Edenbridge - Solitaire (album chronic)

Band: Edenbridge
Years Active: 1998 - present (13 years)
Genre: Symphonic, Power, Progressive, Neo-classic metal
Label: Napalm Records
Origin: Austria
Current Line-up: Sabine Edelsbacher (vocals), Lanvall (guitars, keyboards), Max Pointner (drums), Dominik Sebastian (guitars)

Have any of you heard of Edenbridge? No, not the english town but the band. Unlike other bands that dominate the symphonic power metal scene, Edenbridge blended in this industry pretty well. They are not as popular as names like Nightwish but they sure have a pretty nice and unexpectedly nice contribution to this genre.

Unlike Nightwish, their sound is a lot more heavier, featuring progressive and power metal influences which gives a much more intense feeling accompanied by orchestra and choir sounds which define the symphonic metal genre. Having a soprano vocalist like Sabine Edelsbacher the band can quickly attract attention and appreciations. Honestly, I've seen them live once, and the singer is the real deal, she is splendid both live and in studio recording songs, you can't find much differences.

Edenbridge's music has not changed much. If I were to find a band that uses a similar style, After Forever would be the perfect choice. Even though After Forever formed 3 years earlier than Edenbridge, both bands released their first albums in the same year, 2000. Sabine has an enchanting voice. If there is one thing that she can do, she can convince, she can attract the listener with her voice, it's like she lures to her own world so that you can explore it and be amazed.

Like any symphonic metal band, Edenbridge uses choir and orchestra sounds which fit perfectly with their style of music. In this album, they managed to enlist the Czech Film Orchestra also featured on their more earlier album "MyEarthDream" (2008). I have to say that this choir is sort of special, or at least well chosen, it blends pretty well with the style that Edenbridge uses in their music and it does not seem out of ordinary.

The drum beats are very varied and satisfying while the bass lines are also very audible. You can feel the harmony between all the instruments used, there is place left for all of them so that you can feel their influence. Although, from time to time, the drum lines seem a little sloppy and lazy, giving the sensation of boredom.

The plus in musical artistry gets the guitar riffs. Like the other albums, Edenbridge's songs are special because from time to time they make use of special and enchanting guitar riffs that you don't hear often in a symphonic metal band. The album itself, even though it does not feature merely symphonic metal traits, it is not heavy, only a few songs try to show a little bit of a more rawer sound but they kind of fail and fall into what we call, mainstream music. We can see that Edenbridge is not a band that is pretentious, it is that kind of band that from time to time might lack inspiration but they compensate with technical sounds and the talent of the artists.

A few songs that sort of caught my attention are mostly in the very beginning. "Solitaire" the second track of the album (accompanied with the prologue, the first track of the album entitled "Entree Unique") introduces us into the world of Edenbridge and is also a sort of an side dish compared with the second track entitled "Higher".

If I were to name the best track of this album, I'd go with "Bon Voyage Vagabond" the 5th track of the album. Though it does not really have such expressive and enchanting guitar riffs like the previous song, the 4th track "Skyline's End" it features probably the best kind of sound, a perfect harmony between their classical traits and their metal traits, accompanied splendidly by the orchestra (noticed in the chorus mostly).

All in all, Edenbridge is a band that suits all tastes. You do not need to be an experienced metalhead to like such a band. It is simple, it is enchanting, it is not heavy and it may also appeal for those that are new to metal as well. The voice is what makes this band stand out but lets not forget about the other artists. I cannot call this album a masterpiece, I cannot call Edenbridge a band with a huge meaning in this industry at least not yet and also, I pretty much doubt that this album could withstand the flow of time.

However, one thing is for sure, Edenbridge is refining their sound, they try to gain more experience in this genre, they try all sorts of sounds just to sound different, to create a style typical for them so that they cannot be compared with other bands, which in my opinion it is a good thing. Even though, they kind of stand at the edge of the mainstream rock/metal music, for the first time I say that they can stay there, because they are good at what they are doing.

One thing is for sure, we have not heard the last of Edenbridge, not yet at least. The band did not reach a certain climax, so we cannot really compare the previous albums with this one because its clearly that their sound is evolving.

Overall: 8/10

Track Listing:

1. "Entree Unique" - 1:13
2. "Solitaire" - 6:15
3. "Higher" - 3:50
4. "Skyline's End" - 5:32
5. "Bon Voyage Vagabond" - 5:52
6. "Inward Passage" - 1:20 (Special Edition bonus track)
7. "Come Undone" - 4:11
8. "Out of This World" - 5:10
9. "Further Afield" - 5:54
10. "Eternity" - 3:04 (Special Edition bonus track)
11. "A Virtual Dream ?" - 5:08
12. "Brothers on Diamir" - 6:52
13. "Exit Unique" - 2:49

Gorgoroth - Incipit Satan (album chronic)

Band: Gorgoroth
Years Active: 1992 - present (19 years)
Label: Regain
Origin: Norway
Current Line-up: Pest (vocals), Infernus (guitar), Tormentor (guitar), Bøddel (bass), Tomas Asklund (drums)

This may sound sick but i don't think Satan is such a bad guy, after all, giving us such beautiful raw and very blasphemous music, this is more life a gift of kindness. Gorgoroth is yet another one of those black metal bands that strikes fear. Unlike Mayhem, or the other black metal band in the underground scene, they created some of the most aggressive, blasphemous (not only through their works, but also through their image) and violent music but at the same time, some of the most appreciate black metal albums.

