Asgaard XIII Voltum Lunae
Metal Mind Records MMP0159 27th August 2002
By Russell Garwood
Asgaard are an intriguing six piece hailing from Poland, whose music differs greatly from much of their homelands metallic output. The band play symphonic black metal with gothic touches (for want of a better description), somewhat akin to Arcturus in symphonics and vox, and Phormula era Ephel Duath in sheer insanity.
Guitars played by Bartłomiej Kostrzewa are precise and tuneful, despite often leaving more intricate melodies to the symphonics. These come courtesy of two members; Honorata Stawickas violins are a fitting addition to the music, providing numerous hooks, while the synths of Wojciech Kostrzewa provide the crazed, manic feel of much Arcturus. This is aided by Przemyslaw Olbryts excellent singing, which sounds much like Simen Hestnaes crazed vocals for Arcturus "The Chaos Path" at times. Skimming from the bottom to the top of his impressive range in seconds, occasional off notes give the singing an honest feel, and Przemyslaws falsetto is at times easily as high as that of King Diamond. Growls add further variation, while drums performed by Roman Golęniowski help accentuate both time and character changes. This leaves only the bass of Jacek Monkiewicz which, while not overly prominent, provides a solid low end.
Such varied elements are cemented by solid song-writing and catchy melodies, making for a memorable release. Standout tracks are hard to pick as all are of a high quality, but "Mare Tranquillitatis" and "Mare Procellarum" are favourites for the excellent singing and unforgettable tunes. This CD is a must for fans of unhinged, avante-garde metal, but will not appeal to all metal fans. The unusual vocals - one of my favourite features - may well put many off the music, and such complex, chaotic compositions can be an acquired taste. Despite these possible detracting aspects "XIII Voltum Lunae" will no doubt be appreciated by many, and it is an excellent album worthy of many a CD collection.
Metal Mind Records MMP0159 27th August 2002
By Russell Garwood
Asgaard are an intriguing six piece hailing from Poland, whose music differs greatly from much of their homelands metallic output. The band play symphonic black metal with gothic touches (for want of a better description), somewhat akin to Arcturus in symphonics and vox, and Phormula era Ephel Duath in sheer insanity.
Guitars played by Bartłomiej Kostrzewa are precise and tuneful, despite often leaving more intricate melodies to the symphonics. These come courtesy of two members; Honorata Stawickas violins are a fitting addition to the music, providing numerous hooks, while the synths of Wojciech Kostrzewa provide the crazed, manic feel of much Arcturus. This is aided by Przemyslaw Olbryts excellent singing, which sounds much like Simen Hestnaes crazed vocals for Arcturus "The Chaos Path" at times. Skimming from the bottom to the top of his impressive range in seconds, occasional off notes give the singing an honest feel, and Przemyslaws falsetto is at times easily as high as that of King Diamond. Growls add further variation, while drums performed by Roman Golęniowski help accentuate both time and character changes. This leaves only the bass of Jacek Monkiewicz which, while not overly prominent, provides a solid low end.
Such varied elements are cemented by solid song-writing and catchy melodies, making for a memorable release. Standout tracks are hard to pick as all are of a high quality, but "Mare Tranquillitatis" and "Mare Procellarum" are favourites for the excellent singing and unforgettable tunes. This CD is a must for fans of unhinged, avante-garde metal, but will not appeal to all metal fans. The unusual vocals - one of my favourite features - may well put many off the music, and such complex, chaotic compositions can be an acquired taste. Despite these possible detracting aspects "XIII Voltum Lunae" will no doubt be appreciated by many, and it is an excellent album worthy of many a CD collection.
