way he croons from it in this song is very effective. He even goes into an almost Sisters of Mercy-like baritone by the end of the song.
The last song "Safety in me" has a more progressive feel. When it finds its groove it is more mid-tempo. Most of this album is not as despondent as what at least I think of when it comes to doom, so they are true to the genre without having their hands tied by it. The female vocals added at the end are an interesting touch to give a different sonic color. Overall this album works really well I will round it up to a 10, as I think despite not being as dark or a tone as "Doom II " which is the album I am always going to weigh their putout against, this is the album they intended to make, so they excelled and if I was to hear it without any other context I would be blown away. if you are a doom fan who enjoys melody then this album is a must.
No comments:
Post a Comment