Mayhem is the name that created the black metal sound that we hear today from bands like Gorgoroth and many more, but Gorgoroth also deserve credits for several notable creations. Albums such as Pentagram (1994), Antichrist (1996), Incipit Satan (2000) and especially Twilight of the Idols (2003) are works that received positive critics from metal fan and also from people that are not used with the raw side of metal.

Unlike Mayhem, Gorgoroth did not involved themselves in the Norwegian church burnings that took place at the beginning of the 90s until middle 90s. They stood calm, without much media attention and produced 5 albums in less than 6 years. Gorgoroth is well known for their elaborate and controversial stage performances where they do not hesitate to expose sheep and pig heads placed on stakes and crucified models on stage alongside with use of animal blood or fake blood (not talking about corpse paint since this is common for the majority of the black metal bands).

Gorgoroth became notorious after their 2004 concert in Poland where they filmed a DVD. Their elaborate stage performance was considered by the polish authorities as an injury addressed towards the church and christianity (reminding you guys that Poland is actually a catholic country). The reason why the band did not release so many albums after 2000 in contrast with their works in the mid and late 90s is because of the problems that they had with the law and with the authorities in different countries and also with internal conflicts notably between the original band member Infernus and other two band members, Gaahl (vocals) and King of Hell (bass).

Incipit Satan though cannot be considered a raw black metal album. Unlike Gorgoroth's previous albums, they tried some experiments in this one with some industrial metal influences which can be felt in songs such as "A World to Win" the second and probably one of the best soundtracks of this album and also on "Litani til Satan" the third track of this album (a song where Infernus prefered to use lyrics from the famous French poet, Charles Baudelaire). The album begins with the song "Incipit Satan" which features lyrics written by Gaahl, their former vocalist and music written by Tormentor.

Unlike the other two songs, Incipit Satan begins raw and it stays true to the typical black metal traits, unconventional song structure, powerful and fast tempo riffs, blast drum beats and fine bass lines. However, the song maintains some melodic influences felt especially at the middle of the song. Gaahl's voice does a remarkable job, from doing typical shrieked voice to powerful growls that would wake even the dead.

The 4th track "Unchain My Heart!!!" is probably the weakest song from their album. It begins with a piano solo which in my opinion could've been overlooked or avoided and then it explodes with typical blast drum beats and fast tempo guitar riffs like most of Gorgoroth's songs. In contrast with other songs, this one is way too repetitive and it struggles to maintain some melodic traits without much success. It also features additional vocals played by Tormentor.

After Unchain My Heart comes another favorite of mine "An excert of X" the 5th track, which tends to be less rawer than the other songs, it introduces once again some industrial metal elements and it features Infernus doing all instrument parts and also vocals (probably one of the few songs where you don't hear screams or growls. 

The 6th track "Ein Eim av Blod og Helvetesild" once again features Gaahl at vocals and music written by both Infernus and Tormentor. It is also the most shortest song from this album and a lot more laid down compared to other soundtracks (i.e. Incipit Satan or A World to Win). The 7th track, "Will to Power" features synthesizer sounds this time and once again, a song where the vocalist does not scream.


This album ends the same way like it began with once again, a raw black metal soundtrack, the 8th track, "When Love Rages Wild In My Heart" featuring Michael Krohn as vocalist in Gaahl's place.


All in all, if you consider yourself a fan of the black metal wave, then don't miss listening to this album. It is not just mere raw black metal, it maintains a certain degree of melodic elements and it also incorporates industrial metal elements. By far, the plus in this album gets the songs Incipit Satan and A World to Win, some of the most notable songs from their albums.

Track Listing:

1.	"Incipit Satan"	Gaahl	Tormentor	4:33
2.	"A World to Win"	Infernus	Infernus, Tormentor	3:43
3.	"Litani til Satan"	Charles Baudelaire	Infernus	4:33
4.	"Unchain My Heart!!!"	Infernus	Infernus	4:47
5.	"An Excerpt of X"	Infernus	Infernus	5:50
6.	"Ein Eim av Blod og Helvetesild"	Gaahl	Infernus, Tormentor	3:09
7.	"Will to Power"	Gaahl	Daimonion, King Ov Hell	4:28
8.	"When Love Rages Wild in My Heart"	Infernus	Infernus	5:43

Mayhem - De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas (album chronic)

Band: Mayhem
Years Active: 1984 - 1993 | 1995 - present (25 years)
Label: Season of Mist
Origin: Norway
Current line-up: Attila Csihar (vocals), Necrobutcher (bass), Hellhammer (drums), Teloch (guitar), Morfeus (guitar)

Mayhem is indeed one of those bands that back when they formed and even nowadays strikes fear. It is a band that is covered in mystery, like many early black metal pioneers. De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas (roughly translated as (Satan's Secret Rites) is their first full length album released in 1994.

