CADA CROSS - Corona Borealis
Low Frequency Records - 2002
By Mark Bridgeman
Progressive Symphonic Metal. Second LP from this 7-strong Finnish group, who I've not heard before - but I like what they have to offer here, despite the oft-redundant keyboards which only detract from otherwise slamming output.
This is essentially progressive power metal, with extreme-ish vox. The arrangements are tight and well-balanced, and extra points should be awarded to the guitarwork, which - as with most Finnish bands - is perfectly executed to the point of being unnatural. If you don't enjoy cookie monster vocals, then they may well ruin this CD for you. However, if you don't mind - or even enjoy them - then this is a fine release, and the music is atmospheric (which is one area where the keyboards are used well).
There's probably not much here that you wouldn't get from someone like Children Of Bodom, however, the mix of power/extreme elements and folk phrasings in the music (Morningstar, for example) makes for a nice change, and a worthy listen.
Cada Cross will not set the world on fire with this album, but it's a good indicator of talent fermenting and their next album should be a ball-cruncher.
8/10
Low Frequency Records - 2002
By Mark Bridgeman
Progressive Symphonic Metal. Second LP from this 7-strong Finnish group, who I've not heard before - but I like what they have to offer here, despite the oft-redundant keyboards which only detract from otherwise slamming output.
This is essentially progressive power metal, with extreme-ish vox. The arrangements are tight and well-balanced, and extra points should be awarded to the guitarwork, which - as with most Finnish bands - is perfectly executed to the point of being unnatural. If you don't enjoy cookie monster vocals, then they may well ruin this CD for you. However, if you don't mind - or even enjoy them - then this is a fine release, and the music is atmospheric (which is one area where the keyboards are used well).
There's probably not much here that you wouldn't get from someone like Children Of Bodom, however, the mix of power/extreme elements and folk phrasings in the music (Morningstar, for example) makes for a nice change, and a worthy listen.
Cada Cross will not set the world on fire with this album, but it's a good indicator of talent fermenting and their next album should be a ball-cruncher.
8/10
