Dissident Saint – The Rise

[genocide roach]

Dissident Saint – The Rise
Unsigned – 27 September 2007
By Ryan Starr

I love hearing debut albums from unsigned bands. There are so many creative people out there bringing new ideas into the mix. Dissident Saint have created a sound that I don’t think I’ve come across before. On the metal archives their page describes them as progressive metal, but honestly I would label this more as a doom album. But if you wanted to use the prog description, every song would be a really depressing power ballad. But while it keeps with the doom tempo and atmosphere, it does have some prog elements which can be found in the guitars. The riffing is a little more technical than your traditional doom album, which is a plus because it keeps things interesting.

Another distinctive part of the music is the singer. He has a unique voice that I can only describe as a mix of Hansi Kürsch, Peter Steele, and Eddie Marcolin. I found it a bit strange at first, but I have to admit it’s began to grow on me.

Now, the most surprising thing about this debut is that it was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the band in their spare time. And it sounds fantastic! It’s better than a lot of professional recordings. Not only does Dissident Saint have a future writing music, but behind the mixer as well.

If you’re looking for a new spin on prog, or doom depending on how you look at it, I would definitely recommend The Rise.

Official Dissident Saint Website

 

[Edias]

I don't know, I'm definitely seeing a fair amount of prog in this--although there is definitely a doom element--and the prog is coming from more than just the guitars. The bass almost seems jazzy at times and it combines with the synths, guitar and vocals to add to the prog feel. I'm also seeing some other influences but... This band is definitely interesting. They have potential and I'd actually be interested in seeing more of their work in the future.

As far as the mix goes, the only thing that feels a bit off is the vocals. They're not bad but they dominate the music and the effects the guy uses aren't great, especially when used in such a way. Still, I guess it fits their style. Given a little better production and a better vocal act... I could see myself actually listening to this band. As it is, they're hardly more than a passing curiosity for me.

 

[Ilyam]

Thanks for the review Ryan! Just as a side note, we have made our album available for a free download at http://www.dissidentsaint.com/releases.php

cheers!

 

[genocide roach]

i guess i dont need to email you to let you know the review is up!
~gR~

 

[Shadow298]

Thanks for the review Ryan! Just as a side note, we have made our album available for a free download at http://www.dissidentsaint.com/releases.php

cheers!

Thanks for letting us know about the download, Ilyam.

Do you have anywhere for stores to order it from, if people want them to?

Thanks again and will post back here once I have listened to it.

 

[Ilyam]

You can contact us at info@dissidentsaint.com and we'll make the arrangements to have the album sent where ever you need it.

 

[Shadow298]

You can contact us at info@dissidentsaint.com and we'll make the arrangements to have the album sent where ever you need it.

Thanks.
Shall most like do that soon.

 

[dimadr01]

I think thats a good strategy. If the album or the band is good, it's definately worth buying a hard copy for the collection.

 

[AndruhA]

i'd say Architect is the best song on the album, although i'm torn between that and Recreations.

if you do a search for the band on google, you can find the album on almost any bit torrent website.

 

[DawnWatch]

hmm, how is this a doom album? Ok, maybe for 2 songs, there are some big elements of doom present, but definately not the entire album!

It's realy hard to nail down what style it realy is. The vocals definately have some operatic training, druming is not heard well but also very creative.
As for guitars, definately got lotsa prog elements in them, not so much for bass.
I like how they use keyboards in this album. Lotsa melody and interesting sounds.

I think it's a mix of classic/prog/doom metal. Definately is a great listen especialy if the band did this all by themselves (PROPS ).

 

[genocide roach]

hmm, how is this a doom album? Ok, maybe for 2 songs, there are some big elements of doom present, but definately not the entire album!

It's realy hard to nail down what style it realy is. The vocals definately have some operatic training, druming is not heard well but also very creative.
As for guitars, definately got lotsa prog elements in them, not so much for bass.
I like how they use keyboards in this album. Lotsa melody and interesting sounds.

I think it's a mix of classic/prog/doom metal. Definately is a great listen especialy if the band did this all by themselves (PROPS ).

i agree. there are alot of prog elements, but its really doomy too. its a great mix for sure
~gR~

 

[TheTechnogoat]

sounds damn good, I'll give it a listen

 

[challenge_everything]

This album is god-awful

 

[BrandonS]

I wouldn't say it is god-awful but it isn't too good... the way you said it is a bit much.

 

[dimadr01]

As of today, the band is no more!

 

[genocide roach]

wha?
~gR~

 

[TheTechnogoat]

lul!

 

[AndruhA]

As of today, the band is no more!

This is not an official band statement. Nothing more than a rumor at this time!

 

[Ilyam]

The band is still very much alive, just going through a rough patch. For details go to www.dissidentsaint.com. Also, thanks for everyone's comments, the feedback is very much appreciated.