People that do not know this have no idea why they are called legends. Mayhem is considered the band that managed to define black metal and separate it from other genre influences such as trash, heavy and speed metal. Even though the band was born in the first wave, it manifested its climax during the second stage in the early 90s.

Mayhem at that time had a different line-up, gathering some of the most notorious and exceptional black metal artists at that time. Their core member Euronymous (credited for creating the typical black metal riff that we hear today and also the one that contributed in creating a special guitar which is widely used by black metal artists), Varg Vikernes (Count Grishnack, Euronymous' murder, and also the main figure behind the black metal band Burzum), Hellhammer (nowadays considered the best drummer) and Attila Csihar (Tormentor's vocalist) gathered after Dead's (Per Yngve Ohlin) suicide and Necrobutcher's departure to put the final wrap-up for this album.

It was once again delayed because of Euronymous's death in 1993, murdered by Varg Vikernes which later he will be sentenced to prison. The album was released in 1994, delayed again by requests from Euronymous's parents that wanted the bass lines from Varg Vikernes to be replaced, however the only member remaining Hellhammer had no bass knowledge so Varg's bass lines remained on the album even today.

Why is this album so popular and so well received? Mainly because the icons of the black metal industry at that time contributed in making it. Euronymous at guitar, Varg at bass, Hellhammer at drums, Dead writing the lyrics and Attila doing the voice.

This album features low recording quality, not because at that time the recording process was not that good but because the black metal bands at that time considered that high quality sound is for mainstream bands and not for self proclaimed underground bands. Truth to be told, black metal was and it is still is part of the underground metal.

This is an album that does not have a beginning nor an end. Even though you can sense a variety in terms of structure in this album, it is pretty much monotone induced especially by Attila's voice. This is probably one of the very few and rare black metal albums where the vocalist does not scream. The voice gives you a feeling of grief, you have the impression that the vocalist somehow struggles in order to perform his task, it's as if, the album sends you a death message. Every time there is a change of rhythm, the voice will disappear leaving space for the absolutely stunning instrumental.

This album is indeed a surprise. At that time, black metal bands such as Marduk, Dark Funeral or Satyricon focused on extremism, however Mayhem's awaited album appeared with a very unusual calm. Now don't get me wrong, the sound and instrumentals fit in the black metal genre (sound mostly created by Mayhem itself) but it does not give you the impression of a rough, tough or raw kind of sound, you do not feel violence or aggression from it like we were used to hear in Deathcrush (1987).

The sound of this album gives you the impression that the silence of death caused by Dead's suicide and the murder of Euronymous managed to put some peace on their music. That is how death should be portrayed, complete silence, which sort of reminds me the name of the record house that released this album, Euronymous's own label, Deathlike Silence Production.

The album begins with the song "Funeral Fog" portraying an image of a funeral, of death, covered by silence, covered by fog. The second track is in my opinion, the best track from this album. Entitled "Freezing Moon" this song is actually, in my opinion the core of this album, representing this time the man that tries to remember the place where he died "by following the Freezing Moon". It feature hypnotic riffs, random and powerful blast drum beats, rhythmic bass lines and the all too unusual voice of Attila.

"Cursed in Eternity" and "Pagan Fears" follow the same pattern Funeral Fog showed until we reach another special track, the 5th track entitled "Life Eternal" where we again witness an explosion of blast drum beats and distorted and unconventional guitar riffs.

"From the Dark Past", the 6th track from this album is like Life Eternal a delight for any black metal fan. Explosive drum beats combined with unconventional bass and guitar lines accompanied by Attila's vocals which this time features a little bit more aggression compared with the other songs.

Finally, "Buried By Time and Dust" and "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" end this exception album the same way it began, with the same specific Mayhem musical traits and with the same voice Attila used from the beginning (though in Buried by Time and Dust I admit that he struggled to put a little bit more energy and effort in his vocal lines).

A splendid work. Though some songs from this album have been released with Dead as vocal, I do consider this album better since not all the songs feature Dead as vocal unfortunately. The plus for this album gets the song Freezing Moon, which is one of the most known black metal songs and the song that has been covered the most by the other black metal bands. (Behemoth, Vader, Gorgoroth, Enslaved, etc) 

9.5/10

Track Listing:

1.	"Funeral Fog"	5:47
2.	"Freezing Moon"	6:22
3.	"Cursed in Eternity"	5:10
4.	"Pagan Fears"	6:21
5.	"Life Eternal"	6:57
6.	"From the Dark Past"	5:27
7.	"Buried By Time and Dust"	3:34
8.	"De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas"	6:22

Review: Lamune

Episodes: 12
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Harem, Romance, Seinen, Visual Novel
Release Date: 11.10.2005 - 27.12.2005
Studio: Trinet Entertainment, Picture Magic
Author: Neko Neko Soft

Summary: Tomosaka Kenji, the main character of this story, moved to this coastal town when he was a child. At that time, the sea spread in front of him was shining like lamune (lemonade), reflecting the sunlight of the summer. There, he met a girl.

