Advent The Dawn
Golden Lake Productions GOLDCD0011 18th August 2003
By Russell Garwood
Italys Advent have progressed a great deal from their debut demo Far From A Distant Landscape, which I had the pleasure of reviewing nearly three years ago. Since then the band have released sophomore demo, Valhöl, signed with Scotlands Golden Lake Productions, and released their debut full length entitled The Dawn. This features the three songs from their previous demo and six new compositions. The music is still symphonic black metal, but some death metal leanings in the new songs add a variation not previously seen in the bands music. Giorgio Mulas acoustic guitar sections augment the atmospheric approach of the synths, which are juxtaposed by harsher passages of distorted guitars and growled vocals. The heavier guitars still retain melody, while seldom dual lines and layering provides complexity. The bass of Luigi Bertolotto is solid, forming a tight unit with Raccardo Anzaldis blasting drums. Federico Capellaros provides well placed and very effective singing, black-metal orientated rasps, and guttural growls. Stefano Lentinis Synths lay a duel role they add atmosphere and melody to the metal sections, and create relaxing, bombastic solo sections.
The Dawn is a successful debut, and it is good to see Advents continuing development into a more individual sound. Yet there is room for improvement. The songs are well written, and it would be good to see them use this in a more unusual template, for while their style is not wholly derivative, it is neither hugely original. This release is likely to be appreciated by fans of atmospheric and symphonic metal.
6/10
Official Advent website
Official Golden Lake Productions website
Golden Lake Productions GOLDCD0011 18th August 2003
By Russell Garwood
Italys Advent have progressed a great deal from their debut demo Far From A Distant Landscape, which I had the pleasure of reviewing nearly three years ago. Since then the band have released sophomore demo, Valhöl, signed with Scotlands Golden Lake Productions, and released their debut full length entitled The Dawn. This features the three songs from their previous demo and six new compositions. The music is still symphonic black metal, but some death metal leanings in the new songs add a variation not previously seen in the bands music. Giorgio Mulas acoustic guitar sections augment the atmospheric approach of the synths, which are juxtaposed by harsher passages of distorted guitars and growled vocals. The heavier guitars still retain melody, while seldom dual lines and layering provides complexity. The bass of Luigi Bertolotto is solid, forming a tight unit with Raccardo Anzaldis blasting drums. Federico Capellaros provides well placed and very effective singing, black-metal orientated rasps, and guttural growls. Stefano Lentinis Synths lay a duel role they add atmosphere and melody to the metal sections, and create relaxing, bombastic solo sections.
The Dawn is a successful debut, and it is good to see Advents continuing development into a more individual sound. Yet there is room for improvement. The songs are well written, and it would be good to see them use this in a more unusual template, for while their style is not wholly derivative, it is neither hugely original. This release is likely to be appreciated by fans of atmospheric and symphonic metal.
6/10
Official Advent website
Official Golden Lake Productions website