Her name was Konoe Nanami, who lived next door. Her room was only 1-2 meters away beyond the veranda. Their rooms were so close as if they were within their arms' reach.

As the time passed, the seasons came round, their memories have been accumulated with time. They think of their normal lives and common relationship as precious things.

The sun begins to shine strongly, cicadas begin to buzz, and the sky clears up... Here comes the summer, again! For Kenji and Nanami, it is normal summer, but it has special meaning...

Love is in the fucking air! Hell, a day has passed without writing anything. Well I just wanted to take a break to watch this show. It came at the right time, I wanted to share my thoughts about the place I live and how hot are these days. This anime was my partner in crime -inserts evil laughter-.

Ok, back to the main point. Lamune is....Lamune what should I say. A show that does present a simplistic romance plot, developing around a boy named Tomosaka Kenji and his first childhood friend Konoe Nanami. One is a carefree guy that in essence he is actually very responsible and he always likes to take care of his friends. The other is a clumsy, careless girl that always relies on Kenji.

They've known each other for a long time. Such a long time, that they developed a connection that most people see it as a love relationship and not a platonic one. Even so, neither Kenji nor Nanami ever bothered with their feelings or how do other people see them, they just continued to live their simplistic life to the fullest.

This show is not suitable for people that love action packed anime shows or for people that expect lots of drama or lots of comedy. It is a balanced show, sharing both dramatic, funny and romantic moments, but nothing else. It is a slow-paced one revolving around daily life routines and not stuff that can be considered out of common.

The characters are pretty much likeable. I liked the fact that their personalities were not exaggerated like I've seen in many other weird romance shows. It also has a pretty good character development.

Animation-wise the show is average. This one mostly focuses and presents the countryside in its own traits. Agriculture is the main source of profit in this region (many times you can see Nanami and Kenji, going for vegetables, planting, growing and then picking them up for Nanami's small restaurant. Sound-wise, unsignificant, other than the fact that the soundtracks managed to fit in the genre and in the mood, nothing else.

The question that will haunt the viewers in this show is, with who will Kenji end up with? Like most of the harem types of shows the childhood friend always has the main advantage (not that it is a general truth but in most romance shows that involved childhood friends, they always ended up together).

Lamune is a show that will not appeal to everyone. Those that enjoy a sweet, slow and simplistic show that has not much to offer will find some delight in this one. However this show is a no for those that are looking for action or spicy romantic plots.

For such a show like Lamune, there is not really much to tell nor to write. The image makes the money in this case.

Story: 8
Animation: 7
Sound: 7
Characters: 9
Delight: 9

Overall: 8.2

You sure had it rough last night, poor thing : (

 

Review: Ano Hana

Episodes: 11
Genre: Drama, Romance, Seinen, Slice of Life, Tragedy
Release Date: 15.04.2011 - 24.06.2011
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Author: Nagai Tatsuyuki (director; original work)

Ok, now we are back to reviewing anime after 4 long album reviews and 1 manga review. I think that it is time to cool the mood and review one of the shows that impressed me this spring anime season. Though it had pretty varied choices, Spring 2011 Anime was poor. Quantity does not bring quality unfortunately but this show proved to be worth while.

AnoHana (bleh instead of typing the fucking long name of the anime I prefer going with the paraphrased version of it) revolves around several childhood friends. An unfortunate event that took place when they were little managed to make them break ties and walk separate paths. Menma's death changed the group so much that they decided to stop talking to eachother and move on with the grief gathered in their hearts.

Until one day when Menma's ghost appears in front of Jinta, the former leader of the group asking him to fulfill her last wish. Yadomi Jinta is now in high-school but because he experienced several life blows (he failed to enter in the high-school that he wished to be and he ended up into one with lower reputation) he became a hikikomori, a person that prefers to remain in his own shell rather than socializing with others. He constantly skips school and the only things he does is sleeping, eating and playing all day. His childhood friend Anaru (Anjou Naruko) from time to time visits him but as well like him, she is still hunted by Menma's shadow.

To fulfill Menma's wish, Jinta has to once again reunite with his old buds. Much to his surprise he suddenly meets Poppo (Hisakawa Tetsudou). Apparently he did not wish to enter in high-school so all he did was to work part-time jobs in order to travel around the world. Soon he will also meet with the other old companions Yukiatsu (Matsuyuki Atsumu) who considers Jinta as his rival and Tsuruko (Tsurumi Chiriko).

However, it is difficult to believe Jinta since Menma can only be seen by him and the others are not able to feel her presence. Thus, Jinta tries his best in order to make his old friends believe him that Menma is still among them. He realizes that his friends did not change much since they were little. Even though they have different goals and entered in different places, deep inside they remained the same.

Question is, will they be able to live together once again as a team or will they continue to grow much more distance between them? And how about Menma. Will they be able to grant her last wish in order for her find peace?

AnoHana in essence is a very sad story. Even though it gives a sweet and heart-warming feeling from time to time, in essence it remains very melancholic. The protagonists have traits similar to those in Clannad, meaning that all of them had experienced events in their life that managed to either provoke a trauma or that changed them forever.

This show shines through the colorful cast of protagonists and also through its compelling and thought-provoking story line. Animation-wise this show ain't bad either. Though the character designs are average, the usual, the background images and sceneries are absolutely gorgeous. From time to time we see some beautiful outfits, especially the ones that Anaru wears.

Sound-wise this show is average. It is not something you can call exciting or even impressing. It's just soundtracks that fit the atmosphere of the show. While watching it you don't get the feeling that it's out of pace, probably the only good point sound-wise.

All in all, AnoHana, after Gosick, is my pick as the best show of the year. Short but unexpectedly well developed, it sends a compelling and heart-warming story with serious drama to the viewer. There is also romance involved in it. So if you guys wanted advice for a show that was good this Spring season, AnoHana is the best choice.

Story: 9
Animation: 8
Sound: 7
Characters: 10
Delight: 8

Overall: 8.5

Spring has come, showing off as always Tsuruko!

Kamelot - The Black Halo (album chronic)

Band: Kamelot
Years Active: 1991 - present (20 years)
Genre: Progressive Power Metal, Symphonic Metal
Label: SPV
Origin: USA (Florida)
Current Line-Up: Thomas Youngblood (guitar), Sean Tibbetts (bass), Casey Grillo (drums), Oliver Palotai (keyboards)

After receiving several requests to review certain albums and especially after also receiving praises for the last review I made, I decided to throw another one. I want to finish the sequel of the already started Kamelot project, the sequel to their 6th album Epica, entitled The Black Halo which was released in 2005.

Like I mentioned in Epica, these two albums are parts of a concept projects revolving around Goethe's book, Faust. They are a music adaptation focusing on themes such as sorrow, lost, pride, destiny, lust and vanity. It centers on Ariel and his dream to search and discover the truth about the world and all there is to it.

While Epica managed to grasp the climax of this concept, when we speak about musical climax, The Black Halo is for you. Musically, this album is far better, showing an improvement and even more riveting soundtracks that would please our ears. The last three songs from Epica, managed to set the stage for The Black Halo which merely continues from where Epica left.

In this album you can feel Roy Khan's soul. Throughout songs such The Haunting, March of Mephisto, When the Lights go Down, Soul Society or Memento Mori, you do not feel only amazing and skilled vocals but also a person that puts a lot of passion in what he does, in order to send the perfect product to the listener. Roy Khan, is a genius in flesh when it comes to grasp the atmosphere of a song, he knows when to be expressive and when to be aggressive. He does not merely sings, he acts like he is an play, making gestures but not with his hands but with his voice. If he manages something with this album, it is to convince the listener with his voice. He makes it easier for us to get into Kamelot's own universe, he wants us to experience the message hidden beneath the lyrics of the songs, a compelling and throught-provoking story about misfortune, betrayal, vanity and the nature of us, humans.

Thomas Youngblood once again amazes with his fast tempo guitar riffs on songs such as March of Mephisto, When the Lights go Down or in The Haunting but he does it with a self restraint, leaving some empty space for his other band members, Casey Grillo and Glenn Barry to fill. From blast drum beats, powerful double bass work to executing musical crescendos, Casey proves that he should not be taken lightly as an artist, he wants to show that when it comes to showing a drum performance, he can live to the expectations.

The album begins with a song that feels like it calls the listener to a war. The beginning song feels like a hymn, with intensive and rhythmic drum beats and with a latin chant to re-introduce the listener to the second half of the story. The "March of Mephisto" is one of the most expressive songs that can be felt through the lyrics but also through Roy Khan's vocals as well. This song represents Ariel's weakness while Mephisto anticipates his mood and brings him a young girl, Marguerite who has similar traits which his dead lover Helena had. It signifies seduction, planned by Mephisto by using Marguerite in order to completely control and possess Ariel.

The 2nd track, "When the Lights are Down" signifies the decay of Ariel as he falls in Mephisto's trap by using Marguerite. Mephisto gains control of Ariel's will and Ariel blinded by the grief he feels after Helena's death, sees in Marguerite another Helena, a Helena that is capable of loving him and comforting him. He cannot remember that Helena died, until they sleep together. Afterwards, when he manages to escape from Mephisto's control he starts to remember about Helena being dead and the things that lead to this event.

The 3rd track, "The Haunting" represents Ariel's decision to break up with Marguerite. Even though in his eyes, she was just an illusion, a replacement for Helena, he does not wish to continue this relationship and he urges her to leave his side while she can. He explains to her that he can never love her however, he does not exclude the possibility that they might reunite someday. In this track we witness a splendid duo between Roy Khan and Simone Simons, Epica's front woman (note that Epica is also a band).

The 4th track, "Soul Society" finds Ariel reflecting on his past actions. He mourns the mistakes that he did. At the same time he wonders, why did such disasters happen even though he did not intend to do something bad, he did actually everything out of good will, not willing to harm anyone. Helena's death still torments him, as he feels guiltier than ever before.

The 5th track, "Interlude I: Dei Gratia" marks Ariel's resolution. He started to realize that he cannot find the answers to his question in this world, instead he realizes that the answers actually lie in the one place he is not able to reach, Heaven. This track stands as a prologue for the 6th track of the album, "Abandoned" where Ariel makes a desperate call to God wishing to explain him the reason why he abandoned him. He wonders if the sins that he made during his journey are all beyond redemption.

The 7th track, "The Pain" shows Ariel how he remembers his journey. He regrets that he left Helena alone when she might've needed him the most, thing that resulted in her death. He also regrets getting involved against his will with Marguerite and not only that, he regrets that he also left her side as well. Subsequently, the two women that ever loved him, he ended up abandoning them both on his quests to find the answers he seeks.

"Moonlight" the 8th track, is the climax point of this album. From here on, Ariel does not mourn anymore and faces the reality. He realizes that he can't repent for the sins he made. He decides to take action, searching for Mephisto and deal with him once and for all. The 9th track, "Interlude II: Un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso" represents the prologue for the next song and depicts Ariel asking himself if only death and damnation lies in the future. 

The 10th track, "The Black Halo" shows an Ariel that has resigned to death. He is willing to turn against the demon that deceived him even if it costs him his life. For the first time, he embraces righteousness, in order to live a pure life and not to be haunted by damnation all his life, not for any redemption or for any reward, but for himself and his own peace of mind. Once again Roy Khan delivers expressive vocals throughout this song.

The 11th and 12th tracks, "Nothing Ever Dies" and "Memento Mori" represent Ariel's struggle in his battle with Mephisto. Victorious, Ariel realizes that the sole universal truth that he was seeking lied in the love between him and Helena and also the love Marguerite had for him. As a result, he is accepted in Heaven and is allowed to reunite with his beloved ones while Mephisto is banished in Hell forever.

The 13th song, "Interlude III: Midnight - Twelve Tolls for a New Day" actually shows us that this was intended to be a sort of play while the last track, "Serenade" manages to put an end to this concept album with the majestic rhetorical question, "What does the winter bring, if not yet another spring?".

I have no words to describe the value of this album and the talent that the members of Kamelot have shown throughout this album. Fellow readers, keep in mind, music is not supposed to be just for enjoyment, its also supposed to be intelligent and with hidden music. Music is not supposed to offer physical pleasure (like in dancing and stuff) but its supposed to carry a meaning and certain values. Kamelot's album carries more than just one value and I think that if people have in themselves a bit of Ariel, Marguerite, Mephisto or Helena, this world might be a better one.

10/10

Track Listing:

1.	"March Of Mephisto" (feat. Shagrath)	5:28
2.	"When The Lights Are Down"	3:41
3.	"The Haunting (Somewhere In Time)" (feat. Simone Simons)	5:40
4.	"Soul Society"	4:17
5.	"Interlude I: Dei Gratia"	0:57
6.	"Abandoned" (feat. Mari Youngblood)	4:07
7.	"This Pain"	3:59
8.	"Moonlight"	5:10
9.	"Interlude II: Un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso"	0:40
10.	"The Black Halo"	3:43
11.	"Nothing Ever Dies"	4:45
12.	"Memento Mori" (feat. Shagrath & Mari Youngblood)	8:54
13.	"Interlude III: Midnight - Twelve Tolls For A New Day"	1:21
14.	"Serenade"	4:32
15.	"The Haunting (Somewhere In Time) (radio edit)" (feat. Simone Simons) (limited edition bonus track)	3:42
16.	"March Of Mephisto (radio edit)" (feat. Shagrath) (limited edition bonus track)	3:31
17.	"Epilogue" (Japanese bonus track)	2:46
18.	"Soul Society (radio edit)" (Japanese bonus track)	3:52

Kamelot - Epica (album chronic)

Band: Kamelot
Years Active: 1991 - present (20 years)
Genre: Progressive Power Metal, Symphonic Metal
Label: SPV
Origin: USA (Florida)
Current line-up: Thomas Youngblood (guitar), Oliver Palotai (keyboards), Casey Grillo (drums), Sean Tibbetts (bass)


Kamelot has long been one of my favorite bands for some certain reason. This review is partly to show my reasons for admiring this band so much and also, to review one of the best albums released this decade, a concept album based on Goethe's novel, Faust, the 6th studio album of Kamelot, entitled Epica (as the land of Epica, presented in the book).

Kamelot combines successfully genres such as progressive metal and power metal. With blasting drums, powerful riffs, enchanting and addictive vocals and with some nice keyboard solos present in their soundtracks, Kamelot stands as one of the pioneers of the progressive and power metal genres.

Epica is the start of a two album project, having as a sequel the 2005 album release entitled "The Black Halo". But unlike its sequel, Epica is the climax of the two albums because the depth and the most interesting side of the story is depicted in the songs that compose this album.

This band does not hesitate in showing that they actually have a very talented line up. With his voice, Roy Khan became one of the best metal singers in the metal community, recognized by both fans and critics. From aggressive acts to more melancholic performances, Roy Khan can adjust his own voice to any kind of atmosphere, be it violent or more sombre.


By far, Thomas Youngblood is the best musician in the band. With his furious riffs present in songs such as "Farewell" or "Center of the Universe" and with soft acoustics present in "One Cold Winters Night", he can deliver quality in any kind of song be it fast or slow.

The lyrics of this album tell a story with a huge depth depicting themes such as love, lost, vanity, greed and sorrow. Characters are born in it. Ariel is the type of character that likes to play with fire until he burns himself. Wealthy and filled with lust, he falls into darkness and despair being pursued and threatened by a deceitful archangel called Mephisto. Mephisto's objective is to bring harm on Ariel punishing him after the maiden that loved him so much killed herself overwhelmed by her own grief of Ariel's vanity.

Epica begins with a short 1:07 second song called "Prologue". The name is pretty much insignificant to the concept since it represents more like an introduction to the second track entitled "Center of the Universe". This track has two tempos, a fast one which is present during the beginning and the end of the song and a slow one which feature a piano solo in the middle of the song and a conversation between Helena and Ariel.

The third track "Farewell" represents the breakdown of the second track, as the atmosphere changes, from the euphoric atmosphere in the second track it now turns into a resolute and more sombre one. Crushing guitar riffs and blast drum beats is what makes the atmosphere of this song. The fourth soundtrack entitled "Interlude I: Opiate Soul" has the same outlook like Prologue had, preparing the listener for the next song, the fifth track, "The Edge of Paradise".

This one features the same atmosphere and melodic traits as Farewell. Nearing the end, orchestra sounds appear which makes the atmosphere even more melodic followed by another round of blasting drum beats and fast tempo guitar riffs. "Wander", the 6th track of the album, is the first acoustic track song on this album which introduces a wandering Ariel speaking with Helena. The song also features the introduction of a female voice. It is followed by a piano solo in the 7th track called "Interlude II: Omen" with a thunder storm as its background sound.

The 8th track, "Descent of the Archangel" prepares the stage for the arrival of the antagonist, Mephisto. Roy Khan with his voice, plays as Mephisto in a majestic way, grasping the atmosphere of the song perfectly. It is followed by another short pause, the 9th track which prepares the listener for another feast, entitled "Interlude III: At the Banquet". "A feast for the Vain"  represents the downhill of Ariel. Once again, Roy Khan plays Mephisto by introducing the crowd which is played by the orchestra.

The atmosphere cools down as we begin exploring the 11th track, a sweet and sad balad, entitled "On The Coldest Winter Night". This song is more melancholic, it introduces new sounds such as church bells. Same like Wander, this song is also acoustic, it is slow, even Roy Khan's voice is kept at a low octave and Thomas's guitar riffs can barely be felt at the end of the track. The perfect breakout from the atmosphere presented in the 11th track comes with the 12th track entitled "Lost and Damned" which begins with war drums followed later by a piano play, ending as a typical trait of Kamelot's style, with powerful guitar riffs.

From this point on, the album ends with a transcending for the upcoming sequel, The Black Halo. The 13th song, entitled "Helena's Theme" represents a funeral song, depicting the scene where Helena commits suicide and the act is witnessed by the River God (played by Roy Khan) which blames it on Ariel. The 14th track "Interlude IV: Dawn" can be called, the grief song, since it's the song which announces Helena's death, murdered by her own hand by the will of Ariel.

The last 2 soundtracks from this album act as a duo, "The Morning After" and "III Ways to Epica" introduces Ariel's sorrow caused by Helena's death and the anger of the people. With III Ways to Epica, Ariel is banished to the land of Epica by Mephisto. Thus, it manages to create a closure to this brilliant album.

If I were to summarize and state why should you listen to this album, then I would say that is worth listening because of Roy Khan's genial voice, because of its enchanting and addictive music, because of its exciting story line and finally because of it's flow and atmosphere. The only bad thing, this album is not available on stores however you can find it on Amazon and other sites as well. Do not miss it's sequel!


10/10

Track Listing:

1. "Prologue" –  1:07
2. "Center Of The Universe" – 5:27
3. "Farewell" – 3:41
4. "Interlude I - Opiate Soul" – 1:10
5. "The Edge Of Paradise" – 4:09
6. "Wander" – 4:24
7. "Interlude II - Omen" – 0:40
8. "Descent Of The Archangel" – 4:35
9. "Interlude III - At The Banquet" – 0:30
10. "A Feast For The Vain" – 3:57
11. "On The Coldest Winter Night" – 4:03
12. "Lost & Damned" – 4:55
13. "Helena's Theme" – 1:51
14. "Interlude IV - Dawn" – 0:27
15. "The Mourning After (Carry On)" – 4:59
16. "III Ways To Epica" – 6:16

Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli (album chronic)

Band: Dimmu Borgir
Years Active: 1993 - present (18 years)
Genre: Black metal (early), Symphonic Black Metal (mid and later carrier)
Label: Nuclear Blast
Origin: Norway
Current line-up: Shagrath (vocals), Silenoz (rhythm guitar), Galder (lead guitars), Cyrus (bass), Gerlioz (keyboards), Daray (drums)


It's time to get serious and dig more into the underground side of metal. I am here to review the 2007 album release of the Norwegian symphonic black metal band, Dimmu Borgir (translated means, Dark Castles) entitled, In Sorte Diaboli (A Connection with the Devil). I find myself a fan of Dimmu Borgir for many years. Though this is probably one of the most controversial albums up to date, it is also probably the most successful album they ever made, peeking at top charts in Norway.

Dimmu Borgir without further comments is the best and the most successful black metal band in Norway and outside of its country of origin, with the biggest disk sales. They show us throughout their works that singing and performing black metal with symphonic influences is not that easy.


In Sorte Diaboli is not much different from their other works. Though the concept of this album mostly tries to underline the satanic and anti-christian trait, it is not an album that resumes at this simplistic thing only.

Dimmu Borgir is a band that never jokes. Visually, they might not seem very different than the other black metal bands from the underground metal. Corpse paint, outfit that is pretty much common for a black metal band, and a reputation that will always prove to be true. I can't claim that they are satanic or if they truly worship Satan but one thing is for sure, all satanists are rockers but not all rockers are satanists and I think that this concept applies for Dimmu Borgir as well as for the other bands.


In Sorte Diaboli begins in a royal way, as expected from a black metal band, with a very expressive song entitled "The Serpentine Offering". Of course, you don't need to be Einstein to figure it out, what this song means, the title already spoils everything. Artistically speaking, this song is also accompanied by a video where the band tried I think a little too hard to seem what they are already, a black metal band. Commendable as it may be, but this album gives me the impression of overreaction and an excess of work that in the end proved to be in vain, because in my opinion it is not even close compared to their more older works.

This album, sound-wise has many similarities with their 1997 release, Enthrone Darkness Triumphant. Unlike Death Cult Armageddon (2003) which makes use of electronic and technical sounds or Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia (2001), this album has an attempt to return to their older sound but without much success.

Another notable song from this album is "The Chosen Legacy", the second track from this album, once again accompanied by a video, sending the image that it intends to and the never changing message through their lyrics. This album in concept is way too repetitive. All songs, throughout their lyrics in a way or another, denigrates Christianity in a way or another so I don't really see why should I review each one at a time.

The last song that I want to mention in this review, probably the best, and the most intelligent, if I could say so, is "The Sacrilegious Scorn". Lyrically, same story like in the other two, visually, a true feast. This song represents a paraphrase of Christianity symbolism and motives. We see roman soldiers gambling for Christ's garment, a mockery as well. But this time we see it reversed when the presented Antichrist does this thing to St. Michael. From an artistic point of view, I think this video is very good, a notable performance.

Now, good old Dimmu Borgir, another album, a half-failure. The voice did not change, Shagrath's shrieked voice is probably one of the best there is, judging from the fact that live his performance is even better. Vortex also gets the same attention in this album as well. Nothing much changed with this album.

This album is also notable for Hellhammers presence at drums. His presence is surely noticed because of a sudden improvement in the drum quality in the songs. He also contributed in the remastered 1996 album Stormblast (released in 2005) with a splendid performance in the song Sorgens Kammer.


Probably the only thing that changed is their supposed orientation. Usually black metal bands tend to be non-commercial but I think that with this album, Dimmu Borgir kinda broke this myth but this is my opinion, only they know what did they want to accomplish with it. However compared to other material, this was more intended for a bigger fan-base rather than the typical non-conformist black metal that they've played until now.

Nonetheless, Dimmu Borgir was the first black metal band that I came in contact with. It still has a special place in my shelf and it won't be removed very soon. Those that like them will like this album too, though I say that it is not really better than the other albums they released. For All Tid and Stormblast (1996) are the most notable albums they ever made and I think that they will remain as such for a very long time.


7/10

Track Listing:

1.	"The Serpentine Offering"	5:09
2.	"The Chosen Legacy"	4:16
3.	"The Conspiracy Unfolds"	5:24
4.	"The Ancestral Fever" (European Bonus Track and Leather Book edition)	5:51
5.	"The Sacrilegious Scorn"	3:58
6.	"The Fallen Arises"	2:59
7.	"The Heretic Hammer" (North American Bonus Track and Leather Book edition)	4:37
8.	"The Sinister Awakening"	5:09
9.	"The Fundamental Alienation"	5:17
10.	"The Invaluable Darkness"	4:44
11.	"The Foreshadowing Furnace"	5:50